Bermuda Grass In Southern California

Bermuda grass (genus Cynodon, species dactylon) is a type of grass that grows in almost every part of the world. Native to Europe, Africa, Australia and most of Asia, this grass arrived in the United States before 19th century. Historical evidence shows that it was already being used as one of the primary grasses in southern states by 1807.

Bermuda grass thrives in locations with direct sunlight and good drainage. It, unlike other grasses, is also drought, and heat tolerant. Although the majority of Bermuda's roots remain within 6 inches of the surface, they can also reach depths of more than 6 feet.

This deep root system is more resistant to environmental stresses than other warm-season lawn grasses. This combination of characteristics makes Bermuda grass a good choice for many lawn owners.

Advantages Of Bermuda Grass

Bermuda a good choice for many lawn owners, because it has many advantages over other grasses. These are:

1. Drought Resistance: One of the most important advantages of Bermuda Grass is its exceptionally high drought resistance.
2. Quick Growth: Bermuda grass grows very quickly, so you can cultivate a lush green garden in a relatively short amount of time.
3. Heat Resistance: Bermuda grass is also more heat-resistant than other warm-season grasses.
4. High Wear Tolerance: Another important feature of Bermuda Grass is its high wear tolerance. This makes it suitable for busy family lawns, sports field, or any other area with high foot traffic.
5. Excellent Disease Resistance: Another factor that contributes to the lower maintenance cost of Bermuda is its excellent disease resistance. It generally doesn't require any kind of chemical treatment other than standard fertilizers.
6. Dense and Green: Bermuda grass not only grows very quickly, but is also visually appealing. With proper maintenance, your lawn will resemble a beautiful green carpet.
7. Low Maintenance: If you are worried that its many benefits would make maintaining Bermuda costlier, then don't worry. Compared to other grasses, Bermuda has a very little maintenance cost. All you need to do is to fertilize and mow your lawn occasionally.
8. Weed Suppression: Apart from being disease resistance, Bermuda grass also suppresses growth of weeds, further reducing the support cost of the field where it grows.
9. Erosion Control: Although the majority of Bermuda's roots remain within 6 inches of the surface, they can also reach depths of more than 6 feet. This extensive root system of Bermuda grass helps in reducing soil erosion in hilly areas.
10. Versatility: Bermuda grass is known for its versatility. It is not only suitable for residential lawns, but is also used in sports fields and golf courses.

Although Bermuda grass has many benefits it should be noted that it can be invasive and may need more frequent trimming and mowing during the season of maximum growth. In order to fully benefit from Bermuda grass, proper upkeep, care, and climate consideration are necessary.

Bermuda Grass In Southern California

Bermuda grass is an ideal choice for lawns and parks in Southern California because it experiences arid weather, with weeks-long droughts occurring there. There is plenty of sun exposure, and at above-average temperatures, you will need grass varieties that can withstand the heat and dry conditions. The most common varieties of Bermuda used in Southern California are:

1. Celebration Bermuda: It is deep blue-green in colour, and has high drought resistance and wear tolerance.
2. Latitude 36: It is visually appealing, and have high wear tolerance. It also have fine texture and high endurance.
3. Tifway 2 / Tifway II: It is a type of hybrid Bermuda grass, and is known for its shortest winter dormancy.
4. Tifway 419: Another hybrid Bermuda, it is known for its high weed and disease resistance.

Conclusion

Bermuda grass, or Cynodon dactylon, is a type of grass that grows all over the world. It, unlike other grasses, is also drought, and heat tolerant. This combination of characteristics leads many lawn owners in the Southern California to rely on Bermuda grass for its resilience.

Other benefits of Bermuda grass include quick growth, high wear tolerance, dense and green appearance, low maintenance, excellent disease resistance, versatility, weed suppression, and erosion control. Although Bermuda grass has many benefits it should also be noted that it can be invasive and may need more frequent trimming and mowing during the season of maximum growth.