Overview
Bermuda grass is one of the most popular warm-season turfgrasses in the southern United States. Known for its exceptional heat and drought tolerance, aggressive growth habit, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, Bermuda grass is a top choice for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses in warm climates.
Native to Africa, Bermuda grass has adapted well to warm regions worldwide. It spreads through both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes, creating a dense, durable turf that recovers quickly from damage.
Identification Features
Identifying Bermuda grass is relatively straightforward once you know what to look for:
- Blade texture: Fine to medium texture with sharp, pointed tips
- Color: Gray-green to dark green depending on variety
- Growth pattern: Spreads aggressively via stolons and rhizomes
- Blade width: 2-4mm wide
- Seed head: Distinctive finger-like seed heads with 3-7 spikes
- Ligule: Ring of white hairs
- Vernation: Folded in the bud
Growing Conditions
Bermuda grass thrives in specific conditions that match its warm-season nature:
Climate Requirements
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Optimal temperature range: 80-95°F (27-35°C)
- Goes dormant below 50°F (10°C)
- Full sun required (minimum 6-8 hours daily)
- Poor shade tolerance
Soil Preferences
- pH range: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Well-draining soil essential
- Tolerates various soil types including clay and sandy soils
- Salt tolerance: Moderate to high
Maintenance Requirements
Mowing
Proper mowing is crucial for maintaining healthy Bermuda grass:
- Optimal height: 0.5-1.5 inches for common Bermuda, 0.25-0.75 inches for hybrid varieties
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week during peak growing season
- Never remove more than 1/3 of blade height in single mowing
- Use reel mower for best results on hybrid varieties
Watering
While drought-tolerant once established, Bermuda grass performs best with proper irrigation:
- Water needs: 1-1.25 inches per week during growing season
- Deep, infrequent watering promotes deep root growth
- Water early morning to reduce disease risk
- Reduce watering in fall to prepare for dormancy
Fertilization
Bermuda grass is a heavy feeder requiring regular fertilization:
- Apply 1-2 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft monthly during growing season
- Start fertilizing when grass breaks dormancy (spring green-up)
- Use complete fertilizer with 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 N-P-K ratio
- Stop fertilizing 4-6 weeks before first expected frost
Common Problems & Solutions
Diseases
- Spring Dead Spot: Most serious disease; prevent with proper fertilization and fungicide applications
- Dollar Spot: Small circular patches; improve nitrogen levels and air circulation
- Brown Patch: Large irregular patches; avoid evening watering and excessive nitrogen
Pests
- Armyworms: Can devastate lawns quickly; monitor and treat promptly
- Grubs: Feed on roots; apply preventive treatments in early summer
- Mole crickets: Tunnel through soil; use targeted insecticides
Weeds
Bermuda grass's dense growth helps crowd out weeds, but pre-emergent herbicides may be needed for:
- Crabgrass
- Annual bluegrass
- Goosegrass
- Nutsedge
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Excellent heat and drought tolerance
- Fast growth and quick recovery from damage
- High traffic tolerance
- Dense, attractive turf when properly maintained
- Good salt tolerance for coastal areas
Disadvantages
- Poor shade tolerance
- Goes dormant and turns brown in winter
- High maintenance requirements
- Aggressive growth can invade flower beds
- Requires frequent mowing during growing season
Popular Bermuda Grass Varieties
- Common Bermuda: Grown from seed, coarser texture, more affordable
- Tifway 419: Popular hybrid for sports fields and golf courses
- TifTuf: Superior drought tolerance and wear resistance
- Celebration: Deep blue-green color, good shade tolerance for Bermuda
- Latitude 36: Cold-hardy variety extending growing zone northward
