Bermuda grass, also known as Cynodon Dactylon is the most commonly grown turfgrass in North America. It has a deep root system which enables it to withstand drought and wear-and-tear from foot traffic or golf balls.
Bermuda grass has an excellent shade tolerance that allows it to grow even in shady areas and does not require much maintenance. This type of grass is perfect for those who want to maintain a yard but don’t have time!
In this post we’ll look at the various benefits of using bermuda grass for your lawn.
10 Bermuda Grass Benefits
Bermuda grass is a type of turf that is used in many parts of the world because it has several benefits.
1. No watering needed
Bermuda grass is a warm-season perennial that grows quickly and requires little to no watering once established. It has a deep, extensive root system that can reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) below the surface, which helps it survive dry periods.
It also has a waxy leaf coating that prevents water loss. Bermuda grass does not need much water to grow, but if you want your lawn to be green year-round, you will need to water it occasionally during the summer months.
2. Drought-tolerant
Bermuda grass is very drought tolerant and can survive on as little as 1 inch (2.5 cm) of rain per week, making it an ideal choice for areas with low rainfall or drought conditions. It also tolerates high temperatures well and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with good air circulation.
If your lawn is prone to drying out in the summer months, consider planting bermuda grass in spring before the hot weather sets in (it’s also helpful if you have sandy soil). The seeds will germinate when the soil temperature reaches 68°F (20°C), but they may take several weeks to emerge due to their long dormancy period.
Be sure not to plant too early; they should only be planted when all danger of frost has passed—ideally after May 1st—as bermudagrass cannot tolerate cold temperatures at all! After germination, it takes 3–4 weeks for new seedlings to become established enough so that they are able to withstand high temperatures without dying off; if you plant too early and the seedlings die off due to excessive heat, you will have wasted your time and money!
Also note that Bermuda grass doesn’t do well in shady areas because its shallow roots don’t reach far into the ground where more moisture can be found; therefore, avoid planting it under trees or other shade structures like patios or decks unless there is plenty of sunlight reaching them (make sure there aren’t any shadows cast by fences or buildings).
3. Resistant against pests and diseases
Bermuda grass is resistant against most pests and diseases that commonly attack lawns such as grubs, chinch bugs, mole crickets, armyworms and nematodes; however it can still become infected by some pests like dollar spot fungus during prolonged dry spells. If you notice any of these pests, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service for advice on how to treat them.
4. Tolerant of wear and tear
Bermuda grass is a durable lawn grass that can withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear from sports activities like soccer, football or baseball without showing signs of wear. It’s also resistant against compaction due to its extensive root system that penetrates deep into the soil and allows it to withstand heavy foot traffic very well (it will still need occasional aeration). However, if you have a dog that likes to dig holes in the lawn or play fetch with balls (or anything else), you may want to plant something else instead!
5. Resistant against cold temperatures
Bermuda grass is highly tolerant of cold weather and can survive in areas where temperatures fall below 20°F (-6°C). It’s hardy enough to withstand short periods of frost but will die off if left exposed for long periods of time during winter months; therefore, it’s important not to mow your lawn too short before winter sets in as this will make the grass more susceptible to freezing temperatures. You should also avoid applying fertilizer late in the season as this may burn the roots when exposed to cold weather (fertilizer can also draw moisture out of the ground during winter months). To protect your bermudagrass from extreme cold, use a non-selective herbicide like Roundup or Finale at least 2 weeks before winter sets in; this will prevent new growth from emerging so it won’t be damaged by frost. Be sure not to disturb your bermudagrass once it has been treated with herbicide as this could cause serious damage or even kill it! If you don’t have time for this process, consider planting a different type of grass instead. Also note that Bermuda grass is not suitable for northern regions where temperatures drop below -10°F (-23°C) regularly; if you live in such an area, consider planting a warm-season perennial like tall fescue instead (it grows best between 40–60°F/4–16°C). If you are planning on moving somewhere colder with your Bermudagrass lawn later on down the road then consider planting a hybrid variety called “Tifway 419” which has been bred specifically for cold tolerance.
6. Resistant against foot traffic
Bermuda grass is highly resistant to wear and tear from foot traffic and can withstand frequent use without showing signs of wear, even when it has been established for several years. It also doesn’t require much maintenance and requires less mowing than other types of lawn grass.
7. Low-maintenance
Once bermudagrass has been established, it requires little to no maintenance at all! You will only need to cut the lawn once a week during the summer months (depending on how fast your lawn grows) but you don’t have to mow it as short as you would with other types of lawn grass like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue; this will help prevent brown patches from forming due to too much sunlight reaching the ground (as mentioned above). The best time to mow your bermudagrass is in the early morning hours when temperatures are cool; this will allow moisture in the grass blades to evaporate before nightfall, which will help prevent fungal diseases from developing. If you want a better looking lawn, you can also consider overseeding it with another type of grass like perennial ryegrass or fine fescue—this will give your lawn a more uniform look by reducing its patchiness and preventing weeds from growing in between the rows (if you do this, be sure not to use fertilizer until after seeding). Also note that Bermuda grass does not need fertilizing because it gets all of its nutrients from deep down in the soil where most other plants can’t reach; however if you want your lawn to look greener year-round, you may want to apply fertilizer during spring and fall (but avoid fertilizing during hot summer months!).
8. Easy to establish and maintain
Bermuda grass is very easy to establish and maintain because it requires little effort once it has been planted—you just need to mow your lawn regularly during summer months! It grows fast enough that you won’t need to worry about weeds growing up through the blades; however if you want a better looking lawn then consider overseeding it with another type of grass like perennial ryegrass or fine fescue—this will give your lawn a more uniform look by reducing its patchiness and preventing weeds from growing in between the rows (if you do this, be sure not to use fertilizer until after seeding).
Who Should Plant Bermuda Grass?
You should plant bermuda grass if you want to create a lawn that is low maintenance and will survive in your climate. It is also tolerant of shade, which makes it an excellent choice for shady areas.
Bermuda grass is an excellent choice for people who want a lawn that requires very little care. It will grow well in many different types of soil, including clay and sandy soils.
It requires very little fertilizer or watering to thrive, although you should water it during dry periods. Its roots can grow up to 12 inches deep, so it has a deep root system that helps to prevent erosion.