Bermudagrass, scientifically known as Cynodon dactylon, is a perennial warm-season grass indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. Renowned for its robust attributes, Bermudagrass is a favored option for lawns in warm climates due to its impressive resilience against drought, heat, and salt. Its hardiness extends to being wear-resistant, making it an excellent choice for lawns subject to heavy foot traffic.
This rapid-growing grass can swiftly establish itself from either seed or sod. However, its aggressive growth nature poses a challenge, as it can be challenging to control if it encroaches upon undesired areas. Despite demanding a significant level of maintenance, the undeniable outcome makes the effort worthwhile.
Identifying Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass, being a warm-season grass, enters a dormant phase during winter in colder climates. Its aggressive growth nature can lead to rapid expansion without proper management. It's important to note distinctions between Bermudagrass and crabgrass: Bermudagrass features fine-textured leaves and a white ligule, while crabgrass has broader leaves and lacks a white ligule.
Here are some other features to look for when identifying Bermudagrass:
Leaf Texture: Bermudagrass has fine-textured leaves that are sharp and pointed. The leaves are also slightly twisted.
Leaf Color: Typically light to dark green color, Bermudagrass may appear brownish-purple when it is first sprouting.
Leaf Ligule: Bermudagrass has a white ligule that is less than 1/8 inch long. The ligule is the flap of tissue that attaches the leaf blade to the leaf sheath.
Rhizomes & Stolons: Bermudagrass spreads by rhizomes and stolons. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally. Stolons are aboveground stems that grow along the surface of the soil.
Seed Heads: The seed heads are small and finger-shaped and produced in the summer.
If you are still determining whether you have Bermudagrass, consult a lawn care professional like those at Brothers Lawn Service. They will be able to identify the grass for you and recommend the best course of action for your lawn.
Life Cycle Of Bermudagrass
Understanding the life cycle of Bermudagrass is vital for its successful care and maintenance. The stages of Bermudagrass's life cycle are as follows:
Germination: Bermudagrass seeds germinate during spring when the soil temperature hits 65 degrees Fahrenheit.Seeds require warm, moist soil with an ideal temperature range of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, taking up to two weeks to germinate.
Vegetative Growth: Rapid growth occurs during spring and summer, spreading through underground rhizomes and aboveground stolons, which root at the nodes. Multiplication is prominent in spring and summer, with potential growth of up to one inch per day in optimal conditions. Rhizomes and stolons contribute to the rapid filling of bare spots, creating a dense turf.
Flowering: Bermudagrass flowers in the summer, featuring small and inconspicuous blooms. Summer sees the flowering of Bermudagrass, with inconspicuous flowers, noticeable only in areas with numerous plants.
Seed Production: Seeds develop in the fall and can remain viable in the soil for several years. Fall is the period for seed production, with small brown seeds that remain viable for several years. Wind and water often facilitate seed dispersal.
Dormancy: In cold climates, Bermudagrass goes dormant during winter, with leaves turning brown and receding. Winter dormancy in cold climates is characterized by brown, receding leaves. Despite dormancy, the roots remain active, initiating new growth in spring when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
New Growth: Spring marks the resurgence of Bermudagrass, initiating new growth when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring growth is typically green and vigorous, with Bermudagrass reaching full maturity within 2-3 months.
The duration and characteristics of Bermudagrass's life cycle may vary based on the climate. In warmer climates, Bermudagrass may not undergo dormancy and might even flower and produce seeds more than once a year.
Care & Maintenance Of Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that is relatively easy to care for, but it does need regular and consistent maintenance to stay healthy and look its best.
Here are some practical tips for caring for Bermudagrass:
Watering: Provide regular watering, especially during hot summer months. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Mowing: Regularly mow Bermudagrass to maintain a height of 1-2 inches. Avoid mowing too short, as it can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to weeds and diseases.
Fertilizing: Regularly fertilize Bermudagrass, especially in spring and summer, using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks for optimal growth.
Aeration: Consider aerating Bermudagrass, especially in compacted soils. Aeration improves soil drainage and air circulation, preventing diseases and promoting healthy root growth.
Weed Control: Bermudagrass is prone to various weeds, so control them regularly to prevent them from taking over your lawn. Herbicides are available for effective weed control in Bermudagrass lawns.
Disease Control: Monitor your lawn for signs of diseases and promptly treat any diseases detected. Fungicides can be used to control diseases in Bermudagrass lawns.
Dethatching: Remove thatch from your lawn every 2-3 years. Thatch is a layer of dead organic matter that can hinder water and air from reaching grass roots, leading to issues like disease and drought stress.
Overseeding: Enhance your lawn by overseeding with new grass in the fall or spring. This practice can thicken the lawn, improve color, and control weeds.
Soil Testing: Conduct soil testing every 2-3 years to determine pH and nutrient levels. This information helps choose the right fertilizer and lime program for your lawn.
Professional Lawn Care: Seeking the advice and assistance of lawn care experts ensures that your Bermudagrass lawn gets treatments tailored specifically to the needs of this grass type, avoiding damage from improper lawn care.
For those seeking a thriving lawn in hot and dry conditions, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and remaining resilient, Bermudagrass is an ideal choice. It's particularly suitable for individuals in dry, warm climates who desire a lawn that can endure the intense heat of southern summers. While it requires consistent care, this robust warm-season grass rewards you with a high-quality lawn that brings a sense of pride.
