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Why is My Bermuda Grass Thinning?
Bermuda grass is known for its dense, aggressive growth, but if you’ve noticed bare spots or thinning areas, something is preventing your lawn from thriving. Bermuda grass requires full sun, well-drained soil, and regular maintenance to stay thick and lush.
Several factors can cause Bermuda grass to thin out, including **shade, water problems, soil compaction, and improper mowing or fertilization**. Below, we break down the most common causes of thinning Bermuda grass and how to fix them.
Cause #1: Shade
Why it Happens: Bermuda grass needs at least **8 hours of direct sunlight** per day. Shaded areas from trees, buildings, or fences can cause the grass to thin out or die completely.
Solution: Trim trees and shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach the lawn. If shade is unavoidable, consider transitioning to a more shade-tolerant grass like **Zoysia**.
Cause #2: Water Problems
Why it Happens: Both **too much and too little water** can weaken Bermuda grass. Overwatering encourages shallow roots and disease, while underwatering leads to dry, patchy areas.
Solution: Water deeply but infrequently. Bermuda grass needs about **1 inch of water per week**. Follow our Irrigation Guide for best watering practices.
Cause #3: Compacted or Poor Soil
Why it Happens: Bermuda grass struggles in **hard, compacted clay soil** because roots cannot spread properly. Poor soil quality with **low nutrients or poor drainage** also leads to weak, thinning grass.
Solution: **Aerate the lawn annually** to relieve compaction and improve drainage. Apply **topdressing** with compost or sand to enhance soil structure.
Cause #4: Improper Mowing
Why it Happens: Mowing too low in the summer or allowing grass to grow too tall between cuts can stress Bermuda and cause thinning.
Solution: Keep Bermuda grass between **½ to 1 inch** with a reel mower (requires daily mowing) or **2-3 inches** with a rotary mower. Follow our Lawn Mowing Guide for best practices.
How to Fix Thinning Bermuda Grass
Increase Sunlight: Trim trees or consider switching to a shade-tolerant grass.
Adjust Watering: Deep water once per week to promote strong roots.
Aerate & Topdress: Aerating and adding organic matter improves soil structure.
Proper Mowing: Keep Bermuda at the correct height to prevent stress.
Fertilization: Apply **16-4-8 or 15-0-15** fertilizer during the growing season.
Why Choose Absolute Green Landscaping?
At Absolute Green Landscaping, we provide expert lawn aeration in Buford, GA and surrounding areas. With over 16 years of experience, our team knows exactly how to tackle Georgia’s tough clay soil. Our process is efficient, professional, and guaranteed to give your lawn the boost it needs.
📞 Get a Free Lawn Aeration Quote Today!
Don’t let compacted soil ruin your lawn’s potential! Contact Absolute Green Landscaping today for a free lawn aeration quote. Let’s make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood!
