Is it Too Early to Scalp Bermuda Grass

I installed celebration Bermuda last year and I’m still learning how to take care of it. I’ve checked out the Bermuda Bible that’s often recommended. It mentions that you should scalp and apply pre-emergent in February. However, I’m already starting to see some green. Should I go ahead and scalp now? When should I time the pre-emergent?

Just to note, I’m in central California, specifically zone 9b. We’ve seen lows in the mid to low 30s (some frost) and highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. No rain in sight.

I suggest waiting until the chance of a cold snap decreases, usually after Valentine’s Day. Then scalp and apply pre-emergent.

Scalping in January is pretty wild.

Shannon said:
Scalping in January is pretty wild.

Absolutely insane

Oakley said:

Shannon said:
Scalping in January is pretty wild.

Absolutely insane

Totally ludicrous

Rey said:

Oakley said:
Shannon said:
Scalping in January is pretty wild.

Absolutely insane

Totally ludicrous

Who called for ludicrous

I’d wait a few more weeks. Then scalp and put down pre-emergent around February 10th.

Riley said:
I’d wait a few more weeks. Then scalp and put down pre-emergent around February 10th.

That’s my birthday

Riley said:
I’d wait a few more weeks. Then scalp and put down pre-emergent around February 10th.

What do you think about using Prodiamine for pre-emergent?

Riley said:
I’d wait a few more weeks. Then scalp and put down pre-emergent around February 10th.

That’s my plan too. Just wanted to make sure I’m not waiting too long.

DO NOT cut it. I have 20 years of experience. Let it grow and turn green before thatching. Cutting is a big mistake. I learned the hard way for several years. Weeds will take any chance they get, even with pre-emergent. Letting it grow provides protection as the dead grass helps shield the new growth. Thatching breaks the strands and damages future growth. Be careful with what others say.

@Avi
What exactly is thatch?

For some reason, I thought people burned Bermuda grass with a flamethrower.

Milo said:
For some reason, I thought people burned Bermuda grass with a flamethrower.

That definitely used to be my thinking

You’re about a month or two early. It’s best to scalp right before it breaks dormancy to avoid leaving a mud pit.

I’m jealous of you gearing up for the grass season. I’m looking at 2 inches of snow outside right now in NYC, and we’ve had a week of cold weather. I won’t be thinking about grass until St. Patrick’s Day.

Remind me to check back in a month

Don’t stress about the green that’s coming up. It’s just the start of growth. Wait until the real growth kicks in. Anyone mentioning Valentine’s Day for your area is right on point.

This might be odd, but here’s my routine. I always end the season at the third height setting. In February, I lower it one notch to start the pre-scalp. When I see green at around 40-60%, I go to the lowest setting for the final scalp. After that, I mow on the second notch until summer heat comes, then I raise it back to the third.

Going a month into spring is the best way.