A lush, green lawn is every homeowner’s dream—and TifTuf® Bermuda Grass helps make that dream a reality.

But even though this turf variety is tough and drought-tolerant, it still needs the right care to look its best all year long.

Whether you’ve recently installed TifTuf® Bermuda Grass or you’re thinking about it, this guide will walk you through exactly how to maintain it like a pro—without needing a horticulture degree to understand it.

Let’s talk about what it takes to keep your TifTuf® Bermuda lawn looking strong, green, and inviting.

What Makes TifTuf® Bermuda Grass So Special?

Before we jump into the maintenance steps, it’s helpful to know why so many homeowners and landscapers choose TifTuf® Bermuda Grass in the first place.

It was developed at the University of Georgia specifically to thrive in tough conditions. That means it:

• Uses 38% less water than other Bermuda grass varieties.
• Holds its green color during drought better than most.
• Has excellent wear tolerance (great for kids, pets, and backyard BBQs).
• Recovers quickly from damage.
• Requires less frequent mowing due to slower vertical growth.

Now that we know what we’re working with, let’s break down how to take care of it throughout the year.

Soil Prep and Installation: Start Strong from Day One

If you haven’t installed your sod yet, this part is for you. And if your lawn is already in, feel free to skip ahead.

Here’s the deal—TifTuf® Bermuda Grass thrives in well-draining soil.

Before installation, test your soil’s pH. TifTuf prefers a range between 6.0 and 6.5.

If your soil is too acidic, adding lime can help. If it’s too alkaline, elemental sulfur may be the fix.

Also, till the soil and mix in organic compost to improve structure and nutrition. This helps roots establish quickly.

Once installed, make sure to water daily for the first 2–3 weeks, depending on your climate, until the roots grab hold. After that, your regular watering schedule will kick in.

Watering: Less Is More with TifTuf®

TifTuf® wasn’t named for being soft and needy. This grass is incredibly drought-tolerant, but proper watering is still key to helping it thrive.

How much water does TifTuf® need? On average, just ½ inch to 1 inch per week, including rainfall.

Early mornings are the best time to water so the grass can dry out during the day and reduce the risk of disease.

Here’s a quick trick: Place an empty tuna can in your yard. When it fills up to about ½ inch, you know you’ve watered enough for that session.

During extreme droughts or long dry spells, increase the frequency slightly, but always avoid overwatering. You’ll be surprised how far this grass can go with very little water.

Mowing Tips: Keep It Low and Often

One of the best things about TifTuf® Bermuda Grass is how clean it looks when it’s mowed properly.

Here’s your mowing game plan:

• Ideal height: 0.5 to 2 inches
• Frequency: Once a week during the growing season
• Rule of thumb: Never remove more than one-third of the blade in one mow

If you let it get too tall and then scalp it, you’ll stress the grass and open the door for weeds and disease. Regular mowing keeps it healthy and thick—plus, it looks sharp.

Also, keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can lead to brown tips.

Fertilization: Feeding Your Lawn the Right Way

To keep your TifTuf® Bermuda Grass vibrant and dense, you need to feed it. But don’t just throw any fertilizer on it—get specific.

Here’s what your fertilization schedule should look like:

• Spring (when grass greens up): Apply a balanced fertilizer like 16-4-8
• Summer: Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, like 30-0-10, to boost growth and color
• Fall (early): Apply a lighter fertilizer to strengthen roots for winter

Avoid fertilizing too late in the fall, as it can trigger new growth that may not survive a frost.

Tip: Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and water it in well.

Weed Control: Thick Turf Is Your Best Defense

With TifTuf®, you already have an edge. This variety grows thick and dense, which naturally helps block out weeds. Still, no lawn is completely immune.

Here’s how to stay ahead of weed problems:

• Pre-emergent herbicides: Apply in early spring and fall to prevent crabgrass and other invasive weeds.
• Post-emergent herbicides: Spot-treat any problem areas as needed.
• Cultural control: Proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing discourage weed growth.

Always check the label to make sure any herbicide is safe for Bermuda grass—and don’t apply in extreme heat.

Aeration and Thatch Management

Over time, your lawn’s soil can get compacted, especially if it sees a lot of foot traffic. That’s where aeration comes in.

Core aeration, typically done in late spring or early summer, helps:

• Loosen soil
• Improve water and nutrient absorption
• Stimulate deeper root growth

You may also need to check for thatch—a layer of dead grass and roots that sits on top of the soil.

