Maintenance of Patriot Bermuda

Below are suggested management practices designed as a guideline to assist lawn care professionals and homeowners in the maintenance of a Patriot Bermuda lawn. Location, terrain, soil type and condition, age of the lawn, previous lawn care, and other factors affect turf performance. For these reasons, the following management practices can be adjusted to suit your particular home lawn conditions.

Mowing

Mow the lawn with a reel mower set at 3/4 to 1 inch or a rotary mower set as low as possible without scalping. Mow frequently, before grass gets taller than 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Practice grasscycling. Grasscycling is simply leaving grass clippings on your lawn. Glass clippings decompose quickly and can provide up to 25 percent of the lawn's fertilizer needs. If prolonged rain or other factors prevent frequent mowing and clippings are too plentiful to leave on the lawn, they can be collected and used as mulch.

Fertilization

Spring - When grass begins to green up in spring apply a turf-grade high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 20-4-10, preferrably containing a weed preventer such as Barricade. Broadcast fertilizer using a rotary-typespreader following spreading rates recommended on bag.

Summer - In mid-summer apply a complete nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) turf-grade fertilizer such as 28-4-6 or similar. Broadcast fertilizer using a rotary-typespreader following spreading rates recommended on bag.

Fall - In early to mid fall apply a turf-grade Fall Feed/Winterizer, such as 5-5-20, preferably containing a weed preventer such as Barricade. Broadcast fertilizer using a rotary-typespreader following spreading rates recommended on bag.

Irrigation

To maintain a healthy appearance during the hottest months of summer, Patriot Bermuda needs about 1 to 1 1/4 inches of water a week. On sandy soils it often requires more frequent watering, for example, 1/2 inch of water every third day. A dark bluish gray color, footprinting, and wilted, folded, or curled leaves indicate that it is time to water. Proper irrigation may reduce pest problems and environmental in the summer. NOTE: Always water during the early to late morning hours and never at night. Watering at night will often lead to fungal development.

Weed Control

Apply a granular preemergence herbicide such as Team 2G in early to mid February to prevent the emergence of spring weeds such as crabgrass. Late spring, summer and applications of preemergence herbicides are also recommended, and as stated above can be applied in combination with a fertilzer containing a weed preventer.

To kill weeds that have emerged postemergence herbicides can be applied. Apply postemergence herbicides only when weeds are present and make sure to wait until three weeks after the lawn is green. Be sure the product is labeled for use on Bermudagrass and always be careful to follow mixing and applications instructions on product label. Spot treating is recommended.

Insect Control
We don't see too many problems with insects on Bermudagrass. Check for white grubs and control them if necessary.

Thatch Removal

If thatch is present and more than 1/2-inch thick, use a dethatcher to remove thatch in May.