Bermuda Grass

Overview

Bermuda grass is among the most popular warm-season turfgrasses in the southern United States. It is known for its outstanding heat and drought tolerance, vigorous growth, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a top choice for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses in warm climates.

Native to Africa, Bermuda grass has adapted to warm regions around the world. It spreads through both above-ground stolons and underground rhizomes, creating a dense and tough turf that recovers quickly from damage.

Identification Features

Identifying Bermuda grass is quite simple once you know the key features 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 growth pattern:

Climate Requirements

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 through 10
• Optimal temperature range: 80-95°F (27-35°C)
• Goes dormant below 50°F (10°C)
• Full sun needed (at least 6-8 hours daily)
• Poor shade tolerance

Soil Preferences

• pH range: 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Well-draining soil essential
• It tolerates different soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
• Salt tolerance: Moderate to high

Maintenance Requirements

Mowing

Proper mowing is crucial for maintaining the health of Bermuda grass:

• Optimal height: 0.5-1.5 inches for common Bermuda and 0.25-0.75 inches for hybrid varieties
• Frequency: 2-3 times a week during peak growing season
• Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade height in a single mow
• Use a reel mower for the best results on hybrid varieties

Watering

Bermuda grass becomes drought-tolerant once established; however, it needs proper irrigation to thrive:

• Water requirements: 1 to 1.25 inches weekly during the growing season
• Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root development
• Water your lawn in the early morning to reduce the risk of disease
• Reduce watering in the fall to help plants prepare for dormancy

Fertilization

Bermuda grass is a nutrient-intensive plant that needs regular fertilizing

• Apply 1-2 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft each month during the growing season
• Begin fertilizing when the grass starts to break dormancy (spring green-up)
• Use a complete fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 N-P-K ratio
• Stop fertilizing 4 to 6 weeks before the first expected frost

Common Problems & Solutions

Diseases

• Spring Dead Spot: The most serious disease can be prevented through proper fertilization and the application of fungicides
• Dollar Spot: Small circular patches can enhance nitrogen levels and improve air circulation
• Brown Patch: Large, irregular patches are present; avoid watering in the evening and using excessive nitrogen

Pests

• Armyworms: It can quickly damage lawns, so it’s important to monitor the situation and treat it promptly
• Grubs: Focus on feeding the roots and apply preventive treatments in early summer
• Mole crickets: Create a tunnel through the soil and apply targeted insecticides

Weeds

Bermuda grass grows densely, effectively crowding out weeds. However, using pre-emergent herbicides may be necessary for optimal results

• Crabgrass
• Annual bluegrass
• Goosegrass
• Nutsedge

Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Excellent heat and drought resistance
• Rapid growth and swift healing after damage
• High traffic tolerance
• Dense, lush turf when properly maintained
• Good salt tolerance for coastal regions

Disadvantages

• Poor shade tolerance
• Goes dormant and turns brown during winter
• High maintenance requirements
• Aggressive growth can overtake flower beds
• Needs frequent mowing during the growing season

Popular Bermuda Grass Varieties

• Common Bermuda: Raised from seed, this option has a coarser texture and is more affordable
• Tifway 419: Commonly used hybrid for sports fields and golf courses
• TifTuf: Enhanced drought tolerance and increased resistance to wear
• Celebration: The deep blue-green color exhibits good shade tolerance for Bermuda grass
• Latitude 36: A cold-hardy variety that allows for an extended growing zone further north