Is your Bermuda grass yellow after mowing?
This can be a puzzling and frustrating sight to behold. But guess what? You’re not alone!
The sight of a yellow lawn can be disheartening, yet – we have the answers you need. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the common reasons why Bermuda grass yellows after mowing and share expert tips to revive its lush green beauty.
From mowing height and frequency to watering and nutrient needs, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to the yellow and hello to a vibrant, healthy Bermuda grass lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy!
Bermuda Grass Yellow After Mowing – Common Issues
Bermuda grass is a popular warm-season grass that is known for its lush, green appearance and resilience to heat and drought. However, many homeowners have experienced the frustration of seeing their Bermuda grass turn yellow after mowing, leaving their once beautiful lawn looking lackluster and unhealthy.Â
If you find yourself facing this issue, don’t worry – there are several common reasons why Bermuda grass may yellow after mowing, and with the right knowledge and care, you can revive your lawn’s vibrant green color.
1. Scalping the Lawn
One of the primary reasons for yellowing Bermuda grass after mowing is scalping the lawn. Scalping occurs when you mow the grass too short, cutting off more than one-third of the grass blade’s height in a single mowing session. This practice weakens the grass and leaves it vulnerable to stress and discoloration.
To avoid scalping, adjust your mower to the correct height for Bermuda grass, which is typically around 1 to 1.5 inches. Regular mowing at the appropriate height will encourage healthy growth and prevent yellowing.
2. Dull Mower Blades
Using dull mower blades can also contribute to yellowing Bermuda grass. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, resulting in ragged edges that turn brown or yellow. It’s crucial to sharpen your mower blades regularly to ensure clean, precise cuts.
Dull blades can stress the grass and hinder its ability to absorb sunlight and nutrients, leading to yellowing and a weakened appearance. Check your mower blades before each mowing session and sharpen them as needed.
3. Overwatering or Underwatering
Proper watering is essential for maintaining a healthy Bermuda grass lawn. Overwatering can lead to shallow root systems, which make the grass more susceptible to stress and yellowing. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the grass to go dormant and lose its green color.
To avoid these issues, water your Bermuda grass deeply and infrequently. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation, and ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
4. Nutrient Imbalance
An imbalanced nutrient profile can also cause Bermuda grass to turn yellow after mowing. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for promoting lush green growth, but an excessive amount can lead to rapid growth and increased vulnerability to disease and pests. On the other hand, insufficient nitrogen can result in a lack of chlorophyll production, leading to yellowing.
Conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient levels in your lawn and apply a balanced fertilizer based on the test results. A 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is generally suitable for Bermuda grass.
5. Pest and Disease Infestations
Yellowing Bermuda grass can also be a symptom of pest infestations or diseases. Common pests that can affect Bermuda grass include armyworms, sod webworms, and chinch bugs, while diseases such as dollar spot and brown patch can also cause yellow or brown patches on the lawn.Â
Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pest damage or disease, and take appropriate measures to control these issues promptly.
6. Compacted Soil
Compacted soil can restrict the flow of water, air, and nutrients to the grass roots, leading to stress and yellowing. Aerating your lawn once a year can alleviate soil compaction and improve overall turf health. Aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing better water and air penetration, which in turn promotes root growth and a healthier lawn.
How To Keep Your Bermuda Grass Green
Bermuda grass is a popular warm-season grass known for its vibrant green color and resilience. To maintain that lush green appearance, it requires proper care and attention throughout the growing season. Here are comprehensive tips to help you keep your Bermuda grass green and thriving:
1. Mowing Height and Frequency
Mow your Bermuda grass at the recommended height of 1 to 1.5 inches. Avoid scalping the lawn by cutting off more than one-third of the grass blade’s height in a single mowing session. Frequent mowing at the appropriate height encourages healthy growth and promotes a denser, greener lawn.
2. Proper Watering
Water your Bermuda grass deeply and infrequently. The ideal frequency would be an inch for water a week, and you can achieve this from irrigation or through rainfall. Watering deeply encourages the development of deep roots, making the grass more resilient to drought and stress. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to shallow root systems and yellowing of the grass.
3. Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer to your Bermuda grass lawn based on soil test results. Nitrogen is crucial for promoting green growth, but avoid excessive nitrogen application, as it can lead to rapid growth and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. A slow-release fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is generally suitable.
