TifGrand Bermuda Lawn Maintenance

TifGrand is a beautiful grass, but due to low demand we no longer grow it. However, we'll keep these lawn maintenance tips posted for your reference. Please print this page, just in case.

But first, subscribe to our Monthly Lawn Tips Email and we'll send you lawn care alerts and timely tips. That way you don't need to bookmark this page because we'll email you what to do every month.

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Mowing TifGrand Bermuda Sod

  • Mow at 0.5 to 1.5" inch cutting height.
  • Mow no more than 1/3 of the leaf off at one mowing. Use sharp mower blades and catch and remove clippings. Can be mowed with either reel or rotary mower.
  • For TifGrand to maintain its shade tolerance, it has to be mowed below 1" cutting height. Unlike other turfgrasses, the lower TifGrand's mowing height in the shade, the more its shade tolerance is increased. TifGrand has a hard time recovering from growing long, then being scalped.
  • Mowing may be required on a 4-to-7-day interval.
Mow when grass is this tall: 0.75 to 2 inches
Set cutting height of mower to: 0.5 to 1.5 inches (or less than 1" in shade)

 

Watering TifGrand Bermuda Sod

Water to supplement rainfall shortages only. Avoid fixed timer irrigation settings.

Though drought tolerant, Bermuda best performs when it receives approximately 1 inch of water per week. If one or more inches of rainfall occur in a week, additional irrigation is not necessary. (Example: if 1/2 inch of rain occurs within a growing week, apply 1/2 inch by irrigation.)

Do not waste water by over watering; avoid run-off and standing water for any period of time. (Read How and When to Water)

 

Fertilizing TifGrand

  • Apply between 2 and 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet annually, during the growing season. Select a fertilizer that is labeled for use on Bermudagrass lawns. Do not apply fertilizer to wet turf to avoid burning. Too much fertility will result in a thatchy and unhealthy lawn. 
  • Fertilize according to the schedule below, based on feedback from soil test recommendations.
  • Special note: Don’t fertilize your TifTuf Bermuda lawn with high nitrogen fertilizer in fall or winter.
  • Read about How to Calculate Fertilizer Rates.
  • Lime can safely be applied any time of year. Lime based on feedback from soil test recommendations.

Weed Control for TifGrand

  • Bermuda's vigorous growth can retard weed infestation, however the best weed control is preventive:
    • Regular mowing
    • Pre-emergent herbicide, recommended for use on Bermuda lawns on the label, is strongly recommended in the spring and fall
  • Apply pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control products that are specifically labeled for Bermuda lawns.
  • Apply pre-emergent weed control according to the table below. Read and follow all label directions.
  • Apply post-emergent weed control to weeds you can see, as needed.
  • For assistance with weed identification and pest control contact your nursery/garden center, landscaper, local Cooperative Extension Service agent, or browse our Weed of the Month section.

Look up Super-Sod's yellow spreader settings here.

Month
Fertilizer & Weed Control (lbs/1000 sq.ft.)
Timing
FEB 0-0-7* + Iron w/ pre-emergent @ 6 lbs. first week
APRIL 16-4-8 + Iron w/ pre-emergent @ 6 lbs. after last frost
MAY 5-10-30 + Iron at 5 lbs. middle of month
JUNE 16-4-8 + Iron @ 6 lbs. middle of month
JULY 5-10-30 + Iron w/ Acelepryn (insecticide) @ 5 lbs. middle of month
AUG 16-4-8 + Iron @ 6 lbs. middle of month
SEPT 0-0-7* + Iron w/ pre-emergent @ 6 lbs. middle of month

*Low nitrogen

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Additional TifGrand Bermuda Maintenance

Fungus Control: Bermudagrass lawns are susceptible to fungus during the cold, wet winter months. It is best to take preventative action and apply fungicide in autumn by following the schedule below.

Order Fungicide

Month
Fungicide
Timing
OCT Professional fungicide middle of month

Thatch Removal: Periodically it may be necessary to remove accumulated thatch. This is best accomplished just before turf turns green (which is approximately late winter in the coastal plain and spring further north). Scalp or rake heavily and remove debris.

Pests may become a problem, especially if Bermuda is not growing healthily (too much or too little fertilizer or water, etc.).