Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Observe how many hours of direct sun the area gets.
- Check your mower height setting.
- Measure how long the grass has gone without a trim.
Likely causes
Insufficient sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The grass blades are thin, long, and sparse rather than thick and carpet like.
What to do: Trim back overhanging tree branches to allow more direct sun. If the area is permanently shaded, consider planting a shade tolerant groundcover instead.
Improper mowing height
PossibleHow to tell: The grass grows tall and thin because it is not being cut frequently enough.
What to do: Mow your lawn at least once a week during the growing season. Keep the height between 1 to 2 inches to encourage lateral growth.
When to worry
Worry if the grass becomes so thin that weeds start taking over. It is normal for the grass to grow faster and look slightly different during peak summer heat.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure the lawn receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your bermuda grass.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I fix leggy grass by fertilizing?
- Fertilizer will not help if the issue is a lack of light. You must increase sun exposure for the grass to thicken up.
- How short should I mow?
- Bermuda grass prefers to be kept short, usually between 1 to 2 inches. Mowing at this height encourages the grass to spread horizontally.
More problems with Bermuda grass
Back to the Bermuda grass guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.