A little is normal, but more than ½ inch can block water and air. Dethatching can help thin out this layer if needed.

Disease and Pest Control: Stay Proactive

TifTuf® Bermuda Grass is fairly resistant to most lawn diseases, but high humidity, overwatering, or poor drainage can lead to problems like:

• Brown patch
• Dollar spot
• Leaf spot

The best defense is keeping your maintenance routine in check—especially mowing, watering, and fertilizing properly.

Pests like grubs and armyworms can occasionally cause trouble. If you see patches of dying grass or birds pecking a lot in one area, it could be a sign.

Use lawn-safe pest control treatments if needed, but start with prevention.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Each season brings new maintenance priorities. Here’s a quick seasonal cheat sheet for TifTuf® Bermuda Grass:

Spring

• Start mowing when the grass greens up
• Apply pre-emergent weed control
• Begin fertilizing

Summer

• Mow weekly
• Water as needed (especially during droughts)
• Apply pest control and monitor for disease

Fall

• Apply a final round of fertilizer
• Aerate if you didn’t in spring
• Use fall pre-emergent to stop winter weeds

Winter

• Let the grass go dormant
• Avoid heavy traffic on frozen turf
• Plan any major changes or installations for early spring

Why Professional Installation and Maintenance Make a Difference

Sure, TifTuf® Bermuda Grass is low-maintenance—but that doesn’t mean no maintenance.

Professional installation can set your lawn up for long-term success by:

• Ensuring the right soil prep and grading
• Avoiding sod gaps or poor root contact
• Setting up irrigation systems for optimal water usage

Plus, working with a professional TifTuf® Bermuda Grass means you get expert eyes on your lawn.

They can spot issues early, recommend the right products, and even schedule aeration or weed control treatments for you.

If you want a beautiful lawn without second-guessing every maintenance decision, getting help from pros can be well worth it.

Final Thoughts

TifTuf® Bermuda Grass is a smart choice for homeowners who want a lawn that looks amazing with less water and less hassle.

But like any living thing, it needs a little care and attention.

Stick with a consistent routine—mow regularly, fertilize wisely, water efficiently, and keep an eye out for weeds or pests.

When you give your TifTuf® lawn what it needs, it’ll reward you with a thick, green, envy-worthy yard that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I water TifTuf® Bermuda Grass?

TifTuf® Bermuda Grass is one of the most drought-tolerant grasses you can buy, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore watering altogether. On average, aim to water your lawn about ½ inch to 1 inch per week, including rainfall. It’s best to water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. If you’re in a hotter or windier area, you may need to water a little more during summer heatwaves. Watering in the early morning is best to reduce evaporation and the chance of lawn disease.

When should I fertilize TifTuf® Bermuda Grass?

Fertilizing your TifTuf® lawn at the right time of year will help it grow thicker, greener, and stronger. You should apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring once the grass begins greening up. In summer, switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and color. In early fall, apply a lighter fertilizer to strengthen the roots before winter. Avoid fertilizing too late in the season, as that could cause tender new growth that may not survive the cold.

Can I mow TifTuf® too short?

Yes, mowing too short—also called “scalping”—can damage your grass and invite weeds or disease. The ideal height for TifTuf® is between 0.5 and 2 inches, but the real key is to mow consistently. Try not to remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. Cutting too low can shock the plant and lead to brown, patchy areas. Keep your mower blades sharp and avoid mowing when the grass is wet to get the cleanest cut.

Does TifTuf® need aeration every year?

It depends on your lawn’s condition. If you have compacted soil or lots of foot traffic, aerating once a year in late spring or early summer is a great idea. Aeration allows water, nutrients, and air to reach the root zone more easily. It also helps reduce thatch buildup and encourages deeper roots. If your soil stays soft and your lawn looks healthy, you might only need to aerate every other year. A lawn care expert can test for compaction if you’re unsure.

How do I control weeds in my TifTuf® lawn?

One of the great things about TifTuf® is its dense growth, which naturally helps choke out many weeds. However, no lawn is completely weed-free without some help. Use a pre-emergent herbicide in spring and fall to prevent weed seeds from germinating. If weeds do pop up, spot-treat with a post-emergent herbicide safe for Bermuda grass. Consistent mowing, proper watering, and fertilization will also help your lawn stay thick and outcompete weeds on its own.