
Your Bermuda Grass is tough but requires regular care to thrive. One of the ways of maintaining its growth is watering it – so long as you do so correctly. Bermuda withstands heat and drought, so you won’t need to water it as frequently as you should for other types of grass.
But did you know that watering has all sorts of rules? There’s an ideal time to water the grass. Over-watering can have consequential effects like causing discoloration or disease. Underwatering also has its consequences. And how often you should water your beloved Bermuda Grass lawn depends on the season. Here’s all you need to know about watering Bermuda Grass.
Importance Of Proper Watering For Bermuda Grass
If you spoke the language of grass, your Bermuda Grass would remind you to water it on time, and thank you! It, however, speaks the language of color by flaunting an attractive green when cared for well. Here’s the importance of proper watering of your Bermuda Grass.
Maintains the Lush Look
A well-hydrated lawn looks healthier and lush because of enough moisture from watering it properly. A healthy lawn keeps greenhouse gases like ozone and sulfur at bay. It releases fresh oxygen and utilizes carbon dioxide to make the air strong. Besides, healthier Bermuda Grass looks fuller and greener.
Protects Your Bermuda Grass from Diseases
Over-watering your Bermuda Grass can cause fungal diseases. You might think that watering your grass more frequently you are helping it. It would put the grass at risk, and finally, the bill would knock you off balance. Overwatering also causes the poor establishment of grassroots. Weeds and pests are also common in an excessively watered lawn.
Secures Valuable Soil Nutrients
Excessively watering your lawn can take away the valuable nutrients in the soil. Lesser nutrients will mean less supply for your Bermuda Grass. Underwatering, on the other hand, also damages your soil. Dry soil is highly likely to erode in the form of dust and blow away with nutrients. Therefore, the soil requires enough water, not too much or too little.
Conserves Water
Watering done properly can conserve water. Conserving water is showing love to mother nature as well as your wallet. The time you water your Bermuda Grass, the water volume, and the water frequency all come to one accord – enough moisture as required.
What Are The Water Requirements For Bermuda Grass?
Bermuda Grass requires about half an inch of water. The grass, which thrives in southern states like Georgia, is drought resistant and might give you a wrong impression. Even though it can withstand dry periods, the grass turns yellow and tan when chocked. After a few rain showers, it will green up but will be thinner and prone to weed infestation.
Bermuda Grass requires about one to 1.4 inches of water. More frequent watering should be three-quarter inches of water into the soil after every three or four days. Never water the grass daily unless after seeding or when it’s a young lawn. During summer, when there’s significant rainfall in the south, avoid watering for some time—only water when your lawn needs it.
Signs Of Underwatering Or Overwatering Bermuda Grass
Determining the amount of water your Bermuda Grass needs, especially if you are from Georgia, can be challenging. Underwatering and overwatering have their effects on your grass. Here are the main signs from both.
Signs of Overwatering
- Weeds: Overwatering your Bermuda Grass gives weeds a chance to thrive.
- Thatch: Dead plant material forms and prevents nutrients from reaching the roots and attracts insects.
- Fungus: Excess moisture facilitates the growth of fungus. You’ll notice patches of mushrooms growing on your lawn.

Drying Bermuda Grass being watered.
Signs of Underwatering
- Slow growth: Lack of water or enough water causes slow growth. It also reduces the size of the blades.
- Dry soil: Lack of enough water causes dry soil.
- Weak spring back: The grass will not spring back sooner when disturbed or stepped on.
Best Practices For Watering Bermuda Grass Lawn
Bermuda grass might not need much water like most grass types, but you cannot deny it water completely. Here are the best practices for watering the Bermuda Grass lawn.
- In spring and fall, Bermuda Grass should be watered only if there’s been a long hot, dry period and the grass is curling and wilting.
- Water it in the morning to prevent burning.
- Water for 2-4 hours weekly during summer.
Other Factors To Consider For Your Bermudagrass Lawn Care
Bermuda is subject to certain weeds, pests, and diseases. Proper maintenance of your Bermuda Grass lawn will help to resist these issues. Let’s discuss them in depth.
- Weed Control: Common weeds that can attack your lawn include annual bluegrass, crabgrass, clover, nutsedge, or spurge, depending on your location. You can use pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides to kill the weeds.
- Pest Control: Insecticides can come in handy in killing pests like Bermuda grass mites and armyworms that damage your lawn.
- Disease Control: Your Bermuda Grass can be attacked by a disease that leaves a devastated lawn. Bacterial or fungal infections can take a toll on your lawn. Fungicides help to alleviate such issues.
Water Your Bermuda Grass Correctly and Keep Your Lawn Healthy!
For a healthy and thriving Bermuda grass lawn, water it correctly, and it will thrive. If you are looking for professional assistance treating your grass or are interested in seedlings, contact The Turfgrass Group. We’re experts in growing Bermuda Grass in Georgia, and we would be glad to help.