- Characteristics of Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Regions Where Bermudagrass is Most Common<\/a><\/li>
- Care of Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Types of Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Bermudagrass as a Weed<\/a><\/li>
- Is Bermudagrass Right for Your Lawn?<\/a><\/li>
- When to Call a LawnStarter Pro\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
![\"Infographic](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bermudagrass-infographic-LS-646x1848.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodgriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Characteristics of Bermudagrass<\/h2>
It\u2019s a warm-season grass<\/h3>
As a warm-season grass<\/a>, bermudagrass will turn brown and enter dormancy when cold winter arrives. In warmer temperatures, bermudagrass will green up and resume active growth. Consider overseeding<\/a> in the fall with ryegrass to help maintain a year-round green color. <\/p>
It has high wear tolerance<\/h3>
Bermudagrass is a terrific choice for active backyards where kids and pets play. In fact, that ability to withstand heavy traffic has made bermudagrass a popular choice for sports fields. <\/p>
It has high drought tolerance<\/h3>
Bermudagrass tolerates prolonged dry spells. Drought will cause bermudagrass to enter dormancy and turn brown as it does in winter, but unlike grasses with low drought tolerance, bermudagrass has a higher capacity to survive. <\/p>
Fun Fact:<\/strong> Bermudagrass has an even higher drought-tolerance<\/a> than Zoysiagrass. <\/p>
It has high salt tolerance <\/h3>
Bermudagrass has a high salt tolerance, which makes it a smart choice for coastal areas and inland regions that may occasionally get whipped with salt spray from hurricanes and tropical storms. <\/p>
Why is salt tolerance important? <\/strong>Salt can affect your lawn\u2019s health through saltwater intrusion, poor irrigation quality, or rock and mineral erosion. Grass with a high salt tolerance will better resist this exposure, particularly for lawns growing in coastal environments.<\/p>
It has high heat tolerance<\/h3>
Bermudagrass can take the heat better than other warm season grasses. This also explains why bermudagrass is common in some of the hottest regions of the U.S. <\/p>
Yes, warm-season grass can experience heat stress, despite preferring warmer temperatures, but bermudagrass can withstand extreme heat temperatures.<\/p>
It has poor shade tolerance<\/h3>
You were hoping for another high tolerant trait, weren’t you? There is no such thing as a miracle grass (if there were, you can trust we’d tell you about it). <\/p>
Bermudagrass has a low shade tolerance and should not be grown underneath tree canopies, building overhangs, or other shade sources. <\/p>
It can be a weed<\/h3>
Bermudagrass spreads rapidly by stolons (above ground stems), rhizomes (underground stems), and seeds and has a deep-root system. Its rapid growth can make it difficult to control in flower beds and walkways. (See bermudagrass as a weed below.)<\/p>
It\u2019s high maintenance<\/h3>
If we haven\u2019t said it enough already, bermudagrass will require management and proper care. If you can extend your maintenance regimen, bermudagrass will provide you with a high-quality lawn or sports field. If you prefer lower management requirements, consider using bermudagrass for areas in need of erosion control<\/a>. <\/p>
Regions Where Bermudagrass is Most Common<\/h2>
Bermudagrass is common in Australia, Africa, India, South America, and the Southern region of the United States, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension<\/a>. <\/p>
Bermudagrass was likely introduced to the United States from Africa or India. <\/p>
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension suggests that the introduction of bermudagrass<\/a> occurred when slaves were tranported to America and bermudagrass was used for their bedding. <\/p>
<\/p>
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-646x408.jpg\")
<\/figure> Bermudagrass can be found from New Jersey and Maryland southward to Florida and westward to Kansas and Texas, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension. This turf is a warm-season grass and prefers areas that have a warmer climate throughout the year. <\/p>
Unlike cool-season grasses<\/a>, bermudagrass won’t thrive well up north where temperatures are colder. Yet there are some bermudagrass cultivars in which the turf is bred to have more cold-tolerance, thereby extending its distribution to some northern areas. <\/p>
Bermudagrass cultivars with a high cold-tolerance may also make a suitable turf for lawns in the transition zone<\/a>. Homeowners in the transition zone often experience scorching summers and frigid winters that make it challenging to find a grass that thrives in either season. <\/p>
That’s why transition homeowners typically opt for a cool- or warm-season cultivar that is resistant to cold or hot temperatures. <\/p>
Care of Bermudagrass<\/h2>
Disease control<\/h3>
Bermudagrass is most susceptible to large patch<\/a>, dollar spot<\/a>, and spring dead spot<\/a>, particularly during its growing season. Large patch and dollar spot are fungal diseases that typically occur during warm, wet weather. <\/p>
To help reduce disease problems, ensure your bermudagrass has adequate soil drainage, thatch removal, and fertilizer. Avoid overwatering your lawn. <\/p>
Mowing<\/h3>
The optimum mowing height for common bermudagrass is between 1 to 2 inches, while hybrid varieties frown best at 1\/2 to 1.5 inches. <\/p>
If your lawn is under environmental stress, such as drought or heat, raise the mowing height until the stress has passed. If you are growing a cultivar in partial shade, keep the mowing height to 2 inches.<\/p>
For a higher quality bermudagrass lawn, mow your lawn frequently and keep it at a lower height. Make sure to avoid scalping, which will expose the turf\u2019s stems if you mow too low. <\/p>
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Mow your grass with sharpened mower blades<\/a>. Dull mower blades may rip your grass rather than cut it, causing it to be more susceptible to disease. <\/p>
Fertilization<\/h3>
Your fertilizing regime will be determined based on the results of a soil test<\/a>. The Home & Garden Information Center at the Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends soil-testing bermudagrass<\/a> in the spring through January and April. <\/p>
Bermudagrass grows best at a soil pH of 6 to 6.5. If the pH is higher, consider applying sulfur to lower it. <\/p>
The Clemson Cooperative Extension does not recommend fertilizing with nitrogen<\/a> in early spring, as an unpredicted frost may damage your lawn after fertilization. <\/p>
The NC State Extension suggests applying 1\u20442 to 1 pound of nitrogen<\/a> per 1,000 square feet several weeks after the grass turns green, typically in early April or May.<\/p>
If your bermudagrass lawn is yellowing, this may indicate an iron or manganese deficiency. Consider applying a chelated iron product or manganese sulfate as a remedy. <\/p>
- Regions Where Bermudagrass is Most Common<\/a><\/li>