Bermuda grass is a quick growing grass that likes to be cut short. When Bermuda gets too tall, what happens is that the bottom 2/3s of the grass gets woody because now it is not getting enough light, where the top 1/3 stays green. So when it is cut you will be cutting the green off and will have a brown Bermuda yard.

It is best not to bag grass clippings. They decompose quickly and return many nutrients to the soil. If you do bag the clippings, consider composting them to use in the landscape. Begin fertilizing after the grass turns green and there is little chance of a late frost.