TifTuf® Bermuda grass is quickly becoming a favorite among homeowners, landscapers, and sports field managers across the country—and for good reason.
Known for its drought tolerance, vibrant green color, and durability under heavy use, TifTuf® Bermuda is engineered to stay beautiful even in the toughest conditions.
However, to keep your TifTuf® Bermuda lawn looking its best, a few key practices are essential.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned gardener, getting your sod from a trusted TifTuf® bermuda grass supplier ensures you start with the highest quality foundation for your lawn.
Let’s dig into everything you need to know to keep your TifTuf® Bermuda lawn lush, green, and thriving year-round.
Start with High-Quality TifTuf® Sod
A healthy lawn starts with top-tier sod. Choosing a TifTuf® bermuda sod supplier who meets high standards in turfgrass cultivation is crucial.
TifTuf® was developed by the University of Georgia after almost two decades of research, and it requires strict licensing to maintain its superior characteristics.
Ensure your supplier follows the guidelines established by The Turfgrass Group to deliver sod that’s true to the TifTuf® pedigree.
Key Benefits of TifTuf®:
- Exceptional drought resistance (uses 38% less water than other Bermuda varieties)
- Maintains color during drought and high heat
- Fine-bladed and dense growth for a carpet-like appearance
- Rapid self-repair from wear and tear
- Disease-resistant and shade-tolerant
By starting with the right product from a certified TifTuf® bermuda sod supplier, you’re already ahead of the game.
Proper TifTuf® Bermuda Lawn Installation Techniques
To ensure that your new sod takes root quickly and grows evenly, follow these best practices:
- Soil Prep: Till and remove rocks, weeds, and old grass. Apply a starter fertilizer.
- Leveling: Smooth out the soil with a rake for proper drainage.
- Irrigation Check: Ensure your sprinkler system covers the entire lawn area evenly.
- Laying the Sod: Stagger the seams, similar to brickwork, and press down the sod for good soil contact.
- Initial Watering: Water immediately after installation to a depth of 6 inches.
Watering Schedule: Deep and Infrequent
While TifTuf® is drought-tolerant, that doesn’t mean it never needs water. The key is deep, infrequent watering, which encourages deep root growth.
- New Sod: Water daily for the first 10–14 days.
- Established Sod: Water 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall and temperature.
- Drought Conditions: Increase frequency during extended dry spells, but avoid shallow, frequent watering.
Use a rain gauge or soil moisture meter to ensure your lawn gets about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Fertilization: Feed the Lawn Right
Fertilizing TifTuf® properly ensures it stays healthy and vibrant. Over- or under-fertilizing can result in thatch buildup, disease, or weak roots.
- Spring (March–May): Use a balanced fertilizer like 16-4-8. Apply after the second mowing.
- Summer (June–August): Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer every 6–8 weeks.
- Fall (September): Use a slow-release formula to strengthen roots for winter.
- Winter (October–February): Avoid nitrogen; apply potassium if needed for stress tolerance.
Test your soil annually to tailor your fertilization plan accurately.
Mowing: Keep It Short and Clean
TifTuf® grows dense and fine, making mowing a critical part of its care routine.
- Height: Maintain a mowing height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
- Frequency: Mow once or twice per week during peak growing season.
- Blade Sharpness: Always mow with sharp blades to avoid tearing the grass.
Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing session. This helps prevent stress and scalping.
Aeration and Thatch Control
Over time, compacted soil can block water and nutrient absorption. Aeration relieves this and encourages root growth.
- When to Aerate: Once per year in late spring or early summer.
- Thatch Monitoring: TifTuf® is not prone to heavy thatch, but monitor the layer annually. If it exceeds ½ inch, dethatching may be necessary.
Combining core aeration with overseeding (if needed) can give your lawn a rejuvenating boost.
Weed Control Strategies
A dense TifTuf® lawn naturally resists many weeds, but proactive weed control still plays an important role.
- Pre-emergent Herbicides: Apply in early spring and fall to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
- Post-emergent Herbicides: Use selectively to target problem weeds like crabgrass or clover.
- Manual Removal: For small infestations, pulling weeds by hand can be effective.
Avoid herbicide use during the first 3–4 weeks after installing new sod to prevent stressing the grass.
Disease and Pest Management
TifTuf® is resistant to most diseases and pests, but no lawn is 100% immune.
- Watch for Disease: Brown patch, dollar spot, and leaf spot can occur in hot, humid conditions. Apply fungicides preventively or as needed.
