If you’re lucky enough to have Bermuda grass in your yard here in the Coastal Bend, spring is your season to shine. After a winter of dormancy, Bermuda grass is ready to wake up, green up, and show off — but only if you give it a little TLC. 

Whether you’re aiming for a golf-course look or just want healthy grass under your toes, spring is the time to set your lawn up for success.

Let’s break down exactly what to do, starting with the basics.

TL;DR: TheWaterMen on Reddit recommends:

Start of growing season (~March):

• Mower/weed eater maintenance
• Scalp to lowest height, raise to second lowest height
• Scarify/verticut, two perpendicular passes
• Aerate
• Second pass with mower to clean up
• Turn on regular watering schedule and start mowing twice/week

What Can I Do With Bermuda Grass in the Spring?

Think of spring as your prep season. Bermuda grass doesn’t need fancy treatments, but it does need a nudge to break dormancy and start growing strong.

Here’s what you can do:

• Rake up leftover debris – Get rid of leaves, thatch, and anything else blocking sunlight and air from reaching the soil.
• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide – Timing is key here. Around late February to early March, before soil temps hit 65°F, apply a pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass and other weeds from taking hold.
• Fertilize (but not too early) – Wait until your Bermuda grass is at least 50% green before applying fertilizer. Doing it too early can encourage weeds instead of grass.
• Mow regularly – More on that below — but trust us, mowing is part of the plan.
  

Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf, so it loves heat and sun. (Thank Goodness, since we’re in the Coastal Bend.) Spring is your opportunity to wake it up gently and guide it into that lush, summer-ready state.

“Granular fertilizers are the most efficient way to fertilize Bermuda grass lawns. They are sold in 10-50 lb bags and are easy to apply with a spreader.” Lawn Doctor

Are You Supposed to Scalp Bermuda Grass in the Spring?

This one’s a bit controversial, but the short answer is: Yes — with care.

Scalping (ouch!) means cutting your Bermuda grass really short, basically removing all the brown, dormant top growth to let sunlight reach the crown and soil. This helps the grass green up faster in spring.

Here’s how to do it:

• Wait until the danger of frost has passed — usually mid-to-late March in the Coastal Bend.
• Lower your mower to about 0.5″ to 1″ and bag the clippings.
• Only scalp once a year, and only if your grass is healthy. If your lawn had a rough winter or you’re dealing with bare patches, skip it and just mow a little lower than usual.
  

Scalping might sound intense, but think of it like a fresh haircut to get things moving.

Should Bermuda Grass Be Cut Short in Spring?

Yes — but there’s a difference between regular mowing and scalping. Once your grass starts greening up, it’s time to settle into a regular mowing routine.

Bermuda thrives when mowed short. Aim to keep it at about 1 to 1.5 inches high. Don’t let it grow tall and then cut it all at once — that stresses the grass. Instead, follow the “one-third rule”: never cut more than one-third of the blade height in a single mow.

“A reliable visual clue is to make sure the lawn does not change from green to brown after mowing. If it does, too much green (photosynthetic) leaf tissue has been removed.” Texas A&M

And here’s a pro tip: keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease and heat stress.

Consistent mowing encourages Bermuda to spread and grow thick — which helps crowd out weeds naturally. That’s a win for everyone.

“Initially, cut bermuda grass slightly shorter than usual to remove excess growth—about an inch high. After this, maintain a height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches.” SodSolutions

Should I Water Bermuda Grass in Spring?

In early spring, your Bermuda grass doesn’t need much water — in fact, overwatering can do more harm than good. Once the grass starts greening up, you can ease into a watering routine.

Here’s a simple guide:

• Wait for signs of growth before watering regularly.
• Aim for deep, infrequent watering — about 1 inch per week, including rainfall.
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and discourage fungus.
• If the soil feels dry a couple of inches down and the grass starts to wilt or fold, that’s your cue.
  

Spring is more about encouraging deep root growth than pampering. A little tough love goes a long way.

Don’t Forget the Edges

While you’re getting your Bermuda lawn in shape, don’t neglect the fence line. Trimming around chain-link fences can be a real pain — and a common spot for weeds to take over. That’s where the Green Link System comes in.

It’s a clever solution designed to help you keep your fence line neat without using weed killers like Roundup®. If you’re looking to simplify your spring lawn care and make your yard look sharp from edge to edge, Green Link has your back.

Spring is a season of transition, and with just a bit of attention, your Bermuda grass will be thriving in no time. Happy mowing, raking, and watering — and here’s to a lawn you’ll be proud of all summer long!