Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) in Grass New Mexico

Description

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass species known for its fine texture, excellent durability, and rapid growth habit. It’s commonly used in lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and pastureland in regions with hot summers and mild winters.

Description:

• Foliage: Bermudagrass has fine-textured, dense foliage with a deep green color. The leaves are narrow and wiry, forming a dense carpet-like turf when properly maintained.
• Growth Habit: It spreads aggressively via above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes, allowing it to quickly fill in bare patches and establish a thick, lush lawn.
• Heat and Drought Tolerance: Bermudagrass is highly tolerant of heat, drought, and high temperatures, making it well-suited for use in hot, sunny climates. It can also tolerate saline soils and moderate levels of foot traffic.
• Winter Dormancy: Bermudagrass goes dormant and turns brown in the winter months in cooler regions but greens up again in the spring once temperatures warm up.

Planting Instructions:

1. Timing:

• Plant Bermudagrass in the late spring or early summer, once soil temperatures have warmed to around 65°F (18°C) or higher for optimal germination and establishment.
• Avoid planting Bermudagrass during the cooler months, as it requires warm temperatures to grow and establish.

2. Site Selection:

• Choose a planting site with full sun exposure for optimal growth and performance. Bermudagrass requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for vigorous growth.
• Ensure the soil is well-drained, as Bermudagrass does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils.

3. Soil Preparation:

• Prepare the planting area by removing debris, weeds, and rocks. Loosen the top 4 to 6 inches of soil using a garden fork or tiller to improve soil aeration and root penetration.
• Incorporate organic matter such as compost into the soil to enhance fertility and soil structure, especially in sandy or clay soils.

4. Seeding, Sodding, or Sprigging:

• Bermudagrass can be established from seed, sod, or sprigs, depending on the desired timeline and budget.
• If seeding, sow the seeds at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for new lawns or overseeding existing turf. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by lightly raking the seeds into the soil.
• For sodding, lay the sod in a staggered pattern, ensuring tight seams between pieces to prevent drying out and promote rooting.
• For sprigging, plant Bermudagrass sprigs or plugs approximately 6 to 12 inches apart in a grid pattern across the planting area.

5. Watering and Maintenance:

• Keep the newly planted Bermudagrass area consistently moist during the establishment period, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Water lightly and frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.
• Once established, Bermudagrass requires deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance. Water deeply once a week during dry periods.
• Mow Bermudagrass regularly at a height of 1 to 2 inches for optimal health and appearance. Mowing frequency may increase during the growing season to maintain the desired height.
• Fertilize Bermudagrass regularly with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and color. Follow soil test recommendations for fertilizer application rates.