If you are budget minded or a do-it-yourselfer, this may be the way to go. With the proper care you can have a beautiful lawn in a couple of months at a low cost. The first step is to decide what type of grass you would like and then verifying that it is a good choice for your area. Below, we have outlined the proper steps to help you have a beautiful lawn at a lower cost than sprigging or sodding.

BERMUDA SEED: Bermuda grass is a warm season grass which goes dormant during the winter months and can be easily grown in warm climates. The best time to seed bermuda is in spring and summer when ground temperatures are at 68 degrees and air temperatures are maintained above 75 degrees during the day. Hotter weather will increase the growth if proper soil moisture is maintained.

BEFORE THE WORK BEGINS: To give your new lawn the best opportunity to establish and thrive a soil test is absolutely the first step. After receiving the results from your soil test you will know exactly what type of fertilizer and soil amendments are needed for a good growing medium. A minimum 6.0 ph is needed for proper lawn growth. You may need to add lime to adjust your ph between 6.0 – 7.0.

SITE SELECTION: Bermuda grass should be planted in full sun in well drained areas in warm climates.

SITE PREP: The area to be seeded needs to be properly prepared before seeding begins. Loosen soil to a depth of 4″-6″. Level the area to desired grade insuring proper drainage away from any foundations. Upon completion, the top 1/2″ of surface area of soil should loose without rocks or clumps of dirt. DO NOT use any herbicides or, preemergents. Allow 10-14 weeks after seeding before applying any herbicides. You can mow as often as needed to control weeds.

SEEDING: Now, you are ready to begin seeding. For new lawns you will use 2 lbs – 3 lbs of bermuda seed per 1000 sf. This helps to insure a dense lawn.

WATERING: Proper soil moisture is critical for the first 2-3 weeks after seeding. The soil must stay moist, not muddy, during the germination period. Once established, the frequency of watering can be reduced to promote beep root growth.

GERMINATION: Under good conditions, bermuda grass begins to germinate with 7 – 10 days. Allow another 2-3 weeks after the first plants have begin geriminating for complete germination.

ESTABLISHMENT: Full coverage should be attained in 8-10 weeks. However, time of seeding could slow this depending upon temperatures.

A BEAUTIFUL LAWN: At this point, you should now be sitting back and enjoying the fruits of your labor. Be sure to follow a good maintenance program by using pre-emergents in the fall and spring, post-emergents to rid yourself of the few pesky weeds that may appear from time to time, fertilize and proper watering during dry times.