Bermudagrass wasn’t always the number one choice in California as its dormancy in winter turned landscapes brown. However, with the stricter water restrictions in place, interest is shifting towards using this warm-season variety.
The introduction of improved and hybrid varieties that address its traditional limitations has sparked renewed interest due to their drought and heat tolerance and exceptional resistance to wear and tear, prompting people to rethink their landscaping decisions.
Bermudagrass is an excellent solution because of its superior drought tolerance and low water use. Increasing water costs, along with water restrictions, are driving interest in converting lawns to bermudagrass to save water and maximize the benefits of having natural grass without sacrificing appearance. But there’s more to bermudagrass than its water-saving benefits—it’s incredibly durable and can handle heavy foot traffic better than many other grass varieties.
The Evolution of Bermudagrass to Meet Modern Landscaping Needs
For several years, the poor shade and cold tolerance of bermudagrass have limited its use and made it less ideal for certain climates. Originating from South Africa, bermudagrass thrives in warm environments and requires full sun to reach its full potential. It is mostly found in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. Contrarily, it struggles in cooler climates and shaded areas, where it can thin out and lose vigor.
These limitations meant that bermudagrass wasn’t the first choice for many homeowners and landscapers, particularly in regions with cold winters. However, the increasing demand for drought-tolerant grasses has led growers and researchers to develop improved and hybrid varieties better adapted to a broader range of conditions.
Today, more improved varieties are available to address previous shortcomings and meet the rising need for resilient and durable turf cover. Improved bermudagrass varieties offer better color retention, extending their usability and improving playability on golf courses and sports fields. For example, varieties like TifTuf have been bred for superior drought tolerance and better performance in cooler temperatures. Overall, these efforts push innovation in grass cultivation, expanding the traditional use areas of bermudagrass and providing more hardy options for California landscapes.
Wear and Tear Tolerance of Bermudagrass
A durable grass variety, the exceptional wear and tear tolerance of bermudagrass is largely attributed to its dense, spreading growth habit. This grass vigorously spreads through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (below-ground runners), creating a dense, interconnected network of grass blades and roots. This growth habit provides several key benefits:
1. Better Traffic Tolerance
Its density allows it to withstand heavy foot traffic without significant damage. Whether its kids and pets playing on the lawn, athletes on a sports field, or golfers on a course, this grass maintains its structure and appearance even under constant use.
2. Rapid Wear Recovery
Its vigorous growth habit also allows it to recover fast from wear and tear. The dense network of stems can easily fill in bare or damaged areas, ensuring that any spot affected by heavy use can recover within a shorter period. This rapid recovery means less downtime and more playtime, keeping the grass looking its best with minimal maintenance.
3. Weed Suppression
Consequently, the thick, dense growth of bermudagrass serves as a natural barrier against weeds. By outcompeting weeds for sunlight, water, and nutrients, it reduces the need for intervention, saving money and effort. This weed suppression ability not only keeps the lawn looking pristine but also supports a healthier, more sustainable landscape.
Bermudagrass—The Preferred Grass Type for Active Landscapes
Overall, these qualities make bermudagrass a preferred option for high-traffic areas. It is extensively used in golf courses, where the grass endures constant foot traffic, rough treatment, and low mowing heights. Athletic fields, which demand a resilient surface for sports and other activities, also rely on bermudagrass as much as high-end lawns that benefit from its aesthetic appeal and durability. This grass variety is a top choice for premium residential and commercial landscapes.
The dense, spreading growth habit of bermudagrass provides unmatched wear tolerance, rapid recovery, and effective weed suppression. These characteristics make it ideal for golf courses, athletic fields, and high-end lawns, offering resilience and low maintenance.Did you find this article helpful? Contact us at The Real California Lawn today for more lawn care tips.