Growing & Maintaining Hybrid Bermuda Grass
Caring for and maintaining hybrid Bermuda grass in North Texas is easier with the proper knowledge and expert help. While some varieties of hybrid Bermuda grass used on golf courses and sports fields require significant maintenance, there are also varieties that are less demanding and more resilient. This naturally makes these varieties perfect for homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without excessive effort. And when properly maintained, the benefits of hybrid Bermuda make it a top choice for a durable, stunning lawn.
What Is Hybrid Bermuda Grass?
Hybrid Bermuda grass was originally developed at the Tifton campus of the University of Georgia, where researchers aimed to create turf with improved qualities like fine leaf texture, dense growth and greater resistance to drought and disease. They accomplished this by crossbreeding several Bermuda grass species (such as common Bermuda and African Bermuda) to enhance specific traits.
Over time, the rich, lush appearance of hybrid Bermuda grass became highly desirable for homeowners that wanted a lawn similar to what they were seeing on golf courses and sports fields. By the 1980s, there was a growing interest in residential turf varieties that combined beauty with practical durability. Advances in sod farming and vegetative propagation during the 1980s and 1990s made it possible for these hybrids to be widely available for residential use, making hybrid Bermuda grass an increasingly popular choice. It’s important to note that hybrid Bermuda grass must be planted as sod, as it cannot be grown from seed like common Bermuda. So if you planted your Bermuda grass from seed, it is a common variety and not the hybrid.
Top Benefits of Hybrid Bermuda Grass
Hybrid Bermuda grass offers several advantages over common Bermuda grass.
Resistant to Disease
With a dense growth pattern that makes it difficult for weeds to establish themselves, it is also more resistant to lawn diseases.
Appealing Texture and Color
The soft texture of the grass is pleasant underfoot, and its deep, vibrant green color gives lawns a professional, manicured appearance.
Fewer Seed Heads
Because hybrid Bermuda is sterile it produces fewer seed heads, with some varieties producing none at all. The result is a neater, less “weedy” look. And because less pollen is produced, those dealing with pollen allergy could experience a reduction in symptoms (in comparison with common Bermuda, which tends to produce many seed heads when stressed).
Correct Maintenance of Hybrid Bermuda Grass
Of course, to really take advantage of a hybrid Bermuda lawn, it is essential to maintain it properly. Edging, close mowing, aeration and fertilization are all necessary lawn maintenance components.
Hybrid Bermuda needs plenty of fertilization including heavy applications of nitrogen. Getting the formulation just right depends on knowledge and experience, which is why many people with a hybrid Bermuda lawn choose to have it professionally maintained.
Watering is also crucial, as some hybrid varieties are less drought-tolerant than common Bermuda. Watering should ideally be done in the early morning to minimize evaporation and provide the grass with the moisture it needs throughout the day. Hiring a lawn care professional can help, as they will determine the right watering schedule based on your specific hybrid variety and local conditions.
Achieving that golf-course-quality lawn with hybrid Bermuda requires consistent attention. Golf courses themselves often use varieties that demand the most care, such as dwarf Bermuda grass. Dwarf Bermuda requires frequent aeration, leveling and mowing multiple times a week with a reel mower.
What Climate Is Best Suited for Hybrid Bermuda Grass
Hybrid Bermuda grass can thrive in all sorts of growing conditions in Texas. You’ll frequently see the use of this turf on fairways and putting greens, and its hardiness also makes it attractive to homeowners. As long as a Bermuda lawn is well maintained, it’s difficult to beat its appearance.
This grass always does best in full sun conditions. And while some hybrids are marketed as being more shade tolerant, it is still Bermuda grass. In shady conditions, hybrid Bermuda grass may appear sparse and thin or may stop growing entirely. So if your yard has a number of shade trees, it can make sense to choose another kind of turf, such as Zoysia or St. Augustine, that are better suited for lower light conditions.
Fertilization and Weed Control for Hybrid Bermuda Grass in North Texas
Green Top Lawn Care is an expert in caring for hybrid Bermuda grass in Euless and the surrounding cities. If you’d like to know more about the care and maintenance of hybrid Bermuda grass in Texas, then get in touch with us. Call (817) 684-4044 or get a free lawn care quote today.
