How To Get Bermuda Grass To Spread

If you want a thick, resilient lawn, knowing how to get Bermuda grass to spread is the key. This warm-season champion thrives on growth, and with a few simple techniques, you can encourage it to fill in bare spots and create a dense, green carpet.

Bermuda grass spreads naturally through both above-ground runners, called stolons, and below-ground stems, known as rhizomes. Your job is to create the perfect environment for these runners to take root and expand. It’s not complicated, but it does require consistency. Let’s look at the methods that work best.

Successful spreading hinges on three core pillars: proper mowing, smart watering, and timely feeding. Get these right, and your grass will do most of the work for you.

Mow Low and Often

Bermuda grass loves sunlight all the way down to its roots. A low mowing height encourages the plant to grow horizontally, promoting those spreading runners.

Set your mower to 1 to 1.5 inches during the peak growing season.
Mow frequently—often twice a week—to avoid removing more than one-third of the blade at a time.
Keep your mower blades sharp. A clean cut prevents stress and disease.

Water Deeply But Not Too Much

Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant, but it needs consistent moisture for active growth and spreading. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to shallow roots.

Water deeply, providing about 1 inch of water per session. This encourages deep root growth.
Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. A good rule is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Early morning watering is best to reduce evaporation and fungal issues.

Fertilize Strategically

Nitrogen is the main nutrient that drives Bermuda grass growth and spread. A regular feeding schedule provides the energy it needs.

Use a balanced lawn fertilizer with a good amount of nitrogen (the first number on the bag).

Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (late spring through summer).
Always follow the product’s instructions to avoid burning your lawn. A soil test can give you precise nutrient needs.

Dethatch and Aerate for Health

Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that can block water and nutrients. Compacted soil suffocates roots and rhizomes.

Dethatch your lawn in late spring or early summer if the thatch layer is over half an inch thick.
Core aerate your lawn annually, preferably in the late spring. This relieves compaction and gives runners easy paths to root into.

Overseed Bare Spots

For quick coverage of small bare areas, overseeding is a great direct technique.

Rake the bare spot to loosen the soil.
Apply Bermuda grass seed at the rate recommended on the bag.
Lightly rake the seed into the soil and keep the area consistently moist until germination.

Use Plugs or Sod for Instant Results

For larger areas or faster establishment, using pieces of existing grass is very effective.

Plugs: Cut small squares of sod (2-3 inches wide) and plant them on 6-12 inch centers in the bare area. They will quickly spread and fill in.
Sprigging: This involves planting individual stolons or rhizomes. It’s cost-effective for big areas but requires more labor.
Sod: Provides instant lawn. Ensure the soil beneath is prepped well so the sod’s roots can knit down and begin spreading outward.

Pro Tip: Harness the Edges

Bermuda grass will always spread fastest where it has an edge. If you have a bare area in the middle of your lawn, consider using a plug from the healthiest edge. The runners from this plug will already be vigourous and ready to grow.

What to Avoid

Some habits can actually prevent your Bermuda from spreading well. Watch out for these common pitfalls.

Shade: Bermuda grass needs full sun (6-8 hours daily). It will not spread into heavily shaded areas.
Cold Soil: Bermuda spreads only when soil temperatures are warm (above 65°F). Don’t expect growth in early spring or fall.
Improper Herbicides: Some weed killers can stunt grass growth. Use products labeled safe for Bermuda and apply them correctly.

Seasonal Spreading Guide

Your approach should change with the seasons for the best results.

Spring (Soil temp > 65°F): Apply starter fertilizer, begin low mowing regimen, aerate, and plant plugs or seed.
Summer: Maintain mowing and watering, apply regular fertilizer, and this is your peak spreading time.
Early Fall: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer to prepare for winter. Spreading slows down as temps drop.
Winter: The grass is dormant. No spreading occurs. Avoid heavy traffic on the brown lawn.

FAQ: Getting Bermuda Grass to Spread

How long does it take for Bermuda grass to spread?

Under ideal conditions, Bermuda grass plugs can begin to spread and show noticeable fill-in within 2-4 weeks. Full coverage from plugs or seeding usually takes one full growing season.

Will Bermuda grass spread on its own?

Yes, it’s an aggressive spreader by nature. But if it’s not filling in, it’s usually due to low mowing height, lack of sun, poor soil, or inadequate nitrogen.

What is the fastest way to spread Bermuda grass?

Using sod gives you instant coverage. For a DIY method, planting plugs or sprigs from a healthy part of your lawn is the quickest way to get it to colonize new areas.

Should I let my Bermuda grass go to seed to help it spread?

No. Letting it seed actually wastes energy that could go into runner production. Furthermore, most hybrid Bermuda grasses produce sterile seeds anyway. Focus on encouraging the stolons and rhizomes instead.

Why is my Bermuda grass not spreading thick?

Thin spread is often a sign of compacted soil, excess thatch, or insufficient fertilizer. Aeration and a proper feeding schedule can make a huge difference in thickness.

Getting a lush Bermuda lawn is all about working with it’s natural growth habits. By mowing low, watering wisely, and feeding regularly, you create the perfect stage for it to perform. Be patient, be consistent, and you’ll soon see those runners stretching out to create the dense, green turf you want. Remember, the best time to start is when the soil is warm and the grass is actively growing.