Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) in Grass North Carolina

Description

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass known for its excellent heat tolerance, drought resistance, and ability to form a dense, resilient turf. It’s commonly used for lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, and pasture grass in regions with hot summers.

Description:

Appearance:

• Bermudagrass has fine-textured, dark green blades that form a dense, low-growing turf.
• It has a vibrant green color during the growing season and may turn brown in color during dormancy in cooler months.

Growth Habit:

• Bermudagrass spreads rapidly through above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes, forming a thick, weed-resistant turf.
• It has excellent recuperative ability and can quickly recover from damage caused by mowing, foot traffic, or other stresses.

Climate:

• Thrives in warm, arid climates and performs best in regions with hot summers and low to moderate rainfall.
• Bermudagrass is well-suited to the southern United States but can also be grown in some transitional climate zones.

Sun Requirements:

• Prefers full sun and thrives in areas with ample sunlight.
• Bermudagrass is one of the most sun-tolerant turfgrasses and can withstand intense heat and sunlight.

Drought Tolerance:

• Bermudagrass exhibits excellent drought tolerance once established, thanks to its deep root system and ability to store water in its tissues.
• Requires minimal supplemental watering compared to cool-season grasses, making it an ideal choice for water-wise landscapes.

Planting Instructions:

1. Site Preparation:

• Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Bermudagrass prefers sandy or loamy soil but can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and alkaline soils.
• Prepare the planting area by clearing the site of any existing vegetation, weeds, rocks, and debris.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches using a garden fork, tiller, or similar tool to improve soil structure and promote root growth.

2. Sodding or Sprigging:

• Bermudagrass is commonly established from sod or sprigs (rhizomes and stolons). Sodding provides instant coverage, while sprigging requires more time for the grass to spread and fill in.
• For sodding, lay Bermudagrass sod in a staggered pattern, ensuring good contact with the soil. Roll the sod to eliminate air pockets and promote root-to-soil contact.
• For sprigging, plant Bermudagrass sprigs spaced about 6 to 12 inches apart across the prepared area. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.

3. Watering:

• Keep the newly planted Bermudagrass sod or sprigs consistently moist until the grass establishes, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Once established, Bermudagrass requires less frequent watering but should be irrigated during dry periods to prevent stress.

4. Fertilization:

• Apply a starter fertilizer at the time of planting to promote root development and establishment.
• After the grass has established, follow a regular fertilization schedule based on soil test recommendations or general guidelines for warm-season grasses.

5. Mowing:

• Begin mowing Bermudagrass when it reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Set the mower blade to a height of 0.5 to 1 inch and mow regularly to maintain the desired height.
• Bermudagrass can be mowed shorter for a manicured appearance but should not be scalped, as this can damage the turf.

6. Maintenance:

• Bermudagrass requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and attractive. This includes watering during periods of drought, occasional mowing to maintain a uniform height, and periodic dethatching or aerating to promote healthy growth.
• Monitor the lawn for pests, diseases, and other issues, and take appropriate action as needed to preserve turf health and appearance.