Common bermudagrass has a reputation as an invasive species, which is why it has been banned in Utah. Until recently, even hybrids of bermudagrass were banned in Utah. However, earlier this year, officials agreed to lift the ban on a cultivar of hybrid bermudagrass.
According to tests performed by university researchers, this hybrid bermudagrass does much better in drought conditions than Kentucky bluegrass does. Reportedly, it survived in summer after 6 weeks without water, while the bluegrass died after just 2 weeks without water.
Before switching to bermudagrass, make sure you weigh the pros and cons. As a warm-season grass, bermudagrass growing habits and care will be different from the cool-season Kentucky bluegrass most Utahns are used to. If you decide to switch to bermudagrass, you can start planting it as early as next year. Read on for hybrid bermudagrass care tips and more.
Bermudagrass growth pattern
Common bermudagrass has a horizontal growth pattern and is invasive. Hybrid bermudagrass is non-invasive and well suited to drought conditions. Following are a few pros and cons of hybrid bermudagrass:
Pros Cons
Drought resistant Must be planted in late spring
Doesn’t spread like normal bermudagrass Only green in spring/summer months
Can be overseeded with ryegrass Can have a rough texture
Prefers to be mowed short May need to be overseeded
Grows deep roots More expensive than bluegrass
Planting hybrid bermudagrass
Hybrid bermudagrass should be planted in the late spring or summer for the best results. If it is planted too late in the year, bermudagrass will be unable to take root before the weather cools.
You can plant hybrid bermudagrass using either sod or sprigs. The grass should be placed in leveled soil around late spring or early summer so it can take root during the warm season. If you plant too late in the year, the grass is unable to take root.
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass, which means it remains dormant from the first frost in the fall until temperatures increase in May. If you want your bermudagrass to stay green for longer in the year, you can try to over-seed your lawn with a cool-season grass type like perennial ryegrass. In addition to keeping the lawn green longer, perennial ryegrass is disease resistant.
Watering hybrid bermudagrass
In tests, this type of bermudagrass only needed to be watered every six weeks to stay green. This was compared to Kentucky bluegrass, which needs to be watered multiple times a week in the summer to stay green.
As with other grass types, when Bermuda grass has been freshly planted, you should keep the soil consistently damp until the lawn becomes established. Once the lawn has taken root, you should water your bermudagrass when the lawn starts showing signs of drought stress.
Mowing hybrid bermudagrass
Hybrid bermudagrass should be mowed at least once a week. You should also mow bermudagrass shorter than bluegrass. While bluegrass prefers a 3-inch mowing height, bermudagrass prefers a 1-inch or 2-inch mowing height.
During the first mowing session of the season, many people choose to scalp their bermudagrass to help it recover from dormancy earlier.
Dethatching and scalping bermudagrass
Dethatching or aerating yearly is important for bermudagrass growth. Because it grows quickly and has an outward growth pattern, the thatch layer can build quickly in a bermudagrass lawn. If the thatch layer is too thick, it can suffocate growth.
This is why some people choose to scalp their bermudagrass lawn during the first mowing session each year. Scalping the lawn will help eliminate debris and excess thatch. Lawns that are scalped in the spring tend to turn green sooner than lawns that are not. To scalp your lawn, lower your lawn mower to its shortest height setting, then mow as usual.
When you scalp the lawn, make sure you do it at the right time. Wait until there is very little chance of frost because if you scalp too early in the season, the lawn can be damaged by frost. Scalping removes the protective layer of dead grass that bermudagrass needs during winter dormancy. If you remove that protective layer too soon and the lawn freezes, it can damage the lawn.
Fertilizing bermudagrass
You should fertilize hybrid bermudagrass about 4 times a year (or once a month during the growing season). Fertilizing is vital for hybrid bermudagrass and will keep your lawn green throughout the summer.
Stewart’s does not sell sod or offer lawn installation. However, we do offer a lawn spraying program that includes seasonal fertilizer, weed control, and grub control for established lawns. Call or text our office at 801-226-2261 for a free lawn service quote and more information.