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Bermuda Grass for your Home Lawn

By John Smith
Sep 5, 2009
Bermuda grass has become one of the most popular grasses in recent years. It grows well three seasons out of the year and forms one of the loveliest lawns that are also easy to care for. As you might have expected, it grows widely in the Bermuda Islands but originated in Africa. It is a perennial grass, like most grasses, that is capable of creating turf by spreading rhizomes and stolons.

Typical Uses for Bermuda Grass

This grass is a favorite with grounds keepers of sport fields because if its ease of caring for it. It is also used in city squares, parks and other city areas such as along roadsides and highways for the same reason. Many road construction companies use it to cover the soil after their construction work is complete because it is hardy and needs little water. Commercial use is very common for this species of grass.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bermuda Grass

There are several advantages to planting Bermuda grass. They recover well from high traffic if exposed to full sun. It grows thick and lush in just a couple of seasons. It is resistant to drought and resists insect infestations. One drawback to this grass is that it does not grow well in the shade. Shady areas greatly decreases the growing process and it could even cause it to die out. Before planting Bermuda grass consider where it will be planted so you don't have to worry about failure. Also consider your climate. If you live in a relatively cool year round climate, Bermuda grass may not be for your lawn.

Watering Bermuda Grass

Initial care, as with all grasses, requires moderate watering. Not enough to drown the seed, but enough to soak the soil well and help the grass to develop healthy root systems. This should be done a couple times a week in the beginning. After your grass has a strong root system you can stop watering and allow mother nature to do the watering for you. Make sure your lawn has good drainage. Too much water can cause your grass to mold and allow disease to take a strong hold of your grass.

Mowing your Bermuda Grass

As with any other grass you should mow it when it becomes too long. Do not mow it too low though. You only want to mow the top one third of the blades off. If your grass is three inches long, only mow down one inch. Make sure you use a sharp mower blade to ensure no damage is being done to the grass during the process. You can allow clippings to remain on the lawn. This helps develop healthy grass and decreases the need of watering and fertilizing. Mow your Bermuda grass in the evening after the hot sun has begun to set. This prevents the grass from getting those dried tips that we so often see in freshly mowed lawns. The blades of grass weep and the sun ends up scorching the blades.
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