Bermuda grass is a type of warm-season grass that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known for its fast growth rate, aggressive spreading, and ability to tolerate drought and high temperatures. Bermuda grass is commonly used for lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses due to its resilience and durability.
It is also known by its scientific name, Cynodon dactylon, and is a popular choice for its fine texture and attractive appearance. Despite its many benefits, Bermuda grass can also be invasive and difficult to control, making proper maintenance and management essential for its successful growth.
Importance of Understanding Bermuda Grass Types
Understanding the different types of Bermuda grass is important for several reasons:
Choosing the right type: Each type of Bermuda grass has its own unique characteristics and growth habits. By understanding the differences between them, you can choose the type that is best suited for your specific needs, such as for a particular climate, soil type, or use.
Proper maintenance: Different types of Bermuda grass may have different requirements for fertilization, watering, mowing, and other maintenance tasks. By knowing the specific needs of your chosen type, you can ensure that it remains healthy and attractive.
Read more: Best Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass
Prevention of invasive growth: Bermuda grass is known for its aggressive spreading and ability to become invasive. By understanding the different types, you can choose a variety that is less likely to become invasive and take steps to prevent its spread.
Cost-effective choices: Different types of Bermuda grass can have varying costs associated with installation, maintenance, and replacement. By understanding the different types and their costs, you can make an informed decision that is cost-effective and fits your budget.
Common Bermuda Grass Types
1. Celebration Bermudagrass
Celebration Bermudagrass is a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and attractive Bermuda grass variety. Its dense growth habit and deep green color make it a popular choice for high-traffic areas such as sports fields, while its drought tolerance and disease resistance make it suitable for a wide range of climates and conditions.
However, it is important to note that it may not be as fine-textured as some other Bermuda grass varieties, and may require more frequent mowing during the peak growing season.
| Characteristics/Grow Habits | Celebration Bermudagrass |
|---|---|
| Texture | Medium |
| Color | Deep green |
| Growth habit | Dense |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Disease resistance | High |
| Maintenance requirements | Regular fertilization, watering, and mowing |
| Recommended mowing height | 1-1.5 inches |
| Growing season | Spring through fall |
| Suitable for | Residential lawns, commercial landscapes, sports fields |
| Advantages | Attractive appearance, disease resistance, low maintenance requirements |
| Disadvantages | Not as fine-textured as some other varieties, may require more frequent mowing in peak growing season |
2. Latitude 36 Bermudagrass
Latitude 36 Bermudagrass is best for golf courses, athletic fields, and residential lawns due to its fine texture, dark green color, and aggressive growth habit. Its high drought tolerance and disease resistance make it suitable for a wide range of climates, while its regular maintenance requirements ensure it remains healthy and vibrant.
However, it is important to note that it may require more frequent mowing than other Bermuda grass varieties, and may be more susceptible to disease in humid climates.
| Characteristics/Grow Habits | Latitude 36 Bermudagrass |
|---|---|
| Texture | Fine |
| Color | Dark green |
| Growth habit | Aggressive |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Disease resistance | High |
| Maintenance requirements | Regular fertilization, watering, and mowing |
| Recommended mowing height | 0.5-1.5 inches |
| Growing season | Spring through fall |
| Suitable for | Golf courses, athletic fields, residential lawns |
| Advantages | Fine texture, dark green color, aggressive growth habit |
| Disadvantages | Requires more frequent mowing, may be more susceptible to disease in humid climates |
3. NorthBridge Bermudagrass
NorthBridge Bermudagrass is a great for golf courses, athletic fields, and commercial landscapes due to its dense growth habit, dark green color, and high disease resistance. Its high drought tolerance and regular maintenance requirements make it suitable for a wide range of climates, while its medium to fine texture ensures a desirable appearance.
| Characteristics/Grow Habits | NorthBridge Bermudagrass |
|---|---|
| Texture | Medium to fine |
| Color | Dark green |
| Growth habit | Dense |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Disease resistance | High |
| Maintenance requirements | Regular fertilization, watering, and mowing |
| Recommended mowing height | 0.5-1.5 inches |
| Growing season | Spring through fall |
| Suitable for | Golf courses, athletic fields, commercial landscapes |
| Advantages | Dense growth habit, dark green color, high disease resistance |
| Disadvantages | May require more frequent mowing, not as fine-textured as some other varieties |
4. Tifway 419 Bermudagrass
Tifway 419 Bermudagrass is a popular choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and residential lawns due to its dense growth habit, fine texture, and dark green color. Its high drought tolerance and disease resistance make it suitable for a wide range of climates, while its regular maintenance requirements ensure it remains healthy and vibrant.
