How to Care for Bermuda Grass in Georgia’s Clay Soil: A Homeowner’s Guide

If you’re a homeowner in Cumming, Georgia, and your lawn is covered in Bermuda grass, you’re in good company. This warm-season grass is a popular choice throughout North Georgia thanks to its durability, drought resistance, and attractive appearance. But there’s a catch—Georgia’s notorious red clay soil can make lawn care a little trickier than expected.

At Pannone’s Lawn Pros & Landscaping, we understand how soil composition affects your lawn’s success. Clay soil has its quirks, and Bermuda grass has its preferences. Pairing the two means understanding how to work with the soil rather than against it.

If your lawn has bare patches, thinning areas, or you just want to elevate your curb appeal, here’s your guide to growing thick, healthy Bermuda grass in North Georgia’s clay-heavy terrain.

Understanding Georgia’s Clay Soil

Cumming and surrounding areas in Forsyth County are known for dense, compact clay soil. This type of soil:

• Drains poorly, leading to standing water and soggy patches
• Compacts easily, suffocating grassroots
• Has a high nutrient content, but nutrients aren’t always accessible to plants
• Becomes hard as concrete in dry weather and sticky in the rain

This isn’t the ideal environment for Bermuda grass, which thrives in well-draining, loose soil. But with a few adjustments and the right care routine, you can create conditions where Bermuda grass not only survives—but thrives.

Start With a Soil Test

Before doing anything, we recommend a soil test. This simple but powerful step reveals your soil’s pH and nutrient levels so you can correct imbalances early.

Bermuda grass prefers a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, Pannone’s team can help you amend it with lime or sulfur as needed.

Clay soil often holds onto nutrients, but they may not be available to grass roots unless the soil is properly conditioned. That’s where soil preparation comes in.

Improve Drainage and Soil Structure

One of the most important things you can do for Bermuda grass is aerate your lawn regularly. In clay soil, this helps:

• Relieve compaction
• Improve water and nutrient absorption
• Promote deeper root growth

We recommend core aeration at least once a year—typically in spring or early summer when Bermuda grass is actively growing. Aeration opens up the soil, making it easier for grass roots to expand and take hold.

In addition, topdressing with sand or organic compost after aeration can gradually improve soil texture over time, allowing Bermuda grass to flourish.

Mowing Matters—Height and Frequency

Bermuda grass likes to be cut short, but not too short. The sweet spot is usually between 1 and 1.5 inches. Cutting too high can make the grass look ragged; cutting too low can stress the plant and expose soil.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Use a sharp mower blade to avoid tearing the grass
• Never remove more than ⅓ of the grass height in a single mowing
• Mow frequently—every 5–7 days during peak growing season
• Bag your clippings if you’re seeing signs of thatch buildup

Consistent mowing encourages horizontal spreading (via stolons), which leads to dense, carpet-like turf.

Watering the Right Way

One of the biggest challenges with clay soil is water retention. It’s easy to overwater, especially during Georgia’s humid summers.

Stick to these best practices:

• Water deeply and infrequently—about 1 inch per week, including rainfall
• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
• Watch for signs of overwatering: puddles, fungus, or discolored patches

Use a screwdriver test—if you can’t easily push a screwdriver into the soil, it’s time to water. If it glides right in, your soil still has moisture.

Fertilization in Clay Soil

Clay soils in Georgia tend to be nutrient-rich, but that doesn’t mean your lawn doesn’t need fertilizer. Bermuda grass is a high-maintenance grass that thrives on nitrogen.

Your fertilization plan should include:

• A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Nitrogen-heavy feedings in summer
• A light application of potassium-rich fertilizer in early fall to strengthen roots before winter dormancy

Too much fertilizer can lead to disease and excessive thatch, so timing and quantity matter. At Pannone’s Lawn Pros, we create custom fertilization schedules for lawns across Cumming and Forsyth County.

Keep Thatch Under Control

Bermuda grass spreads aggressively, and over time, this can lead to a layer of thatch—a dense mat of dead grass stems and roots that prevents water and nutrients from reaching the soil.

If your thatch layer is more than ½ inch thick, it’s time to:

• Aerate the lawn
• Dethatch mechanically or with a dethatching rake
• Topdress with compost to break down organic matter

Staying ahead of thatch prevents disease, improves drainage, and keeps your Bermuda lawn looking green and lush.

Weed and Pest Control in Cumming Lawns

Clay soil can harbor pests like grubs, which damage grassroots and create brown patches. Bermuda grass can also fall victim to weeds like crabgrass and nutsedge if not properly maintained.

To stay ahead of problems:

• Apply pre-emergent weed control in early spring
• Treat visible weeds with targeted spot treatments
• Monitor for insect activity and call in a pro if you notice thinning areas or turf that lifts easily

We offer seasonal weed and pest control packages to protect your lawn year-round—because healthy grass is your best defense against both.

A Local Team That Knows Georgia Soil

At Pannone’s Lawn Pros & Landscaping, we’ve spent years helping Cumming homeowners get the most out of their lawns, even in the red clay soil that defines this part of Georgia. Our lawn care programs are customized to your property, your grass type, and your goals.

Whether you need help with seasonal fertilization, aeration, weed control, or full-service maintenance, we’re here to help your Bermuda grass thrive from spring green-up through fall dormancy.

Ready to Reclaim Your Lawn?

If you’re tired of fighting with thinning grass or struggling to grow a healthy lawn in Georgia clay, let the experts step in. Contact Pannone’s Lawn Pros in Cumming today to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your soil, design a custom care plan, and help you achieve the lush Bermuda lawn you’ve always wanted.