All About Bermuda Grass: Planting, Care and Cost

Bermuda grass is a popular lawn grass known for its aggressive growth, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in warm climates. This resilient grass spreads rapidly and requires proper care and maintenance to keep it healthy and lush. Read on to learn all about bermuda grass, including tips for planting, caring for, and estimating the costs of an established bermuda lawn.

What Is Bermuda Grass?

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a resilient, warm season perennial grass species native to Africa. It is a popular turfgrass option for lawns, golf courses, parks, and sports fields in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. Other common names for this grass include devil grass, couch grass, Indian doab, grama, and wiregrass.

This grass has greyish-green color blades that grow to around 1⁄2 inch wide and up to 4 inches long. Its spreading growth habit via underground stems (rhizomes) and above ground stolons allows it to form a dense, weed-resistant turf. When regularly mowed, bermuda grass forms a tight sod mat and fine, dense foliage.

Bermuda grass thrives in hot, sunny locations and is quite drought tolerant compared to other lawn grasses. Established bermudagrass can go dormant and turn brown during droughts, but will bounce back and regreen once regular rainfall resumes. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil ranging from pH 5.5-7.5.

While bermudagrass makes a great turfgrass for warm southern climates, it has poor cold tolerance. Growth slows down dramatically below 50°F (10°C), and it will go dormant after the first frost. In northern zones where winters get quite cold, bermuda grass acts as a warm season annual that regrows each spring.

Key Bermuda Grass Features:

Aggressive lateral spread via rhizomes and stolons
Fine, dense turf with good wear tolerance
Grayish-green color
Excellent heat and drought tolerance
Poor shade and cold tolerance
Rapid green-up and growth in warm weather

Bermuda Grass Uses

Bermuda grass is a versatile turfgrass suitable for many different applications, including:

Lawns – Bermudagrass makes an excellent lawn grass in southern climates. It produces a dense, wear-resistant turf. However, the fast growth rate requires frequent mowing and edging.
Sports Fields – The fine, wear-tolerant blades of bermudagrass make it ideal for sports turfs, golf courses, and parks.
Erosion Control – The extensive root system and rhizome mat prevents soil erosion on slopes and earthworks projects. It is often seeded on roadsides.
Pasture Grass – In tropical regions, bermudagrass provides good warm season grazing. However, the low growth makes hay production difficult.
Revegetation – Hardy and resilient, bermuda grass is useful for revegetating disturbed areas and soils in warm regions.

Different bermuda grass cultivars have been bred for improved color, density, texture, drought resistance, and more. Improved seeded varieties produce less thatch and are easier to establish from seed than non-improved common bermudagrass.

How to Plant Bermuda Grass

Bermudagrass can be established from seed, sprigs, plugs, or sod. Seeding establishes slower but is the most affordable option. Sprigs spread faster, while plugs and sod provide instant coverage.

Proper site preparation is key prior to planting any new bermuda grass:

Conduct soil tests to determine any needed amendments. Bermudagrass grows best in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline fertile soil.
Eliminate existing weeds or turf. Vegetation removal may involve using herbicide, tillage, or solarization.
Improve drainage issues if needed. Bermuda grass prefers well-drained soil and will not thrive in soggy conditions.
Level and smooth the area to prepare the seedbed or soil surface.

Planting Bermuda Grass Seed

Seeding is the most common affordable way to establish bermuda grass. Seeded varieties produce less thatch and are easier to mow than hybrids planted via sprigs or sod.

Follow these tips for successfully seeding bermudagrass:

Seed early in the growing season once soils reach 65°F. Spring and early summer are the best times.
Till or rake the soil to a depth of 1-2 inches to prepare the seedbed. Break up clumps and smooth the surface.
Apply starter fertilizer per soil test recommendations. Pre-emergence herbicides may also be used.
Spread seed using a drop or rotary spreader at a rate of 1-2 lbs per 1000 sq ft.
Gently rake seeds into the soil surface around 1⁄4 inches deep.
Roll or lightly hand tamp to improve seed-to-soil contact.
Water frequently to keep top 1⁄2 inch of soil moist until seedlings emerge in 2-3 weeks.
Once established, mow young grass at 1-2 inch height. Gradually lower to desired height.

Overseeding existing bermudagrass lawns is also possible to improve density. Dormant sodding utilizes winter seeding for cool season grass in transitional areas.

Planting Bermuda Grass Sprigs

Sprigs are sections of stolons and rhizomes used to propagate hybrid bermudagrass varieties that do not come true from seed. This method establishes faster than seeding, but is more labor intensive.

Here is the process for sprigging bermudagrass:

Till soil to 4-6 inch depth and remove debris. Level surface.
Spread sprigs evenly over prepared soil, using 2-5 bushels per 1000 sq ft.
Press sprigs 1-3 inches into the soil using a roller or by walking over the area.
Cover lightly with 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch layer of topsoil if needed to keep sprigs in place.
Water frequently until new shoots begin growing from nodes in 2-4 weeks.
Begin mowing once a good stand of grass has established.

