Bermuda – Scalping

Q: I’m planning on scalping my newly installed bermuda lawn next spring. I’ve let it grow four inches tall. Is it okay to cut two to three inches off the grass then?

A: It’s fine to remove the dead grass leaves as long as you don’t scrape the ground with your mower blade. I recommend doing the chore when you see the barest hint of green in the lawn, typically in late March. Scalping is far safer than burning. Lower the mowing height to approximately one inch high. Your lawn will thus green up a bit quicker as the soil is exposed to more sunlight.