Not Thick

Kev – posted 10 May 2004 10:55

How can I get my Bermuda grass to thicken up in Alabama? I have not mowed it in 2 weeks and it really does not need mowing? It is nice and green, just not lush like I wish it to be. I water it at least an inch a week? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

ted – posted 10 May 2004 11:00

if you haven’t mowed it in two weeks, then you’re definitely not fertilizing it enough, given the warm weather. soil test it to see what other nutrients may be missing, as well. if you can find a soil testing lab that caters to turfgrass, you’ll get a better “prescription” rather than a cooperative extension office. i’ve always used CLC Labs in Ohio.

ted – posted 10 May 2004 19:14

p.s. since bermuda grows sideways, it actually helps it to mow it low, thus encouraging lateral growth.

cohiba – posted 12 May 2004 13:59

We use verticuts on our Bentgrass to encourage lateral growth. It works well in the spring and fall(in the north). I would imagine that your Bermuda may be in need of a little “tickling” with some sort of dethatcher, not too deep. Just enough to stimulate lateral growth. This, combined with extra Nitrogen, will promote thickening. Soil tests are needed if you are not sure what nutrients you are working with. Also, if thatch is an issue impeding Nutrients from making it to the rootzone.

Hope some of this helps……

e3run – posted 20 July 2004 22:37

I have bermuda turf grass, and it is green, but not thick at all. We have clay soil, and a lot of rock, so that may have something to do with the growth. I have also considered the possibility that we haven’t fertilized since spring, and that could be contributing to the lack of lateral growth. Any suggestions would be really helpful!