Planting Bermuda Grass Plugs

Plugging utilizes small 3-4 inch square bermudagrass sod pieces planted in holes throughout the area. This method provides faster fill-in than sprigging. Follow these plugging steps:

Space holes 6-12 inches apart in a grid pattern across prepared soil.
Place soil excavated from holes into a bucket. Mix with starter fertilizer.
Press a sod plug into each hole. Fill gaps around plug with fertilized soil.
Water immediately and keep soil moist for 2-3 weeks until plugs spread and fill in.
Mow once grass establishes and maintain at a 1-2 inch height.

Installing Bermuda Grass Sod

Sodding provides instant results, but is more expensive than seed or sprigs. Harvesting, transporting and installing sod adds to the costs.

When installing bermudagrass sod:

Prepare soil and remove any existing vegetation
Level area and lightly moisten soil prior to sodding
Stagger sod pieces tightly together like bricks to avoid gaps
Roll sod after installing for good contact with soil
Water sod daily for 2-3 weeks until established
Begin mowing once sod takes root and grows

Proper initial care is crucial after planting any new bermudagrass, whether from seed, sprigs, plugs or sod. Keep soil consistently moist and remove weeds until the grass matures. Gradually reduce watering frequency as grass becomes established.

Caring for Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass requires regular care and maintenance to look its best. Proper mowing, watering, fertilization, and other cultural practices help keep it green and healthy season after season.

Mowing Bermuda Grass

Frequent mowing is essential for manicured bermudagrass lawns and turfs. Follow these tips:

Mow at 1-2 inch height. Lower heights improve density. Raise to 2+ inches in very hot weather.
Use sharp mower blades for clean cuts. Dull blades shred leaf tips.
Mow 2-3 times per week in peak growing seasons to avoid removing more than 1/3 blade length.
Change mowing patterns frequently to avoid ruts or grain developing.
Remove no more than 1/3 total leaf surface during mowing to avoid stressing the grass.

Watering Bermuda Grass

Bermudagrass has good drought tolerance once established but still requires supplemental irrigation in dry periods to look its best.

Water early in the morning to allow grass blades to dry during the day.
Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week for active growth during hot, dry periods or drought stress.
Reduce watering in cooler weather and winter dormancy. Periodic deep soaking is sufficient.
Adjust sprinklers to avoid excessive runoff and target the root zone depth.
Allow soil to partially dry between watering to encourage deep roots.

Fertilizing Bermuda Grass

Perform regular soil tests to determine nutrient levels and fertilizer requirements.
Apply 1-2 lbs nitrogen per 1000 sq ft during active growing periods using a complete fertilizer.
Fertilize in the spring after green-up and again 6-8 weeks later. Additional applications can be made every 4-6 weeks.
Use a high percentage of slow release nitrogen to provide longer feeding.
Reduce fertilizer amounts and frequency during cooler weather and winter.
Stop fertilizing 6-8 weeks before expected first frost to harden off for winter.

Dethatching Bermuda Grass

Remove accumulated thatch layer if exceeds 0.5 inch thickness using a dethatching rake or vertical mower.
Dethatch in early fall or spring when grass is actively growing to allow for quick recovery.
Overseed or sprig after dethatching to improve turf density as needed.
Prevent excessive thatch with proper mowing, fertilization, irrigation, and grass selection.

Aeration

Aerate annually in early fall when grass is actively growing using a core, spike or slice aerator.
Make 2-3 passes over the area in different directions to cover thoroughly.
Remove plugs, break up, and incorporate into soil if using core aerators.
Solid tine aerators cause less disruption but still allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate soil.
Improve drainage and reduce soil compaction for better root development.

Controlling Weeds in Bermuda Grass

The best weed control is maintaining optimally healthy, thick turfgrass. But additional steps may be needed to fully remove unwanted plants.

Hand pull spot weeds for small infestations. Ensure entire root system is removed.
Use pre-emergence herbicides like prodiamine early in the growing season to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
Apply post-emergence herbicides containing active ingredients like 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, and others to selectively remove broadleaf weeds.
Carefully spot treat grassy weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass using products with MSMA, quinclorac, fenoxaprop and similar active ingredients.
Overseed thin lawns to fill in bare spots and prevent weeds from establishing.
Adjust cultural practices like mowing height, watering, and fertilization to encourage thick, vigorous turf.

Always follow herbicide labels closely and use proper safety precautions when applying. Time applications carefully for both turfgrass and weed growth stages for best results. Rotating products with different modes of action helps prevent herbicide resistant weeds.

Common Bermuda Grass Problems and Solutions

Even properly cared for bermudagrass may occasionally encounter issues. Identify the problem and make appropriate improvements to get your lawn back into top shape.

