Browning Bermuda
Question:
“My bermuda lawn is turning brown, and appears to be dying. I’m treating the turf, but it’s only getting worse. What’s the problem?”
Answer:
Remember, bermuda is a warm season grass, and browning accompanied by colder temperatures is completely normal. If it’s not winter and you’re seeing browning, there could be a couple things going on.
First, is you entire lawn turning brown? Mowing may be the problem.
When bermuda grass is allowed to grow tall, it can be detrimental to its health. Mowing high or using poor practices (uneven or dull blades, improper deck width, etc.) will prevent turf spread and thickening. Mowing bermuda is not an easy task, especially if it is allowed to grow for 2 weeks between mowings. In hotter months (the bermuda growing season), it’s best to mow every week. If it is being mowed too high, you can slowly lower the mowing height by about 1/4” each week, until you get down to a reasonably short level (about 2.5”). Further, when the grass is tall, the blades only green on the tips. Then when you mow, your lawn is left without any green whatsoever. The good news is that it will green back up, but over time it will stress the grass.
Second, do you have brown patches in your lawn? Fungus may be the problem.
Fungus (like pythium blight) can create round, brown patches in your lawn. If untreated, this will unfortunately kill your grass. With appropriate mowing and fertilization, the grass will spread back into these areas rapidly. The fertilization part is where we come in. Our fungicide treatment can stop the spread of the fungus, and regular maintenance visits can reduce stress on your lawn over time. It’s only one piece of the puzzle though. Our fertilization and weed control applications happen every 6 - 8 weeks, so it’s important to remember proper mowing techniques in between.
Email info@tlgturfcare.com for further questions and information. You can also check out these articles on Pythium Blight and Bermuda Grass Maintenance from the NCSU Extension.