Spring Scalping and Fertilizing for Thicker Bermudagrass

To transform a tall, thin bermudagrass lawn into a dense, low carpet, start when the grass shows the first hint of green—usually March. Scalp it to 1 inch to remove dead top growth. Thereafter, mow whenever the grass reaches 2 inches, maintaining a 1.5-inch height. This encourages lateral spread and density. Fertilize every 6 weeks with a complete lawn fertilizer (e.g., 16-4-8 or similar) once the lawn is 50% green. Consistent mowing height and regular feeding are the keys to a thick, weed-resistant bermudagrass lawn.