Yellowing or Thin Grass

Causes: Low nitrogen, too much shade, improper mowing height, lack of aeration, compacted soil, drought stress, scalping due to mower set too low, diseases
Solutions: Soil test, fertilize, adjust watering, raise mowing height, aerate, dethatch, improve sunlight, check for disease

Weeds

Causes: Declining turf health, improper maintenance, poor drainage, thin turf allows weeds to invade
Solutions: Proper fertilization and mowing, pre and post-emergence herbicides, fill in bare spots, improve cultural practices

Brown Patch

Causes: Fungal disease worsened by excessive nitrogen, high humidity, wet foliage, warm night temperatures
Solutions: Improve airflow and drainage, reduce nitrogen levels, avoid overwatering, use fungicides if needed

Bermuda Decline

Causes: Disease caused by sting nematode feeding on roots coupled with stress factors
Solutions: Reduce compaction and improve drainage, overseed affected areas to fill in damage, use nematode resistant varieties

Winter Kill

Causes: Bermudagrass death due to overly cold winter temperatures
Solutions: Use cold tolerant cultivars, avoid scalping before winter, dethatch to allow for insulation from thatch layer

Dog Urine Damage

Causes: Urine salts and ammonia burn grass blades and roots
Solutions: Encourage pets to urinate in designated areas, flush affected areas with water immediately after burns appear, re-sod or overseed urine patches

Pay close attention to your bermuda grass to notice problems early. Correct cultural practices to improve growing conditions. Identify pest or disease issues and treat appropriately for quick turf recovery.

Winterizing Bermuda Grass

Bermudagrass goes dormant and turns tan after first frost. It stops growing and remains dormant until soil temperatures warm up again in spring. Prepare bermuda grass properly in fall to protect it through winter:

Continue mowing until growth slows down. Gradually raise mowing height for the final 2-3 mowings.
Apply final fertilizer 6-8 weeks before expected first frost. This strengthens roots prior to dormancy.
Reduce irrigation frequency as growth slows and turf requires less water.
Dethatch and aerate to allow cold penetration to crowns for cold hardening.
Treat any disease issues prior to dormancy.
Allow healthy turf to go dormant naturally once cold arrives. Avoid trying to keep it green late into the season.
Avoid heavy traffic on dormant bermuda grass.

Remove fallen leaves from dormant grass using a mower or blower. Brush any accumulated snow from grass to avoid matting once it melts. Resist the urge to walk on frozen dormant grass to avoid damage.

Green-up will occur once soil temperatures reach 55-65°F. Light vertical mowing in early spring can help remove residual dead material. Otherwise, bermudagrass will naturally fill back in green and dense once summer arrives.

How Much Does Bermuda Grass Cost?

Bermuda grass is one of the most affordable lawn grasses. However, properly preparing an area and establishing the turf initially requires some investment. Ongoing maintenance also presents costs over time.

Bermuda Grass Seed

Seeding costs around $80 – $125 per 5000 sq ft
Improved seeded varieties cost $110 – $170 per 5000 sq ft
Overseeding: $60 – $100 per 5000 sq ft

Bermuda Grass Sprigs

Sprigging costs $100 – $300 per 5000 sq ft

Bermuda Plugs

Plugs cost $0.75 – $2 each
Plugging installation costs $300 – $600 per 5000 sq ft

Bermuda Sod

Sod costs $0.25 – $0.70 per sq ft
For 5000 sq ft, expect to pay $1250 – $3500 for materials
Add $800 – $1500 for professional installation

Annual Bermuda Grass Maintenance

Mowing: $20 – $50 per mow for DIY, $35+ for professional service
Fertilization: $40 – $75 per application, 3-5x annually
Aeration: $70 – $150 per 5000 sq ft
Irrigation: $20 – $60 monthly during peak season
Weed control: $40 – $90 per application

Proper mowing, fertilizing, watering, and weed control are critical to maintain healthy bermudagrass, so factor ongoing maintenance costs into your lawn budget. Payback comes in the form of years of lush, beautiful turf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is one of the most popular warm season grasses, but establishing and caring for it does raise many questions. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Does bermuda grass spread quickly?

Yes, bermuda grass is known for its rapid growth and ability to spread both above and below ground. Its aggressive growth habit is what makes it able to form a dense turf, but also requires vigilance to keep it contained.

What is the best time to plant bermuda grass?

Spring and early summer when soil temperatures reach 65-70°F provide ideal conditions for planting bermuda seed or sprigs. Sod can be laid almost any time air temperatures are consistently above 60°F.

How deep are bermuda grass roots?

Bermuda grass forms a dense mat of roots in the top 6-10 inches of soil. However, root depth can reach down 2 feet or more, allowing it to better access water and nutrients. Proper fertilization encourages deep root development.

How much sunlight does bermuda grass need?

Bermudagrass performs best in full sun locations and requires at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much shade will result in thinning and decreased vigor.

Is bermuda grass good for slopes?

The extensive, deep root system of bermuda grass