BERMUDA SOD GRASS

Bermuda sod grass, also known as Cynodon dactylon and Couch grass in Australia and New Zealand, is found worldwide. It is native to Europe, Africa, Australia, and much of Asia. It has been introduced to the Americas. Contrary to its common name, it is not native to Bermuda and is, in fact, an abundant invasive species there. It has been known as “crabgrass” (also a name for Digitaria sanguinalis) in Bermuda.

Bermuda sod grass blades are grey-green and short, usually 2–15 cm (0.79–5.91 in) long with rough edges. The erect stems can grow 1–30 cm (0.39–11.81 in) tall. They are slightly flattened and often purple. The seed heads are produced in a cluster of two to six spikes at the top of the stem, each spike 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) long.

Bermuda sod grass has a deep root system; in drought situations with penetrable soil, it can grow to over 2 meters (6.6 ft) deep, though most of the root mass is less than 60 centimeters (24 in) under the surface. The grass creeps along the ground with its stolons and roots wherever a node touches the ground, forming a dense mat. Bermuda grass reproduces through seeds, stolons, and rhizomes. Growth begins at temperatures above 15 °C (59 °F) with optimum growth between 24 and 37 °C (75 and 99 °F); in winter, the grass becomes dormant and turns brown. Growth is promoted by full sun and retarded by full shade, e.g., close to tree trunks.

Bermuda sod grass is fast-growing and challenging, making it popular and useful for sports fields, as when damaged, it will recover quickly. It is a highly desirable turf grass in warm temperate climates, particularly for those regions where its tolerance to heat and drought enables it to survive where few other grasses do. This combination makes Bermuda sod grass a frequent choice for golf courses in the southern and southeastern United States and South Africa. It has a relatively coarse-bladed form with numerous cultivars selected for different turf requirements.

Bermuda sod grass has been cultivated in saline soils in California’s Central Valley, which are too salt-damaged to support crops. Bermuda sod grass was successfully irrigated with saline water and used to graze cattle.

BLADE TYPE

Fine texture, narrow, and pointed

Bermuda

DROUGHT RESISTANCE

Good

Bermuda

ESTABLISHMENT TIME

Moderate to Fast

Bermuda

IRRIGATION NEEDS

Permanent Irrigation Recommended

Bermuda

MAINTENANCE LEVEL

Moderate

Bermuda

SUN/SHADE TOLERANCE

Excellent: Full Sun; Limited for Shaded Areas

Bermuda

TRAFFIC TOLERANCE

Good wear; Moderate to Heavy foot traffic

Bermuda

FAQ: BERMUDA SOD GRASS

Bermuda grass spreads naturally through its above-ground runners and underground stems that send out new shoots and establish new growth areas. Over time, Bermuda grass can fill in bare areas and create a thick and even turf.

The ideal mowing height depends on the variety of Bermuda grass and the conditions of your lawn, but generally, you want to keep the height short, between 0.5 and 2 inches. You can start the season at a height of 1.25–1.5 inches and mow shorter during the growing season and taller during the dormant season. Don’t mow too short, as this can damage the roots, and mowing too long can lead to thatch buildup and pests. To keep Bermuda grass below 1 inch, you’ll need a reel mower and very level ground.

Water your lawn every 5-10 days.
Mow low (1″) and mow every 5-7 days.
Overseed to fill in bare spots.
Apply a nitrogen fertilizer.
Aerate the lawn during the growing season.
Keep the grass weed-free.
Remove thatch during the growing season.

Bermuda grass produces a vigorous, medium-to-dark green, dense turf well adapted to most soils and climates in Florida. It also has excellent drought, wear, and salt tolerance and can withstand low temperatures by transitioning into dormancy.

Bermuda grass is dormant during the winter, but it still requires irrigation (½ inch every two to three weeks) to keep the soil moist and prevent winter desiccation.

Bermuda grass is commonly used in golf courses and athletic field settings. It requires higher maintenance levels than other grasses typically used for home lawns. Bermuda grass has a poor tolerance to many insects, diseases, and nematode pests, which can limit its use.

Bermuda grass is easy to maintain if it’s in the right location and receives proper care. It is a popular warm-season grass that can tolerate heat, drought, salt, and humidity. Under ideal conditions, Bermuda grass can establish itself in 5–6 weeks. However, it can be invasive and has some drawbacks, including growing into any planter areas you have.

To maintain a healthy lawn, You should aerate Bermuda grass annually in the spring or early summer. Aerate Bermuda grass when the grass is actively growing, such as in early summer or late spring. You can aerate twice a year if you have hard or compact soil. Do not aerate dormant lawns (winter).

St. Augustine grass tends to be more susceptible to pest and disease issues than Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass might be a better choice over St. Augustine if you desire a more disease-resistant grass type.

Bermuda grass should be watered deeply but infrequently, usually once or twice a week, giving it about 1 inch of water each time. However, you should adjust the frequency based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. In the summer, you might water every three days, but in the winter, Bermuda grass goes dormant and needs little watering (once to twice a month).

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BERMUDA SOD GRASS