There are many different types of grass available to homeowners, but if you’re looking to renovate your lawn, then the two most popular options are probably Bermuda grass and Crabgrass.
Both can grow in many different conditions and have advantages and disadvantages, but choosing between them isn’t always easy.
In order to help you decide which one will work best in your yard, we’ve compiled this detailed comparison that compares these two options so you can make the right choice when it comes time to replace your current grass with new plants or seeds.
Crabgrass vs Bermuda Grass
What’s The Difference? – Well, there are a few differences between these two species of grasses that make one more suitable than another for your lawn. If you’re trying to decide which one to choose, read on-
1. Growth Rate
While both types of grass are quick to establish themselves, Crabgrass grows faster than Bermuda grass and is a shade-tolerant plant that will grow in partial shade (whereas Bermuda grass prefers full sun).
If you’re trying to decide between these two species of grass, it might be a good idea to choose Crabgrass since it will establish itself quickly and withstand shady conditions.
2. Appearance
Crabgrass is coarse-textured grass that grows in tufts, whereas Bermuda grass is a fine-textured grass that grows in clumps and can be mowed to different heights (up to 3 inches).
Both types of grass are relatively low-maintenance, but if you’re trying to decide between them, choose Crabgrass since it’s easy to maintain at any height.
3. Drought Tolerance
Both of these grasses are drought-tolerant, but bermudagrass is more tolerant than Crabgrass and can survive in drier conditions with less water.
Choose Bermuda grass since it will thrive even in dry conditions without much maintenance on your part.
4. Mowing
Both of these grasses can be mowed at different heights, but bermudagrass grows slower than Crabgrass and will need to be mowed more frequently than Crabgrass to maintain a low height (although it can still be maintained at a higher height).
If you’re trying to decide between these two species of grass, it might be a good idea to choose Bermuda grass since it will grow slower, and you’ll have to mow less frequently.
5. Color
Crabgrass is a green grass that turns brown in fall, whereas Bermuda grass is a dark green grass that doesn’t change color over time.
If you’re trying to decide between these two species of grass, choosing Crabgrass might be a good idea since it will maintain its color throughout different seasons and won’t turn brown in fall as Bermuda grass does.
Appearance and Growth Habit Of Crabgrass
Crabgrass is a warm-season annual grass that grows in small patches throughout lawns, making it easy to spot. It can also spread through seeds but typically only through rhizomes (buried stems) when there’s already a patch of Crabgrass on your lawn.
Crabgrass leaves are long and narrow, with serrated edges. The blades are light green during the spring and summer, then turn tan or brown by fall. The plant will grow up to 1 foot tall at maturity, though it usually stays shorter than 8 inches.
In late summer/early fall, Crabgrass produces seed heads that look like tiny bunches of wheat kernels on top of very thin stalks; these stalks can be as short as 1 inch or as long as 6 inches tall.
Should you pull out Crabgrass?
Most experts say you should pull out any crabgrass that pops up in your yard to keep your lawn healthy.
With its broad leaves and weed-like appearance, Crabgrass can be difficult to distinguish from real grass at first glance—but there are several ways to tell if it’s present on your property.
While pulling up small sections of Crabgrass may not seem like a big deal, keep in mind that its root system extends several inches below ground and can reappear when you least expect it!
It’s easy to identify Crabgrass because it grows as individual patches throughout your lawn instead of forming a continuous green mass like most other types of grass.
If you suspect you have Crabgrass, use a hand trowel or small shovel to dig up one of its blades and look at its roots—if you see white, thread-like rhizomes (buried stems) beneath that blade, then you probably do have Crabgrass. If not, then you don’t!
Crabgrass Prevention
The best way to prevent Crabgrass is to keep your lawn healthy and well-maintained, which means watering it consistently and fertilizing it at least once a year (ideally in spring).
If you’re trying to get rid of Crabgrass that’s already present on your lawn, you can do so by overseeding your lawn with a grass seed mixture that contains plenty of perennial ryegrass—this will help crowd out Crabgrass over time.
Finally, if you spot new patches of Crabgrass sprouting up during the summer months, treat them immediately with an herbicide containing 2,4-D or MCPP; these chemicals are commonly found in weed killers sold at home improvement stores. Be sure to follow all label instructions carefully when using herbicides!
Appearance and Growth Habit Of Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass that is commonly used on golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns, and other areas where deep-rooted, low-maintenance grass is desired.
It has a fine texture when mowed short (1/2 to 1 inch) but can develop a coarse appearance if allowed to grow longer (1 to 2 inches). It has dark green leaves with an upright growth habit. The blades are rolled at their margins, giving them a distinctive bent shape.
The color of Bermuda grass changes from bright green in spring and summer to yellowish-green in fall and winter. When temperatures dip below freezing, some cultivars may turn brown or tan.
However, most cultivars will remain green throughout all seasons except during prolonged periods of drought or extreme heat.
Growing Conditions Of Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that requires full sun and good drainage to thrive. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it performs best in sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
It grows best when temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during spring, summer, and fall but will tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit if properly irrigated during cold weather.
Although Bermuda grass does not require mowing during winter, it should be kept free of weeds through proper lawn care practices. The ideal mowing height for Bermuda grass is 1/2 to 1 inch. Mowing heights above 2 inches tend to reduce density and weaken stems over time.
Bottom Line:
While there are many different types of lawn grasses on the market, two of the most popular are Bermuda grass and Crabgrass.
Both grass varieties can thrive in various climates, but each type has specific advantages that make it ideal for a particular region or environment.
If you’re considering switching to either of these grasses, it’s important to know how they differ from one another before making your decision. However, our preference is Bermuda grass.