- Check for Insects: Grubs, armyworms, and chinch bugs may appear. Insecticidal soaps or treatments can help manage outbreaks.
- Keep it Dry: Avoid overwatering and water early in the morning to reduce humidity-related issues.
Maintaining healthy soil and proper mowing will also minimize most pest problems.
Shade Tolerance and Traffic Recovery
TifTuf® Bermuda stands out for its improved shade tolerance compared to other Bermudas and its ability to recover from heavy foot traffic.
- Partial Shade: TifTuf® can thrive in areas receiving 4–6 hours of sunlight.
- Recovery Time: Damaged spots due to pets, children, or furniture recover quickly with consistent watering and mowing.
Still, for best results, provide as much direct sunlight as possible and avoid long-term shading from overhanging trees or structures.
Winter Care Tips
Although TifTuf® goes dormant in the winter, you can take steps to ensure it wakes up strong in the spring.
- Avoid Heavy Traffic: Dormant grass doesn’t recover quickly from compaction.
- Skip Fertilizer: Wait until soil temperatures rise in early spring.
- Weed Control: Apply pre-emergents to reduce early spring weed growth.
- Clean-Up: Remove debris and fallen leaves to prevent mold and disease.
Conclusion
A lush and vibrant TifTuf® Bermuda lawn is not just a dream—it’s a real possibility with the right care and attention.
From selecting a top-rated TifTuf® bermuda sod supplier to implementing smart watering, mowing, and fertilization practices, every step contributes to a stronger, greener lawn.
TifTuf®’s superior drought tolerance, shade resilience, and fast recovery from wear make it the go-to choice for those seeking a high-performance lawn that doesn’t compromise on beauty.
If you’re starting fresh or planning a lawn renovation, working with a trusted TifTuf® bermuda sod supplier ensures you receive genetically pure and licensed turfgrass that performs exactly as promised.
Don’t compromise on quality—invest in your outdoor space with a product built to thrive in all conditions.
The Turfgrass Group is the premier source for exclusive turfgrass cultivars at the cutting edge of turfgrass technology and engineering.
Through our alliances with the private sector and university breeding programs, The Turfgrass Group licenses the production of one of the finest collections of superior “value-added” turfgrass varieties available in the world.
Whether you’re installing a new lawn or upgrading an old one, choose excellence—choose The Turfgrass Group, your trusted TifTuf® bermuda sod supplier.
👉 For Homeowners:
Curious about our premium turfgrass varieties? Connect with a trusted TifTuf® bermuda sod supplier in your area and discover the perfect fit for your lawn.
👉 For Industry Professionals:
Looking to grow with the best? Become a licensed grower of The Turfgrass Group’s elite turfgrass cultivars and join us in leading the future of turfgrass innovation.
FAQs
What makes TifTuf® Bermuda grass different from other Bermuda varieties?
TifTuf® Bermuda grass stands out for its exceptional drought tolerance, vibrant green color, and rapid recovery from wear and tear. Developed over 25 years by the University of Georgia, TifTuf® uses 38% less water than other Bermuda types and maintains its color even during drought. When sourced from a licensed TifTuf® bermuda sod supplier, you’re guaranteed high-quality, genetically pure turfgrass.
How often should I water my TifTuf® lawn?
For newly installed sod, water daily for the first 10–14 days. Once established, water deeply but infrequently—typically 1 to 2 times per week depending on weather conditions. TifTuf®’s drought-resistance allows it to thrive on less water than other grasses.
When should I fertilize my TifTuf® Bermuda grass?
Start fertilizing in spring after the grass greens up, using a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 16-4-8). Continue feeding every 6–8 weeks throughout the growing season with nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter dormancy period.
What mowing height is best for TifTuf® Bermuda?
TifTuf® thrives when mowed to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Frequent mowing (1–2 times weekly during peak season) with sharp blades ensures a clean cut and healthy appearance. Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
Is TifTuf® Bermuda shade tolerant?
Yes, TifTuf® has improved shade tolerance compared to other Bermuda grass types. It can grow well with as little as 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For areas with more shade, regular pruning of trees to increase sunlight exposure can help.
Can I use pre-emergent herbicides on my TifTuf® lawn?
Yes, pre-emergents are effective in controlling weeds like crabgrass and should be applied in early spring and fall. However, avoid applying them within the first 3–4 weeks after installing new sod to allow roots to establish properly.