However, it is important to note that it may require more frequent mowing than some other Bermuda grass varieties, and may be more susceptible to winter kill in colder climates.
| Characteristics/Grow Habits | Tifway 419 Bermudagrass |
|---|---|
| Texture | Fine |
| Color | Dark green |
| Growth habit | Dense |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Disease resistance | High |
| Maintenance requirements | Regular fertilization, watering, and mowing |
| Recommended mowing height | 0.5-1.5 inches |
| Growing season | Spring through fall |
| Suitable for | Golf courses, athletic fields, residential lawns |
| Advantages | Dense growth habit, fine texture, dark green color |
| Disadvantages | May require more frequent mowing, and may be more susceptible to winter kill |
5. Tifway Bermudagrass
Tifway Bermudagrass is a popular choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and residential lawns due to its dense growth habit, fine texture, and dark green color. Its high disease resistance and regular maintenance requirements ensure it remains healthy and vibrant, while its medium to high drought tolerance makes it suitable for many climates.
It may require more frequent mowing than some other Bermuda grass varieties, and may not be as drought-tolerant as some other varieties.
| Characteristics/Grow Habits | Tifway Bermudagrass |
|---|---|
| Texture | Fine |
| Color | Dark green |
| Growth habit | Dense |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Disease resistance | High |
| Maintenance requirements | Regular fertilization, watering, and mowing |
| Recommended mowing height | 0.5-1.5 inches |
| Growing season | Spring through fall |
| Suitable for | Golf courses, athletic fields, residential lawns |
| Advantages | Dense growth habit, fine texture, dark green color |
| Disadvantages | May require more frequent mowing, and may not be as drought-tolerant as some other varieties |
6. Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass
Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass is a popular choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and residential lawns due to its high drought tolerance, strong root system, and good wear resistance. Its semi-dwarf growth habit and medium-coarse texture give it a unique appearance, while its high disease resistance and regular maintenance requirements ensure it remains healthy and vibrant.
Remember, it may be slower to establish than some other Bermuda grass varieties.
| Characteristics/Grow Habits | Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass |
|---|---|
| Texture | Medium-coarse |
| Color | Dark green |
| Growth habit | Semi-dwarf |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Disease resistance | High |
| Maintenance requirements | Regular fertilization, watering, and mowing |
| Recommended mowing height | 0.5-2 inches |
| Growing season | Spring through fall |
| Suitable for | Golf courses, athletic fields, residential lawns |
| Advantages | High drought tolerance, strong root system, good wear resistance |
| Disadvantages | May be slower to establish than some other varieties |
7. Bimini Bermudagrass
Bimini Bermudagrass is a popular choice for golf courses, athletic fields, and residential lawns due to its fine-medium texture, dense growth habit, and dark green color. Its high disease resistance and regular maintenance requirements ensure it remains healthy and vibrant, while its medium to high drought tolerance makes it suitable for many climates.
However, it is important to note that it may require more frequent mowing than some other Bermuda grass varieties, and may not be as drought-tolerant as some other varieties.
| Characteristics/Grow Habits | Bimini Bermudagrass |
|---|---|
| Texture | Fine-medium |
| Color | Dark green |
| Growth habit | Dense |
| Drought tolerance | High |
| Disease resistance | High |
| Maintenance requirements | Regular fertilization, watering, and mowing |
| Recommended mowing height | 0.5-2 inches |
| Growing season | Spring through fall |
| Suitable for | Golf courses, athletic fields, residential lawns |
| Advantages | Fine texture, dense growth habit, good disease resistance |
| Disadvantages | May require more frequent mowing, and may not be as drought-tolerant as some other varieties |
Hybrid Bermuda grass types
Hybrid Bermuda grasses are a result of cross-breeding different species of Bermuda grass. They are known for their exceptional traits such as improved durability, better resistance to diseases, and higher drought tolerance. The following are some of the popular hybrid Bermuda grass types:
TifGrand Bermuda grass:
TifGrand is a hybrid between Cynodon dactylon (common Bermuda grass) and Cynodon transvaalensis (African Bermuda grass). It is known for its deep green color and fine texture, which make it a popular choice for golf courses and other high-end turf areas.
