TifGrand® Bermuda grass is a premium turf variety known for its vibrant green color, fine texture, and shade tolerance—making it a popular choice for homeowners and landscape professionals alike. However, to maintain its lush appearance and optimal health throughout the growing season, this grass requires thoughtful care. Whether you’re starting fresh or revitalizing an existing lawn, this guide will help you master the art of TifGrand® Bermuda grass maintenance.
Page Contents
Understanding TifGrand® Bermuda Grass
Before diving into care routines, it’s important to understand what sets TifGrand® apart. Developed at the University of Georgia, TifGrand® is a sterile hybrid Bermuda grass variety, known for its superior resilience and vibrant aesthetic. It thrives in southern climates and offers several advantages, including its fine texture, dense growth, and resistance to common pests and diseases. Additionally, TifGrand® has been bred for improved shade tolerance compared to other Bermuda varieties, making it an ideal choice for lawns with varying sun exposure. This unique combination of features makes TifGrand® a standout in the world of turfgrass.
- Shade Tolerance: One of the few Bermuda varieties that can thrive in up to 60% shade.
- Fine Texture: Creates a dense, carpet-like appearance that’s soft to the touch.
- Dark Green Color: Holds its deep green hue longer than many other Bermuda types.
- Disease Resistance: More resilient to common turfgrass diseases and pests.
Despite its strong characteristics, maintaining this grass in prime condition does take some effort and routine care.
1. Soil Preparation and Testing
The foundation of a lush lawn starts below the surface. TifGrand® prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5). Before planting or caring for your lawn, conduct a soil test through your local extension service. This will tell you:
- Current pH levels
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Organic matter content
Based on the results, you may need to apply lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Add compost or topsoil as needed to improve drainage and fertility. A well-prepared soil base is the first step in effective tifgrand® bermuda grass maintenance.
2. Mowing: Precision is Key
TifGrand® Bermuda has a low growth habit and should be mowed frequently to maintain its dense appearance. Follow these mowing guidelines:
- Height: Maintain a height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
- Frequency: Mow 1–2 times per week during peak growing season.
- Sharp Blades: Always use a sharp mower blade to avoid tearing the grass.
- Clippings: Leave short clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil.
Scalping or cutting the grass too short can weaken the turf and invite weed infestations. Conversely, letting it grow too tall can lead to thinning and thatch buildup.
3. Watering Wisely
Watering is a critical part of any lawn care routine, and TifGrand® Bermuda is no exception. Although drought-tolerant once established, it still requires consistent watering to stay green and healthy.
- New Lawns: Water daily during the establishment phase (2–3 weeks).
- Established Lawns: Provide 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
- Best Time: Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
Keep an eye out for signs of overwatering, such as soggy soil or fungal growth, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
4. Fertilization for Vibrancy
Fertilizing is essential to keep TifGrand® Bermuda green and growing. This turfgrass has moderate to high nutrient needs, especially nitrogen.
Fertilization Schedule:
- Spring (March–April): Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer when the lawn is 50% green.
- Summer (May–August): Fertilize every 6–8 weeks with a balanced or high-nitrogen mix.
- Fall (September): Apply a final feeding to help the lawn store nutrients for winter.
Avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter, as this can lead to winter kill or disease problems. For optimal tifgrand® bermuda grass maintenance, use fertilizers specifically labeled for Bermuda grass.
5. Weed and Pest Control
A thick, healthy TifGrand® lawn will naturally crowd out many weeds. Still, a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring can prevent problems like crabgrass or goosegrass.
- Pre-emergent: Apply in early spring and again in fall if needed.
- Post-emergent: Spot treat visible weeds as they appear.
- Insects: Watch for grubs, armyworms, or chinch bugs. Use targeted insecticides only if necessary.
Keep in mind that a stressed lawn is more vulnerable to pests and weeds. Maintaining healthy turf through proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing is your best defense.
6. Aeration and Dethatching
Over time, compacted soil and thatch buildup can choke your lawn. Aeration and dethatching help TifGrand® breathe and absorb nutrients more effectively.
- Aeration: Core aerate once a year, ideally in late spring or early summer.
- Dethatching: If thatch is over 0.5 inches thick, use a dethatching rake or machine to remove it.
Both practices are key to long-term tifgrand® bermuda grass maintenance and encourage deeper root growth and improved drought tolerance.
7. Managing Shade and Sunlight
While TifGrand® is more shade-tolerant than other Bermuda grasses, it still needs 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
- Trim Trees: Prune overhanging limbs to let in more light.
- Reduce Shade Competition: Remove or relocate plants and structures casting excessive shade.
- Monitor Growth: Areas that remain thin may need to be overseeded or patched.
- Use Reflective Surfaces: Consider placing light-colored surfaces, such as stone, gravel, or patios, near shaded areas. These surfaces can reflect sunlight onto the grass, helping boost growth and prevent thinning in low-light spots.
- Choose Appropriate Companion Plants: Select plants that thrive in low light to place near your Bermuda grass. This helps reduce competition for sunlight, ensuring your lawn gets the energy it needs while enhancing your landscape’s aesthetic.
If you notice consistent thinning in shaded spots, consider integrating shade-tolerant groundcovers to maintain visual appeal without fighting nature.
8. Overseeding and Repairing Bare Spots
No lawn is immune to wear and tear. High-traffic areas or spots with poor drainage may occasionally thin out or die. In such cases, overseeding helps restore density.
Steps for Overseeding:
- Mow the existing lawn short and remove clippings.
- Loosen the topsoil and remove any debris.
- Spread TifGrand® seed or plugs evenly.
- Water lightly and frequently until new growth appears.
- Apply a balanced or starter fertilizer to promote root growth.
- Gently rake to ensure seeds are in contact with the soil.
- Keep off seeded areas to prevent soil compaction.
Follow with light fertilization to encourage establishment. Regular overseeding is an important tactic for sustained tifgrand® bermuda grass maintenance.
9. Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Every season brings different challenges and care needs for your TifGrand® Bermuda lawn.
Spring:
- Test soil
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide
- Begin fertilizing and mowing
Summer:
- Maintain consistent watering
- Watch for insects and heat stress
- Continue mowing and feeding
Fall:
- Apply final fertilizer
- Aerate and dethatch
- Reduce mowing frequency as growth slows
Winter:
- Avoid foot traffic on dormant grass
- Clean debris to prevent fungal issues
- Plan for spring prep
Staying ahead of seasonal changes ensures a healthy, lush lawn year-round.
Conclusion
With its rich color and soft texture, TifGrand® Bermuda grass is a top-tier choice for southern landscapes. However, beauty comes with responsibility. By sticking to a consistent tifgrand® bermuda grass maintenance plan that includes proper mowing, watering, fertilization, and seasonal care, you can enjoy a thick, vibrant lawn that enhances curb appeal and creates a relaxing outdoor space.
Remember, the secret to success isn’t doing everything at once—it’s building good habits, monitoring your lawn’s condition, and adjusting your care routine as needed. With a bit of attention and effort, your TifGrand® lawn will stay lush and green for years to come.
