A turfgrass for warm climates, Bermudagrass forms a dense lawn that stands up to traffic and heat.
In areas with cool winters, Bermudagrass moves into dormancy in late fall.
Bermudagrass requires frequent mowingat least once a week during the summerand grows best with regular moisture.
Credit:Kim Cornelison
Where to Plant Bermudagrass
Plant Bermudagrass where it will receive at least eight hours offull sundaily.
Bermudagrass tolerates a variety of soil types, from clay to sand.
Like most grass species, it grows best in soil that is well-drained.
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Dont plant it in boggy soil or areas that flood frequently.
Bermudagrass tolerates salty spray and saline conditions as long as it receives full sun.
It can beplanted from sod, plugs, or sprigs orestablished from seed.
Credit:Adam Albright
However, some cultivars available from seed have a coarse appearance and less-than-vigorous growth habit.
Most Bermudagrass lawns are started from sod, plugs, or sprigs.
No matter which method you use, soil preparation is important.
Regular irrigation is essential for the first six weeks after planting Bermudagrass.
Then, water once a day, applying 14- to 12-inch of water each day for about 10 days.
Dont mow or fertilize a new Bermudagrass lawn until it establishes a sound root system.
Plan to begin mowing about two to three weeks after planting.Wait to fertilizeuntil about two months after planting.
Plant it where it will receive no less than eight hours of full sun daily.
It quickly languishes when planted in shady areas.
It grows well in sandy soil, provided it receives ample nutrients.
It also grows well in clay when standing water isnt present.
Dont plant it in areas that flood regularly or depressions where boggy conditions are common.
Bermudagrass grows best with at least 1 inch of water per week.
Wilt and a color change from green to blue-green indicate the grass needs moisture.
Bermudagrass doesnt weather drought well.
Temperature and Humidity
Bermudagrass thrives in heat and humidity.
It grows best when daytime highs are 90F and above.
Cold temperatures limit where it grows well.
When the average daytime temperature drops below 50F, Bermudagrass stops growing and goes dormant.
Expect leaves and shoots to slowly turn brown, but the root system remains alive.
Temperatures below 10F kill the entire plant.
Bermudagrass grows well in high humidity.
Heat and humidity lead to the vigorous growth of this warm-season grass.
It will grow in arid climates, but irrigation is necessary to supply its water needs.
Fertilizer
A soil test helps determine the right fertilizer plan for Bermudagrass.
Nitrogen is the most common nutrient needed, as it fuels the vigorous growth of Bermudagrass.
Mowing
Bermudagrass requiresfrequent mowingin spring and summer.
It has the best appearance when maintained at 1 12 to 2 inches tall.
Use the one-third rule as a guide to know when to mow.
Returngrass clippingsto the lawn.
They break down and provide valuable nutrients.
Mowing is much less frequent in winter when Bermudagrass growth slows.
Begin mowing again in spring as soon as it is actively growing.
Pests and Problems
Several pests and diseases plague Bermudagrass.
Weeds can quickly overtake Bermudagrass in poor growing conditions.
Maintain a thriving, healthy stand of Bermudagrass, and it will outcompete the weeds.
Like weed pests, insect pests are more prevalent in a Bermudagrass lawn that is struggling to grow.
Mow and fertilize appropriately for a healthy lawn that is less susceptible to insect pests.
Disease problems with Bermudagrass lawns include dollar spot, large patch, and several others.
Over-irrigation and too much fertilization can quickly lead to disease problems.
Keep the soil consistently moist to foster fast root growth and plant establishment.
Bermudagrass spreads vigorously on top of the ground by surface roots called stolons and underground by rhizomes.
Types of Bermudagrass
There are many Bermudagrass cultivars.
It tolerates foot traffic and some shade.
Yukon
Cynodon dactylon Yukon is a fine-textured variety known for better winter hardiness than most Bermudagrass cultivars.
It is easy to maintain and seldom experiences severe disease or pest problems.White grubsare its most common pest.
Riviera
Riviera exhibits excellent winter hardiness; it is among the most cold-tolerant varieties.
It is salt tolerant and can survive some flooding.
It is also one of the highest-quality Bermudagrasses available in seed form.
Other popular seeded types include Bradley, Cheyenne, Mirage, and Princess.
These cultivars have a dark green color, strong root systems, and a moderately dense growth habit.
They require less maintenance than other Bermudagrass cultivars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lawn clippings are a great source of nutrients.
They break down quickly, adding nitrogen to the soil.
If they are well-distributed and finely chopped, you’re free to leave clippings on the turf.
When Bermudagrass changes from deep green to blue-green, it is signaling a need for moisture.
Bermudagrass grows more vigorously as temperatures increase, using more of its water reserves in the process.
When rainfall doesnt provide an inch of water per week, irrigate as needed to make up the difference.
When average daily temperatures are 50F and below, Bermudagrass goes into dormancy.
For a green lawn in winter,overseed with annual ryegrass.