TifTuf Bermuda grass:
TifTuf is a hybrid between Cynodon dactylon and an experimental line of Bermuda grass. It is known for its high drought tolerance and deep root system, which make it an excellent choice for areas with limited water availability.
Tifway 2 Bermuda grass:
Tifway 2 is a hybrid between Cynodon dactylon and Cynodon transvaalensis. It is known for its dense growth and excellent wear resistance, which make it a popular choice for athletic fields and other high-traffic areas.
Princess 77 Bermuda grass:
Princess 77 is a hybrid between Cynodon dactylon and Cynodon transvaalensis. It is known for its fast growth and ability to establish quickly, making it a popular choice for overseeding and winter sports fields.
Hybrid Bermuda grasses offer a range of benefits over their common Bermuda grass counterparts. They are known for their improved durability, better disease resistance, and higher drought tolerance. These traits make them an excellent choice for high-end turf areas, athletic fields, and other areas where grass needs to withstand heavy traffic or limited water availability.
Comparison of Common and Hybrid Bermuda Grass Types
Here is a comparison of common and hybrid Bermuda grass types, including their differences in appearance, growth rate, maintenance requirements, and advantages/disadvantages:
Appearance:
Common Bermuda grass: Typically has a lighter green color and coarser texture than hybrid varieties.
Hybrid Bermuda grass: Generally has a darker green color, finer texture, and denser growth than common varieties.
Growth Rate:
Common Bermuda grass: Has a fast growth rate and can quickly spread throughout an area.
Hybrid Bermuda grass: May have a slower growth rate, but is typically more vigorous and resilient than common varieties.
Maintenance Requirements:
Common Bermuda grass: Requires regular mowing, fertilization, and watering to maintain healthy growth.
Hybrid Bermuda grass: May require less frequent mowing, fertilization, and watering than common varieties due to their improved traits.
Advantages:
Common Bermuda grass: Has a fast growth rate and is relatively low maintenance.
Hybrid Bermuda grass: Offers improved durability, better resistance to diseases, and higher drought tolerance.
Disadvantages:
Common Bermuda grass: Can be invasive and difficult to control if it spreads outside of its intended area.
Hybrid Bermuda grass: These may require more initial investment due to their higher cost of installation and maintenance.
Overall, both common and hybrid Bermuda grass types have their advantages and disadvantages. Common Bermuda grass is a cost-effective and fast-growing option, but may require more maintenance and can be invasive. Hybrid Bermuda grasses offer improved traits, such as better durability and drought tolerance, but may require more initial investment. The choice of which type to use ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the intended application.
Related Article: Bermuda Grass Care Tips and Maintenance Guide
Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing Bermuda Grass Type
When choosing a Bermuda grass type for your specific needs and applications, there are several important factors to consider:
Climate: Consider the climate and weather patterns in your region to determine which Bermuda grass type will thrive best in your area.
Soil Type: Different Bermuda grass types have different soil requirements, so it’s important to consider the type and quality of soil in your lawn or sports field.
Intended Use: Consider the intended use of the lawn or sports field, whether it be for ornamental landscaping, sports activities, or grazing for livestock.
Maintenance Requirements: Different Bermuda grass types have varying levels of maintenance requirements, so it’s important to consider your available time and resources for lawn care and maintenance.
Budget: Some Bermuda grass types may require a higher initial investment due to their improved traits, so consider your budget when making your selection.
Resistance to pests and diseases: Some Bermuda grass types may be more resistant to pests and diseases than others, so consider this when making your selection.
Conclusion
Bermuda grass is a popular choice for many homeowners, landscapers, and sports field managers due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. However, there are several types of Bermuda grass to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and growth habits.
Reference:
https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/species-and-varieties/warm-season/bermudagrass.html
https://turf.arizona.edu/tips697.html
Nina Bassuk
Nina Bassuk is a highly qualified expert in urban forestry management. She earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of London, UK, and is currently a professor and program leader at Cornell University. With over 100 papers and co-authorship of the book 'Trees in the Urban Landscape,' Nina's expertise lies in improving plant selections for difficult urban landscapes, soil modification, and transplanting technology.
