If you’re considering bermuda grass as your new lawn, you’ll want to read this first. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of bermuda grass so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right choice for your home.
We’ll talk about the benefits of bermudagrass, as well as some of the potential drawbacks. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to make a decision about whether a bermudagrass lawn is right for you!
What is Bermuda grass and where does it grow?
Bermuda grass, also known as devil’s grass is a type of turfgrass that is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of the world like the Bermuda area. It’s a warm-season grass, which means that it grows best in southern states and climates where temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has a deep and dense root system that helps it to withstand drought conditions. The roots can grow up to six feet deep, which allows the plant to access moisture and nutrients that other plants cannot reach.
This deep root system also makes bermudagrass less likely to be uprooted by heavy foot traffic or severe weather conditions.
When it’s healthy, this grass is a beautiful fast growing grass, with a lush green color. The blades of bermudagrass are fine and sharp, which gives the turf a smooth, velvety appearance. A well-maintained bermudagrass lawn will be free of weeds and have a consistent growth pattern.
It is not uncommon for the blades of bermudagrass to have a purple or red tint. The color of bermudagrass will depend on the amount of nitrogen in the soil.
Soil with a higher nitrogen content will result in a deeper green color, while soil with a lower nitrogen content will produce a lighter green color.
When bermudagrass is struggling to survive, it may be found in hues of yellow, orange, and brown. These colors are typically the result of drought stress or disease.
Benefits of Bermuda Grass Lawns Over Other
There are many reasons why bermudagrass may be preferred over other grass types amongst homeowners.
- A drought-tolerant warm-season grass type.
- It has a very deep root system.
- Holds up well to extreme foot traffic
- Bermuda grass is relatively easy to establish.
- Can be cut shorter than other grass types.
- Less susceptible to weed and pest invasions.
Drought Tolerance
Merriam Webster’s bermuda grass definition saysĀ “a creeping stoloniferous southern European grass (Cynodon dactylon) often used as a lawn and pasture grass.” It’s a very drought-tolerant grass, which means that it can survive extended periods of time without water. This is an important quality for any grass type, but it’s especially important for bermudagrass because it is native to regions of the world that experience long periods of drought.
Since bermudagrass doesn’t require a lot of water to stay healthy it is especially beneficial in areas where water restrictions are in place. This can also be an advantage economically if you have lots of square footage on your property to contend with.
Deep Roots
As we talked about before, bermudagrass has a very deep root system. This is important for a few reasons. First, the deep roots allow the plant to access moisture and nutrients that other plants cannot reach.
Second, the deep roots make bermudagrass less likely to be uprooted by heavy foot traffic or severe weather conditions. This is why this grass typs is found on athletic fields, business properties, and even your local golf courses.
Finally, the deep roots help bermudagrass to withstand drought conditions. When other plants are wilting and dying due to a lack of water, bermudagrass is still able to thrive. This is because the roots can reach down deep into the ground where there is still moisture.
Traffic Resistance
A major advantage of bermuda grass type is that it’s one of the few types of grass that can withstand high traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. This is due to the fact that bermudagrass has a very dense growth habit, meaning the blades of grass are closely packed together.
This allows bermudagrass to better resist being trampled or mowed over, compared to other types of grass that have a more open growth habit. This is one of the main reasons why bermudagrass is often used on sports fields, golf courses, and other high traffic areas.
If you have kids or pets that spend a lot of time in your grass, bermuda grass is a good option to consider because it will be able to withstand heavy traffic without being damaged.
Bermuda grass’s strong root system helps to further increase its traffic resistance. The deep roots help to hold the grass in place, even when it is being heavily used.
This is why bermuda grass is often used on slopes or other areas where erosion control is important like a golf course. The deep roots help to keep the soil in place, preventing it from washing away or being eroded by heavy rains or runoff.
Easy to Plant Bermuda Grass
This grass type is one of the easiest lawns to establish during the growing season. It can be started from bermuda grass sod or good old fashion seeds, and doesnāt require a lot of special care or attention to get started.Ā
For most homeowners, bermuda grass is a very easy lawn to establish from seed, sod or grass plugs.
New Bermuda Grass Seed
Starting bermuda from seed is a relatively easy process. You will need to till or loosen the soil in the area you want to plant the bermuda grass seed, and then simply sow the seeds.Ā
Once the seed has been sown, you will need to keep the area moist by watering regularly until the grass has germinated and begun to grow. This grass seed is in large a lot easier than other seeds when trying to establish new turf.
New Bermuda Grass Sod
Starting with bermuda grass sod, during the growing season is also an easy process. Provided the soil temperature is ideal, you will need to prepare the area where you want to lay the sod. Start by removing any existing vegetation, tilling or loosening the soil, and then leveling the area.
Once the area is prepared, you can lay the sod in strips, making sure to overlap the edges of each strip so that there are no gaps. Once the sod is in place, you will need to water it regularly until it has rooted and begun to grow.
Manicuring
If this is your choice of grass it will require regular mowing, however, to keep it looking its best homeowners should not go long periods between each time their lawn is mowed. Cutting helps to thicken the turf and prevent weeds from taking over.