4. Aeration
Aerate your lawn once a year to alleviate soil compaction and improve water and nutrient penetration to the roots. Aeration is a crucial lawn care practice that can help keep your Bermuda grass green and healthy.
This process involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone of the grass. Therefore, this creates channels in the soil, allowing oxygen to reach the grassroots. This is vital for the respiration process, as roots need oxygen to function properly. Improved oxygen exchange enhances root health and promotes greener, more vigorous growth.
5. Weed Control
Regularly inspect and control weeds in your Bermuda grass lawn. Weeds compete for nutrients and water, affecting the health and color of your grass. Use herbicides or manual weed removal to keep your lawn weed-free and green.
6. Pest and Disease Management
Monitor your lawn for signs of pest infestations or diseases. Common pests for Bermuda grass include armyworms, sod webworms, and chinch bugs, while diseases like dollar spot and brown patch can cause browning or yellowing patches. Take appropriate measures to control pests and diseases promptly.
7. Proper Irrigation Techniques
Water your lawn early in the morning to reduce water loss through evaporation. Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as prolonged moisture on the grass blades can promote fungal diseases. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water efficiently and minimize water wastage.
8. Lawn Aesthetics
Consider vertical mowing or dethatching when necessary to remove excessive thatch build-up and improve water and nutrient absorption. Avoid heavy foot traffic and limit parking on the lawn to prevent compaction.
9. Overseeding
Overseeding is a valuable practice that can help keep Bermuda grass green and vibrant. When done correctly, overseeding can offer several benefits to the overall health and appearance of your lawn. Over time, Bermuda grass can develop bare patches due to factors like heavy foot traffic, pest damage, or disease. Overseeding involves planting new grass seed directly into these bare areas, filling them in with new, healthy grass shoots. By covering bare spots, overseeding helps create a more uniform and lush green lawn.
Additionally, a dense lawn helps shade the soil, reducing evaporation and conserving moisture. Overseeding increases the number of grass plants per square inch, resulting in a denser turf. The denser the Bermuda grass, the greener and more resilient it will appear.
Read this post: Does Sand Help Bermuda Grass Grow? (The Best Sand)
Implementing Proper Mowing Techniques
To prevent Bermuda grass from turning yellow and promote a healthy, green lawn, proper mowing techniques are essential. Here are some mowing tips specifically for Bermuda grass:
1. Mow at the Right Height
For Bermuda grass, it’s crucial to maintain an optimal mowing height of around 1 to 1.5 inches. Avoid cutting the grass too short, as it can stress the turf and increase the risk of yellowing.
2. Follow the One-Third Rule
Never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing session. Frequent, light mowing is better than infrequent, heavy mowing, as it promotes healthier grass growth.
3. Use a Sharp Mower Blade
Dull mower blades can tear the grass, leaving it susceptible to diseases and turning yellow. Regularly sharpen your mower blade to ensure clean cuts.
4. Mow When Dry
Avoid mowing wet grass, as it can cause clumping and uneven cuts, leading to yellow patches.
5. Change Mowing Patterns
Vary your mowing direction regularly to prevent soil compaction and ensure even growth.
6. Mulch Grass Clippings
Leave the grass clippings on the lawn as mulch. They will decompose quickly and provide essential nutrients to the soil, promoting a greener lawn.
7. Mow Frequently in Active Growth Seasons
During the active growth periods in spring and summer, Bermuda grass may require more frequent mowing. Adjust your mowing schedule accordingly.
8. Avoid Mowing During Dormant Period
In winter when Bermuda grass is dormant, avoid mowing the lawn as it can cause stress to the grass and hamper its ability to recover in spring.
9. Mow During Cooler Hours
If possible, mow early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler, to minimize stress on the grass.
Remember that proper mowing practices are just one aspect of maintaining a healthy Bermuda grass lawn. Adequate watering, fertilizing, and regular lawn care are equally important for keeping your lawn green and vibrant. By following these mowing techniques and implementing a comprehensive lawn care routine, you can enjoy a lush and beautiful Bermuda grass lawn throughout the growing season.
Summary
Identifying the reasons behind yellowing Bermuda grass after mowing is crucial for implementing the right solutions. Avoid scalping, keep mower blades sharp, water appropriately, maintain a balanced nutrient profile, and address pest and disease issues promptly to ensure a vibrant and healthy Bermuda grass lawn. With proper care and attention, your lawn will regain its lush green color, providing you with a beautiful and inviting outdoor space to enjoy year-round.