Things to Know About Bermuda Grass 

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Lawn Care

One popular option among businesses and homeowners searching for a resilient and lush ground cover is Bermuda grass. It can handle modest to heavy traffic and is both drought and heat tolerant. This special warm-season grass will survive under perfect conditions, whether mixed in with other selections of grass seed or used alone. However, knowing what those conditions are the secret to Bermuda grass care.

The Basics

While Bermuda grass originated in Africa and India, it was introduced to the U.S. through Bermuda. This type of grass does best in subtropical and tropical climates since it needs a huge deal of sunlight to maintain healthy growth and appearance. This includes the coastal regions and the southern United States. The characteristics of Bermuda grass, such as a fast recovery period, ability to thrive in almost every form of soil condition, and long root system, make it perfectly suited for any quantity of applications. This includes putting greens, fairways sports fields, and yards.

Taking Care of Bermuda Grass

1. Mow

  • Unless scalping for the first spring mow, prevent bagging.
  • Always utilize a sharp blade.
  • Frequently mow enough that no more than 1/3 of the blade is cut at a time.
  • Begin mowing in the spring when the grass turns green.
  • Maintain a height of around ½ to 2 ½ inches.

2. Water

  • Once a week, you need deep water. Saturate the soil to a depth of around 6 inches.
  • Only irrigate when required.

3. Weed Control for Bermuda Grass

  • Don’t exceed more than 2 to 3 applications of herbicide every year.
  • Broadleaf weeds might be managed using post-emergence applications. Always follow the instructions on the label.
  • After the threat of winter injury, apply pre-emergent herbicides for summer and spring weeds.

4. Aerate

  • Before the application of fertilizer, you have to aerate the lawn early in the summer.

5. Fertilize

  • Apply ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen fertilizer in every 1000 square feet of grass during the growing season.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bermuda Grass

Is Bermuda grass the perfect option for your business or house? The type of grass you select will have an impact on the maintenance requirements and aesthetics for your lawn. Thus, before calling a Pflugerville lawn care for Bermuda grass installation, it is crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  1. Easy to Grow – Bermuda grass care is made easier by its willingness to grow in the right light and climate conditions.
  2. Resilient – It does not wear easily and is strong enough to endure high traffic.
  3. Drought and heat tolerant – It can endure harsh conditions. This includes drought and high temperatures. However, it does need watering at least every week to stay healthy.

Cons

  1. Shade Intolerant – It needs a minimum of 6 hours of sun. If it receives little to no sunlight, growth can become sparse and thin.
  2. Aggressive – It is hard to contain. It might require extra work to keep it from spreading to unwanted places.
  3. Intolerant to cold – To transform this lush green grass into a straw-like and faded consistency, it only requires several days of cold weather.