Bahia grass vs Bermuda grass, which one should you choose? If you’re the owner of a lawn in the humid South, this is likely a question you have asked yourself at some point or another.
Before comparing Bahia and Bermuda grasses, keep in mind that both varieties do well in warm weather and are drought-tolerant once established.
It’s important to know that Bermuda grass gets its name from the seaport of Bermuda, where it was first imported from Europe as an ornamental plant.
Bahia Grass vs Bermuda Grass
Evergreen or Not?
We’re not talking about your family or household-we’re talking about your lawn. Evergreen turf grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, stay green year-round in all but extreme climates, so they aren’t a great choice for homeowners who want their lawn to look full and lush come springtime.
Bermudagrass is one of the most popular warm-season grasses because it grows quickly and can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a dense root system that makes it drought resistant, which is why it’s often used on golf courses.
Bermudagrass can be planted from seed or sod; if you go with sod, you can expect your new lawn to be fully established within four weeks of installation.
On the other hand, bahiagrass requires more time and care before it becomes established. Still, once it does, its deep roots make it an excellent choice for those living in areas where droughts are common.
Once you choose between these two varieties of warm-season grasses, you’ll need to decide whether you want an evergreen or a non-evergreen variety.
Shady or Sunny?
When deciding what kind of grass to put in your yard, it’s important to decide if you want a sunny or shady area. If you live in a very warm place, and all-day sunshine isn’t something you’re used to, or are worried about, then Bahia is your best option.
It will grow just fine in the shade but will also do well in areas with partial sun all day long with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. On the other hand, if you want an area where you can sit outside on hot summer days and enjoy the full sun, Bermuda grass is perfect for that.
While both types of grass need water, they don’t require as much as some others. However, they still need regular watering to keep them looking their best throughout the spring and summer months.
Mowing Patterns
When it comes to lawn care, you need to create a mowing pattern that’s appropriate for your lawn, which should be based on its species and your climate. Both Bermuda grass and Bahia grass are warm-season grasses that thrive in hot weather, making them ideal for south or southwest regions of North America (both do not grow well north of USDA zones 5 or 6).
Your mowing pattern should reflect their growth patterns by taking into account their height, spread, and typical lifespans. For example, suppose you’re growing a type of turfgrass that only reaches about 2 to 3 inches high when mature.
In that case, you could cut it every one to two weeks with a power push mower (about 1/2 inch from the ground) at most once per week. However, if you have a taller variety of either species, such as Tifway 419 Bahia grass or Centipede Bermuda grass (which can reach up to 8 inches high), cutting every four to six days is more suitable.
Consult your local county extension office for advice on how often and how short of cutting specific varieties of these types of lawns in your area.
Diseases and Insects
When you’re planting a lawn, it’s worth considering how it will look, what problems might arise in the future, and what you can do to prevent or manage them.
Bermuda grass is susceptible to many diseases and pests-including thatch, dollar spot, chinch bugs, nematodes, and rusts-and these issues should be factored into your decision if you want a healthy lawn for years to come.
In contrast, bahiagrass is much more resistant to disease and insects, so it could save you time and money down the road. It’s up to you whether you think those long-term savings are worth sacrificing an attractive appearance today.
How To Grow Bermuda Grass?
Mow your lawn regularly to give it a healthy, well-maintained look. Be sure to follow a regular mowing schedule. Most experts recommend cutting grass no shorter than two inches tall and more frequently if the grass is longer.
Cutting at these heights will also encourage grass to grow thicker blades and prevent water from evaporating too quickly. And if you want to make sure your lawn stays lush all summer long, incorporate fertilizer into your schedule every six weeks or so, or opt for a slow-release option instead of traditional granular fertilizer (which runs a higher risk of burning roots).
Note that fertilizing is particularly important in areas with poor soil quality since nutrients may have been depleted due to overuse by other plants in the past.
How To Grow Bahia Grass?
Having a green and luscious lawn is usually every homeowner’s dream, but finding out how to grow a Bahia grass lawn may be an arduous task for some people. Many different types of grasses can be used as an alternative to common turfs, such as creeping red fescue, soft white, and Kentucky bluegrass.
Suppose you want to experience something different than what everyone else has in their homes. In that case, there are plenty of options you can explore when considering which one of these great options would be best for your lawn or backyard landscaping project. Learn how to grow Bahia grass here
Bahia grass can grow well in areas that do not receive much direct sunlight and are located in a cooler areas, such as those with a somewhat arid or Mediterranean climate.
This can be especially attractive to individuals who live in the dryer or hotter regions because it doesn’t need watering nearly as much as other types of grasses, and it grows slowly, so there will be less maintenance on your part to keep it healthy and looking its best throughout time.
It is not very susceptible to damage from pests either, making it more sturdy against the most common problems one might have when growing lawn grasses.
Which One Is Better For My Lawn?
Now that we’ve gotten a handle on how to plant, take care of and maintain both Bahia grass and Bermuda grass, we can move on to our final question: Which one is better for my lawn? The simple answer is it depends on your lawn’s needs.
But let’s break it down a little more. While there are many similarities between these two types of grass, there are also some important differences you should be aware of before making your decision.
For example, as mentioned earlier in our discussion about seeding either variety into an existing lawn, Bahia will take over existing turf (especially when used as a seed). At the same time, Bermuda will blend in with existing turf much easier.
This means if you have an area where you want to start fresh or already have a large patch of Bermuda grass growing, then Bahia may not be right for your lawn.
Conversely, if you want something that blends seamlessly into what’s already growing in your yard, then going with Bermuda may not be best.
Conclusion
It’s clear to see that there are some significant differences between these two popular types of grass. Some homeowners have found success with each, while others have experienced lackluster results and endless headaches.
You’ll likely find that both lawns need a fair amount of care. Still, it may be easier to maintain one over another, depending on your circumstances and preferences.
For example, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution or want to save money in terms of water usage, then Bahia grass is probably your best bet.
On the other hand, if you prefer an attractive green lawn or don’t mind paying for additional fertilizer or maintenance services from time to time, then Bermuda might be right for you.
