10 Ways to Get Bermuda Grass Spread (Make it Fill in Faster)

Bermuda grass is the fastest-growing warm-season grass. It rapidly spreads via surface runners (stolons) and underground stems (rhizomes). This grass thrives in full sun, withstands high traffic, and recovers quickly from damage, making it suitable for use in athletic fields and golf courses.

You can make Bermuda grass spread faster by applying nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season, watering deeply (1-1.5 inches every 3-5 days), and mowing often once the grass has established. Aerating and dethatching, combined with full sun exposure, will also increase growth.

Let’s dive into the details.

How to Get Bermuda Grass to Spread Faster

Bermuda grass can establish a dense turf that fills in bare spots quickly. Here are proven ways to make it fill in faster. 

1. Prepare the soil well before sowing

Proper soil preparation is key when you want Bermuda grass to spread fast. Conduct a soil test to determine the soil’s nutrient levels and pH. Add organic matter to improve fertility, drainage, and aeration. Bermuda grass spreads fast in fertile and well-drained soil.

Bermuda prefers a soil pH range of 6.0 to 6.8. If the soil pH is too acidic, lower the acidity by adding lime. On the other hand, if it’s too alkaline, add sulfur to decrease the alkalinity. Generally, follow the recommendations on the soil test results.

2. Choose high quality variety

Bermuda is a warm-season grass that grows well in warm climates. It’s sensitive to frost when grown in areas with winter. However, some cultivars are developed for cold hardiness. TifSport, Tifway, and Ashmore are great for areas with mild winters.

3. Sow the seed at the right time

Bermuda grass will grow and spread faster when planted in late spring in areas that experience winter. It’s also ideal to sow grass seed in autumn in areas with warm climatic conditions. Planting Bermuda grass in winter when the weather is too frosty or in high summer temperatures can slowthe growth rate.

4. Fertilize properly

Fertilize an established Bermuda grass with fertilizer containing a high nitrogen percentage. Nitrogen promotes a lush green growth while encouraging faster spread. When starting a new lawn, use a fertilizer with a high ratio of both nitrogen and phosphorus to promote initial growth and root development. 

5. Water even and deeply

Water your grass properly to encourage healthy growth that spreads fast. Water even and deeply once or twice per week. Early in the morning is the best time to water when the temperature and wind speed are low. Always test the soil moisture before watering to avoid drowning your lawn.

6. Control weeds early

Crabgrass and other weeds can prevent your grass from spreading fast. Apply a post-emergent weed killer to control the weeds. You can also employ other methods like digging the weeds out using a weed puller or your bare hands. 

7. Mow the lawn often

If you want Bermuda grass to spread fast, it’s ideal to prioritize lateral or horizontal growth over vertical growth. Mowing the grass often will help it to focus its energy towards lateral growth rather than wasting on vertical growth.

8. Ensure enough sunlight

Bermuda is a warm-season grass that prefers warm sunny weather conditions. The grass will spread fast and fill in bald spots in your lawn when it receives optimum sunlight (6-8 hours). Try to minimize the shaded areas in the lawn by pruning trees and making some adjustments to your landscape.

9. Aerate the soil 

Compacted topsoil can deter Bermuda grass from developing roots properly and absorbing necessary nutrients. The negative impact on the growth rate can prevent it from spreading fast to fill the patchy areas in the lawn. Aerate the soil during the growing season to promote healthy roots.

10. Keep the grass clean

Tree leaves, branches, and dead grass blades will prevent the grass from receiving enough sunlight for photosynthesis. Leaves and other debris can also trap moisture on the grass, causing fungal infection. So, maintain cleanliness by picking or raking leaves, branches, and other materials from the grass. 

How Long Does it Take Bermuda Grass to Spread?

Bermuda grass will take 5 to 7 days to germinate. Once the seed has germinated, it will take six more weeks to spread and establish fully. This time may vary depending on how you take care of and maintain the grass.

Once the seeds have germinated, it’s ideal to water your lawn regularly. Water deeply and evenly once or twice a week to encourage a fast spread. Consistent soil moisture allows the grass to establish roots rapidly. Feeding with a nitrogen fertilizer also speeds up the growth and spreading of the grass.

Mowing the lawn more often helps promote vertical growth. Be sure to wait until the grass is ready for mowing. Do not trim when it’s too young.

Final Thoughts

Bermuda grass has a high potential to grow and spread fast. You can encourage the grass to fill in faster by planting at the right time in spring when the conditions are optimum, watering deeply, fertilizing with nitrogen, and mowing regularly once the grass has established.