Guide to Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a widely used lawn and pasture grass that is also considered an invasive weed. During the Civil War, this grass was listed as a primary plant in the economy of southern states. The name Bermuda grass is a misnomer. This plant is actually native to Africa. Today, you’ll find this kind of grass in more than 100 countries. It’s cultivated as a lawn grass across the southern United States. Bermuda grass makes an excellent turf grass for erosion control and golf courses. Its durability also makes it ideal for athletic fields.
In nature, Bermuda grass spreads tenaciously by stolons, tuberous roots, and seeds. The strong roots are great for a healthy lawn, but they’re problematic when the grass invades flower gardens. Fortunately, new hybrid strains of Bermuda grass have been developed that have better qualities and don’t go to seed. Many prestigious golf courses use hybrids. The Savannah Golf Club uses the U-3 hybrid, and many other country clubs use the various Tif varieties, including Tifgreen, Tifway, and Tifdwarf. Tifdwarf is used on putting greens because it can be cut to one-eighth of an inch. Tifgreen was developed in the mid 1950s to provide a resilient and weed-free grass for golf courses, tennis courts, and lawns.
When Bermuda grass invades a ryegrass lawn, it can mean trouble. To control Bermuda grass that has gone rogue, tough measures are required. Full eradication of the tenacious rhizomes requires an application of an indiscriminate broad spectrum weed killer that will also kill the lawn. Apply weed killer when it’s not going to rain. Leave the grass in place for at least a week, so the pesticide is absorbed deep into the roots. If removed too quickly, Bermuda grass will regrow from energy stored in the rhizomes deep under the surface. Always check the label to make sure the herbicides are approved for the application.