Bermuda – Mixing With Fescue

Q: My lawn care company recommended it would be better if I planted bermuda seed rather than keep the fescue that is in my full sun back yard. Do you think this is a good idea?

A: It’s possible to plant bermuda seed into fescue but it will be two years before you get rid of the green and brown spotty winter appearance. The time to plant bermuda seed is in mid-May. Mow the fescue low and use an aerator or dethatcher (slit seeder) to make lots of holes/grooves in the lawn. Spread 1-2 pounds of bermuda seed per 1000 square feet and water it in thoroughly. For the first couple of weeks, apply 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water daily, enough to keep the top inch of soil moist but not soggy. Mow the lawn 1 1/2 inches tall to inhibit the fescue and give the bermuda seedlings lots of sun. Fertilize four times between planting and September unless you encounter a summer drought. The lawn will be pretty patchy next winter but will begin to be all bermudagrass by the following summer.