Grass Types – Bermuda Grass

It’s time to further your education on the types of grass the we commonly use for our lawns and landscapes.  This is the first part in a series on grass types.  It’s important to know which type of grass survives and thrives best in your climate.  Scott’s Identification Tool can help you determine your ideal grass by zip code.

Part 1:  Bermuda Grass

Part 2:  St. Augustine Grass

Part 3:  Zoysia

Part 4:  Bluegrass/Fescue

Part 5:  Dichondra

Cynodon dactylon, better knows as Bermuda Grass, also known as dūrvā grass, Dhoob, bermudagrass, dubo, dog’s tooth grass, Bahama grass, devil’s grass, couch grass, Indian doab, arugampul, grama, and scutch grass.  It is not actually native to the country of Bermuda, in fact, it is an invasive species there, but it is believed that it was introduced to North America by way of Bermuda, therefore the name stuck, because everything revolves around North America and the western world.

When healthy, a nice patch of Bermuda grass can be bright green and vibrant.  Bermuda has a very deep root system.  In drought conditions, with penetrable soil, the bermuda roots can grow to over two meters deep, though the bulk of the root system is very near (30cm or so) from the surface.

Bermuda is grown (or can be grown) in any temperate-warm climate in the world; from approximately 30 degrees south latitude to 30 degrees north latitude and gets between 20 and 70 inches of rainfall each year.  It is found most commonly in the southern part of the United States.  It has a reputation for being fast-growing, tough, and thick.  It is very well known in the United States, perhaps because it is the most common grass used on soccer fields, football fields, and baseball diamonds.  Also, because it can recover very quickly from damage and use.  It has high tolerances to heat and drought, making it very desirable for homeowners to use it on their lawns and not have to worry about a fragile grass on their property.  

It is a highly aggressive grass,  and it invades any habit its connected to, driving out other species of grass in its path.  It has a certain ‘weedy’ quality about it that prompts gardeners to refer to it as ‘The Devil’s Grass’

Do you have landcare needs near Las Vegas?  Call Showcase Landcare at (702) 531-6789 for a free estimate.