For those homeowners who like to keep their lawn short, bermuda grass can be mowed short, which gives it a well-manicured appearance or left a bit longer for a more natural look.Ā
Some people find that cutting bermuda is easier than other grass because it grows in tight clumps. This means that there are fewer straggly pieces to deal with when cutting.
Bermuda grass also tends to be less likely to develop brown patches from scalping or cutting too low. Overall, bermuda grass requires consistent and sometimes frequent mowing, but when maintained properly these lawns are considered amongst the best looking for typical homes, as well as commercial property landscapes.
Weed and Pest
This lawn type is also relatively resistant to both weeds and pests. Weeds can be a big problem in lawns, but bermuda grass is less likely to be overrun by them. This is because bermuda grows so densely. However should you ever run into an issue with weeds, see our list of the top 5 weed killers for bermuda grass.
Pests can also wreak havoc on lawns, but bermuda is relatively resistant to pests as well. This means that homeowners won’t have to use as many pesticides and herbicides to keep their bermuda lawns looking nice.
Drawbacks of Bermuda Grass Lawns Compared to Others
Now that we’ve looked at all the ways bermuda grass is special and all it has to offer for homeowners, lets now take a look at how some of those same advantages we like to see about our perfect lawn on paper, turn out to be the very thing that makes us want to set the lawn on fire and give up.
While bermuda grass may be a good option for some homeowners, here are also some cons of bermuda grass lawn that should be considered before pulling the trigger.
Maintenance
Bermuda grass is a very high-maintenance grass and requires more care than other grass types. This includes weekly mowing, fertilizing, and watering your bermuda grass frequently.
Controlling bermuda can be difficult and time-consuming. Once bermuda grass has been established, it is very difficult to get rid of. This is because of that solid root system, bermuda grass grows deep into the soil, making it hard to kill with herbicides.
Another one of the cons of bermuda grass is that is grows very fast. Because of this rapid growth, frequent mowing is required to keep it well-manicured.
Invasive to Flower Beds
Bermuda grass is also invasive to neighboring vegetation, therefore controlling this grass can be difficult because of its aggressive nature. It can easily take over other grass types in your lawn, as well as your flower bed and gardens.
Once bermuda grass has taken over, it is very difficult to get rid of. This is because the roots of the grass grow deep and may require special care and attention in order to prevent it from taking over unwanted areas.
Climate
This grass type is not known for its shade tolerance, nor does it do very well in cold weather as other grasses. Homeowners in colder climates may want to consider another type of grass that will better tolerate the freezing temperatures and snowfall.
Bermuda grass thrives in southern areas with full sun warm climates. Which means it goes dormant during the winter months. This also means your grass will turn brown, dieback, and won’t turn green again until springtime when the warmer full sun weather returns.
Winters can be tough on bermuda grass, and it may not always come back as strong as you would like in the spring with green grass. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you might want to consider another type of grass for your lawn.
Fungus
Bermuda does not have the disease resistance that other grass types have. Making it susceptible to brown patch, large patch, and other common diseases that affect bermuda grass.
Both of these diseases are caused by fungi, and they can cause your lawn to die back or turn brown in patches. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, or if you have poor drainage in your yard, you may be more likely to experience these diseases.
Though not common, bermuda can fall victim to chinch bugs. Chinch bugs are tiny insects that feed on the juice of grass plants. They can cause your lawn to turn yellow and die in patches.
Conclusion
Bermudagrass is a great option for homeowners looking for an attractive yet durable grass type. At the same time it’s a high-maintenance grass that requires more care than some homeowners may desire.Ā
It’s also an invasive grass that can take over other vegetation on your property, as well as flower beds and gardens.
Additionally, it’s doesn’t really favor cold weather as other types and is more susceptible to disease. Overall, there are several pros and cons to bermuda that should be considered before deciding to establish a lawn.
While these drawbacks and desired qualities do exist, for what it’s worth it is a good choice for those who want the best-looking lawn on the block.
If youāre considering installing bermuda in your yard, be sure to weigh these pros and cons carefully and ultimately choose a variety that fits your needs and budget.
Whatās your favorite part of lawn maintenance? For me, itās definitely mowing my lawn ā thereās nothing like a freshly cut green lawn!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to cut bermuda grass?
Bermuda needs to be cut frequently, at least once a week. This is because the grass grows quickly and can become overgrown if not properly maintained.
Is it difficult to plant bermuda grass?
No, Bermuda can be established by seed or sod. Either chosen method is not very difficult at all to start.
Will bermuda grass take over my yard?
Bermuda is aggressive grass that can easily take over other types of vegetation on your property. It’s important to have a well-defined plan in place to prevent the bermuda grass from spreading into unwanted areas.
How do I control weeds in my bermuda grass lawn?
Bermuda grass is tough grass that can crowd out weeds. However, if you do have weeds in your bermuda lawn, you can control them by hand-pulling or using a herbicide. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying any type of herbicide to your lawn.
What is the best fertilizer for bermuda grass?
A slow-release fertilizer is the best option for bermuda grass. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fertilizer to your lawn.Ā
Over-fertilizing can damage the grass, so it’s important to apply the proper amount of fertilizer as directed on the bag it came in.
