You may have heard that Utah officials recently approved hybrid bermudagrass for use in home landscapes throughout Utah. Previously, bermudagrass was not permitted (except in southern Utah) because common bermudagrass tends to become invasive. According to reports, the cultivar Utah officials have approved will not be invasive.
The Benefits of Hybrid Bermudagrass
This type of bermudagrass is extremely drought tolerant and can withstand Utah’s hot, dry summer season. After tests comparing Kentucky bluegrass and hybrid bermudagrass, researchers found that the bermudagrass only needed to be watered every 6 weeks to stay green.
Compared to Kentucky bluegrass, which needs to be watered weekly in the summer, bermudagrass is a water-friendly alternative. As our state is consistently affected by drought, replacing lawns with bermudagrass could have a very positive impact on water consumption by Utah residents.
Planting Hybrid Bermudagrass in Utah
By next year, you should be able to buy hybrid bermudagrass sod from local suppliers. Hybrid bermudagrass can only be cultivated on sod farms and bought as either sod or sprigs. Because it is a warm-season grass, it must be planted in late spring or summer. If it is planted too late in the year, it won’t survive the winter months.
If you switch to hybrid bermudagrass, plan on starting the process next spring for the best results. Remember that as a warm-season grass, bermudagrass will go dormant as soon as the weather turns colder. While Kentucky bluegrass thrives in fall, bermudagrass will turn brown at the first sign of frost.
If you want to plant bermudagrass this year, you may find a supplier in southern Utah; however, you’ll need to plant this month or early next. If you start later than that, the grass might not survive the winter because it won’t be able to take root before the weather turns cold.
Stewart’s does not offer sod or lawn installation services, but we do offer a lawn spraying service for established lawns that includes fertilizer, weed control, and grub control. Call or text our office at 801-226-2261 for a free lawn service quote and more information!