How To Get Bermuda Grass To Spread

If you want a dense, green carpet that can handle summer heat, learning how to get Bermuda grass to spread is your most important task. This resilient grass spreads naturally, but you can guide it to fill in bare spots and thicken up beautifully.

A thin, patchy lawn leaves room for weeds and looks tired. But a thick Bermuda lawn feels great underfoot and resists problems. The process isn’t complicated. It’s about creating the right conditions and using simple techniques at the right time.

This guide gives you clear, step-by-step methods. We’ll cover everything from soil prep to mowing secrets that encourage lateral growth.

Bermuda grass spreads in two main ways: above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes. Stolons are runners that creep along the soil surface, rooting as they go. Rhizomes are underground stems that shoot out and form new plants.

To make it spread, you must support both of these systems. The goal is to promote vigorous lateral growth instead of just vertical growth. Let’s start with the foundation—your soil.

Start With a Soil Test

You wouldn’t build a house on a weak foundation. Don’t try to grow a great lawn on poor soil. A soil test tells you exactly what your lawn needs.

Contact your local county extension office for a cheap test kit.
The report will show your soil’s pH and levels of key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Bermuda grass thrives in a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is too acidic (low pH), you’ll need to add lime. If it’s too alkaline (high pH), you’ll need sulfur.

Fertilizing blindly can waste money and harm your grass. The soil test is your roadmap.

Core Aeration is a Game Changer

Over time, soil becomes compacted. Water, air, and nutrients can’t reach the roots. This severely limits growth and spread.

Core aeration pulls small plugs of soil out of the ground. It’s the best thing you can do for compacted soil.

Aerate in late spring or early summer, when Bermuda is actively growing and can recover fast.
This process gives roots room to expand and allows rhizomes to move through the soil easier.
It also improves water absorption and breaks down thatch.

You can rent an aerator or hire a service. Do it once a year for best results.

The Right Fertilizer Schedule

Bermuda grass is a heavy feeder, especially nitrogen. Nitrogen promotes the green, leafy growth and vigorous runners you want.

Follow a seasonal feeding schedule:

Spring (After Green-Up): Apply a balanced fertilizer (like 16-4-8) to kickstart growth.
Late Spring & Summer: Switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer (like 21-0-0) every 4-6 weeks. This is the main spreading season.
Early Fall: Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer (like 5-10-30) to strengthen roots for winter. Avoid high nitrogen in fall.

Always water your fertilizer in thoroughly. To much fertilizer at once can burn the lawn, so follow bag instructions.

Master the Art of Mowing for Spread

Mowing is not just about height. It’s a strategic tool. Short mowing encourages Bermuda to grow sideways, not just up.

Mow Low: During peak growing season, mow your hybrid Bermuda at 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Common Bermuda can be mowed at 1 to 2 inches.
Mow Often: Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single cut. This may mean mowing every 3-5 days in summer.
Keep Blades Sharp: Dull blades tear the grass, causing stress and brown tips.

This frequent, low mowing tells the plant to spread out and create a dense turf. It also lets more sunlight reach the base, stimulating new growth.

Smart Watering for Deep Roots

Frequent, shallow watering leads to shallow roots. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots—and rhizomes—to grow down into the soil seeking moisture.

Water deeply, providing about 1 inch of water per session.
To measure, place empty tuna cans on the lawn. Stop watering when they’re full.
Let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings. A good test is if you can step on the grass and it springs back, it doesn’t need water yet.

Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal disease. Deep roots support healthy, spreading turf.

Overseeding vs. Sprigging & Stolons

For bare spots or to speed up coverage, you can add more grass.

Overseeding with Bermuda Seed

This is less common for hybrid Bermudas (which are often sterile), but works for common Bermuda.

Mow the existing lawn very short and rake up debris.
Loosen the soil in bare areas with a rake.
Spread seed at the rate on the bag.
Lightly rake to cover seed, and keep the area consistently moist until germination.

Using Sprigs or Plugs

This is the best way to spread a specific hybrid variety.

