Bermuda grass is a beautiful grass that has some advantages over other types of grasses. These include:
- Growth Habit: Rapidly spreading, requires frequent mowing and edging.
- Sunlight: Needs full sun, struggles in shade.
- Wear Tolerance: Highly tolerant of foot traffic and other wear and tear.
- Drought Tolerance: More drought-tolerant than St. Augustine.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally more resistant to pests and diseases than St. Augustine.
The Harris Estates ACC Guidelines state:
Lawns must be adequately watered & fertilized, and may not be neglected or allowed to die. Lawns may not be allowed to grow to a height exceeding four (4) inches. It is also the responsibility of homeowner to exhibit proper weed control. PROPERTY that is deemed to have a weed issue by the ACC is subject to notice (ACC Guidelines: Coverage of Property)
Most homeowners choose a professional lawn care service to treat their grass, providing necessary nutrients, fertilizer, and herbicides needed to allow the grass to flourish. Here are some additional tips from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on Bermuda lawn care.
- Mowing Height for Bermuda is recommended at 1″-2″. During hot weather, raise your lawn mower an additional 1/2 inch.
- Bermuda should get 1″ per week of water on weeks without rainfall. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
- Aeration: Use a core aerator during the active growing season. This will help improve soil drainage and reduce compaction.
- Weed Control in the Spring: Preemergence against crabgrass, goosegrass and other annual weeds.
- Weed Control: Broadleaf postemergence: Spot spray to kill broadleaf plants like chickweed, wild violet, dandelion, and wild onion.
- Weed Control: Grassy weed postemergence kills crabgrass, dallisgrass. Do not apply to drought-stressed bermudagrass.
- Winter preemergence prevents chickweed and other weeds.
For more tips of Bermuda care, check out this YouTube video here. Until next time, take care.