Known for its durability, rapid growth, and tolerance to heat and drought, Bermudagrass is used in many different types of landscapes in warm climates. Its ability to thrive in full sun and recover quickly from wear makes it a go-to option for areas that experience considerable stress. While it is tough and versatile, this grass type does require precise maintenance and care from homeowners to reap the many benefits.
Keep reading to learn how to maintain your Bermudagrass lawn the right way!
Bermudagrass is easily recognized by its fine to medium leaf texture and bright green to dark green color during the growing season. It spreads aggressively through both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes, which gives it a dense, carpet-like appearance and allows it to cover ground rapidly. When healthy and properly maintained, a Bermudagrass lawn can quickly appear dense and healthy. However, this same aggressive growth habit means it can encroach on garden beds and paved areas if not edged regularly.
This turf type does best in full sun and will struggle in shaded areas, often thinning out over time if trees or structures block sunlight for large parts of the day. During the cooler months, Bermudagrass goes dormant and turns brown, only greening up again when soil and air temperatures rise consistently in the spring. Depending on where you live, this dormancy can last for several months, which is something to consider if you're particular about having green grass year-round.
Key Characteristics:
Bermudagrass has earned its reputation as a durable and visually appealing lawn choice, but it comes with both strengths and weaknesses that homeowners should weigh before planting it. Its performance in hot, sunny environments is exceptional, and it recovers from damage more quickly than many other turf varieties. Still, some of its traits like poor shade tolerance and a tendency to go dormant in winter may not suit everyone’s expectations for their yard. Let’s break down the advantages and drawbacks of this grass variety to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your landscape.
Advantages of Bermudagrass:
Disadvantages of Bermudagrass:
Starting a Bermudagrass lawn from seed is an economical option, especially for larger areas. While it requires more time and care to establish compared to sod, seeding allows you to cover a wide space at a lower cost and choose from a range of seed cultivars. However, timing and preparation are key. Since Bermudagrass needs warm soil temperatures to germinate and thrive, the best time to seed is late spring to early summer, once the risk of frost has passed and soil temps are consistently above 65°F.
Before sowing seed, you'll want to properly prepare your soil by loosening the top few inches, clearing out weeds or debris, and possibly applying a starter fertilizer to give the seedlings a healthy beginning. With enough sunlight, water, and warmth, seedlings will begin to sprout within a week or two, but full establishment can take a couple of months.
Things to keep in mind when seeding Bermudagrass:
If you want a thick lawn fast, installing Bermudagrass sod is the quickest route to a full, green yard. Sod comes pre-grown and is delivered in rolls or squares, ready to be laid down over prepared soil. With proper care, it can root into your soil in just a few weeks, allowing you to enjoy a fully functional lawn much sooner than waiting on seed.
Sodding is particularly useful for erosion control, new construction projects, or situations where you need immediate curb appeal. It’s also a reliable way to avoid competition from weeds during the early establishment period, which can be a challenge when starting from seed. However, sod installation does come with a higher upfront cost and requires thorough site prep for best results.
Why homeowners choose sod over seed:
Caring for Bermudagrass is all about consistency and timing. Because it grows rapidly and spreads aggressively, routine maintenance is essential to keeping it healthy and attractive. This grass needs full sun, regular mowing, occasional dethatching, and thoughtful fertilization throughout the growing season. During summer, it will respond well to nitrogen-rich fertilizers and weekly mowing, while in cooler months, care shifts to preparing for dormancy.
Watering should be deep and infrequent to encourage strong root systems, and periodic aeration can help alleviate soil compaction and improve nutrient uptake. Bermudagrass is also prone to thatch buildup due to its vigorous stolons and rhizomes, so dethatching every few years may be necessary. When properly cared for, this grass can reward you with a resilient, green, and weed-resistant lawn.
Essential maintenance tasks include:
If you would like more information, or if you want help maintaining your Bermudagrass lawn in Virginia, call Blue Sky Landscaping today to get started with a free consultation on all your lawn care needs!
