What Is Bermudagrass?

Bermudagrass, also known as Cynodon dactylon, is a perennial warm-season grass that is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Bermudagrass is a popular choice for lawns in warm climates because it is very drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and salt-tolerant. This hardy grass is wear-resistant and resilient, making it a good choice for lawns with a lot of foot traffic.

Bermudagrass is a fast-growing grass that can be established quickly from seed or sod. It is also a very aggressive grower, so it can be difficult to control if it spreads into unwanted areas. It requires a high amount of maintenance, but the end result is undeniably worth it.

Identifying Bermudagrass

Here are some ways to identify Bermudagrass:

• Leaf texture: Bermudagrass has fine-textured leaves that are sharp and pointed. The leaves are also slightly twisted.
• Leaf color: Bermudagrass is typically a light to dark green color. However, it may appear brownish-purple when it is first sprouting.
• Leaf ligule: The ligule is the flap of tissue that attaches the leaf blade to the leaf sheath. Bermudagrass has a white ligule that is less than 1/8 inch long.
• Rhizomes and 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.
• Seedheads: Bermudagrass produces seedheads in the summer. The seedheads are small and finger-shaped.

Here are some other things to look for when identifying Bermudagrass:

• Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass, so it will go dormant in the winter in cold climates.
• Bermudagrass is a very aggressive grower, so it can quickly take over an area without control.
• Bermudagrass is often confused with crabgrass, but there are some key differences between the two blades of grass. Bermudagrass has fine-textured leaves, while crabgrass has broad leaves. Bermudagrass also has a white ligule, while crabgrass does not.

If you are unsure whether you have Bermudagrass, consult a lawn care professional like those at Summit Lawns. They will be able to identify the grass for you and recommend the best course of action for your lawn.

Lifecycle Of Bermudagrass

Being familiar with the lifecycle of bermudagrass is essential to be able to care and maintain it successfully. The lifecycle of Bermudagrass is as follows:

• Germination: Bermudagrass seeds germinate in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Vegetative growth: Bermudagrass grows rapidly in the spring and summer. It spreads by rhizomes and stolons, which are underground and aboveground stems that root at the nodes.
• Flowering: Bermudagrass flowers in the summer. The flowers are small and inconspicuous.
• Seed production: Bermudagrass produces seeds in the fall. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years.
• Dormancy: Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter in cold climates. The leaves turn brown and die back.
• New growth: Bermudagrass grows again in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

The lifecycle of Bermudagrass can vary depending on the climate. In warm climates, Bermudagrass may not go dormant at all. It may also flower and produce seeds more than once per year.

Here are some additional details about the stages of Bermudagrass:

• Germination: Bermudagrass seeds need warm, moist soil to germinate. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Bermudagrass seeds can take up to 2 weeks to germinate.
• Vegetative growth: Bermudagrass multiplies in the spring and summer. It can grow up to 1 inch per day in ideal conditions. Bermudagrass spreads by rhizomes and stolons, which are underground and aboveground stems that root at the nodes. This allows Bermudagrass to fill in bare spots and quickly create dense turf.
• Flowering: Bermudagrass flowers in the summer. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. They are not usually noticeable unless there are many Bermudagrass plants in an area.
• Seed production: Bermudagrass produces seeds in the fall. The seeds are small and brown. They can remain viable in the soil for several years. Bermudagrass seeds are often spread by wind and water.
• Dormancy: Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter in cold climates. The leaves turn brown and die back. However, Bermudagrass roots remain alive, and the plant will begin to grow again in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• New growth: Bermudagrass grows again in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The new growth is usually green and vigorous. Bermudagrass can reach full maturity in 2-3 months.

Care & Maintenance Of Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that requires relatively easy care. However, it requires regular and consistent maintenance to stay healthy and look its best.

Here are some tips for caring for Bermudagrass:

• Watering: Bermudagrass needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
• Mowing: Bermudagrass should be mowed regularly to maintain a height of 1-2 inches. Mowing too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to weeds and diseases.
• Fertilizing: Bermudagrass must be fertilized regularly, especially during the spring and summer. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Bermudagrass can be fertilized every 4-6 weeks.
• Aeration: Bermudagrass can benefit from aeration, especially in compacted soils. Aeration helps to improve drainage and air circulation in the soil, which can help to prevent diseases and promote healthy root growth.
• Weed control: Bermudagrass is susceptible to a variety of weeds. It is important to control weeds regularly to prevent them from taking over your lawn. There are a variety of herbicides available that can be used to control weeds in Bermudagrass lawns.
• Disease control: Bermudagrass is susceptible to a variety of diseases. It is important to monitor your lawn for signs of disease and treat any diseases found promptly. There are a variety of fungicides available that can be used to control diseases in Bermudagrass lawns.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Bermudagrass healthy and looking its best.

Here are some additional tips for caring for Bermudagrass:

• Dethatching: Dethatching is the process of removing thatch from the lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead and decaying organic matter that builds up on the soil's surface. Thatch can prevent water and air from reaching the grass roots, leading to problems such as disease and drought stress. Dethatching should be done every 2-3 years.
• Overseeding: Overseeding is seeding new grass into an existing lawn. Overseeding can thicken the lawn, improve the color, and control weeds. Overseeding should be done in the fall or spring.
• Soil testing: Soil testing is a good way to determine your soil's pH and nutrient levels. This information can be used to choose the right fertilizer and lime program for your lawn. Soil testing should be done every 2-3 years.

If you aim to have a lawn that can thrive in hot and dry conditions, handle heavy foot traffic, and remain resilient, bermudagrass could be the ideal selection. It presents an excellent choice for individuals residing in dry, warm climates who desire a lawn capable of enduring the intense heat of southern summers. While it does require diligent upkeep, this robust, warm-season grass will yield a high-quality lawn that fills you with pride.