Buy trays of sprigs or plugs, or dig them up from a healthy area of your own lawn.
Plant them on 6-12 inch centers in bare areas or thin spots.
Water them diligently. The stolons and rhizomes from these plugs will quickly grow out and fill in the gaps.

This method is very effective because your directly planting the living, spreading plant structures.

Dethatching When Necessary

Thatch is a layer of dead stems and roots between the soil and green grass. A thin layer (under 1/2 inch) is good. A thick layer blocks water, air, and nutrients, and can harbor pests.

If your thatch is too thick, dethatch in late spring or early summer.

Use a vertical mower or power dethatcher for large lawns. A sturdy rake works for small areas.
This process is invasive, so water and fertilize well afterward to help recovery.
Regular core aeration helps prevent thatch buildup in the first place.

Weed Control: Remove Competition

Weeds steal light, water, and nutrients. A thick Bermuda lawn is the best weed prevention. But for existing weeds, you need a plan.

Use pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to stop weed seeds (like crabgrass) from germinating.
For broadleaf weeds (like dandelions), use a post-emergent herbicide labeled safe for Bermuda.
Always follow label directions. Spot-treat weeds whenever possible instead of spraying the whole lawn.

A weed-free lawn allows your Bermuda to use all its energy for spreading.

Sunlight is Non-Negotiable

Bermuda grass needs full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will not spread well in shade.

If your lawn has shady areas, you have two options:

Trim tree branches to allow more light to reach the grass.
Consider replacing grass in deep shade with a shade-tolerant ground cover or mulch.

Bermuda struggling in shade will be thin and weak, and no amount of care will make it thicken up there.

Seasonal Checklist for Maximum Spread

Spring

Apply pre-emergent herbicide.
After green-up, apply balanced fertilizer based on soil test.
Begin mowing low as growth starts.
Aerate if needed.

Summer

Mow low and frequently (every 3-5 days).
Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Water deeply and infrequently.
Plant sprigs or plugs to fill bare spots.

Fall

Apply potassium-rich fertilizer to boost winter hardiness.
Mow height can be raised slightly as growth slows.
Apply a late-fall pre-emergent if needed for winter weeds.

Winter

Bermuda is dormant and brown. Avoid heavy traffic on it.
This is a good time to plan and service your equipment.

Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Bermuda Spreading?

If your lawn isn’t thickening up, check these common issues:

Mowing Too High: This is the #1 mistake. Lower your mower blade.
Not Enough Nitrogen: Bermuda needs regular summer feeding to grow vigorously.
Compacted Soil: Roots and rhizomes can’t move. Aerate.
Insufficient Sun: No fix except to increase light or change the plant.
Improper Watering: Shallow, daily watering hurts more than it helps.
Thatch Barrier: A thick thatch layer blocks everything. Dethatch.

FAQ

How fast does Bermuda grass spread?
When conditions are ideal (warm, sunny, with good care), Bermuda can spread several inches per week through its stolons and rhizomes. A plug can fill in a square foot area in one growing season.

What is the best fertilizer to make Bermuda grass spread?
A high-nitrogen fertilizer applied during the warm summer months is key. Look for a formulation where the first number (N) is highest, like 21-0-0, and apply every 4-6 weeks.

Will sand help Bermuda grass spread?
Top-dressing with a thin layer of sand can help level the lawn and smooth over stolons, encouraging them to root. But it does not replace good soil. Never smother your grass with a thick layer of sand.

Does frequent mowing thicken Bermuda?
Yes, absolutely. Frequent, low mowing is the single most effective practice to encourage lateral spread and thicken the turf. It signals the plant to grow sideways instead of up.

How do I fix bare spots in Bermuda grass?
For quick repair, use plugs or sprigs. Plant them in the bare area and keep moist. You can also overseed with Bermuda seed, but ensure good soil contact and consistent moisture for germination.

Getting a thick, lush Bermuda lawn is a rewarding project. It requires attention to detail, but the steps are straightforward. Focus on soil health, mow low and often, feed it well in summer, and water deeply. Your lawn will respond by spreading out and creating that beautiful, resilient carpet you’re aiming for. Be patient, consistent, and work with the grass’s natural growth habits. The results are worth the effort.