For many homeowners, a perfectly manicured green lawn is the ultimate status symbol. But achieving that level of perfection isn’t easy. There are a lot of different factors to consider, from the type of grass you choose to the amount of sunlight your lawn gets. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at two of the most popular types of grass for home lawns: Bermuda grass and Kentucky bluegrass. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your lawn.
Bermuda Grass vs. Kentucky Bluegrass: The Basics
Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that’s common in the southern United States. It’s known for being tough and drought-resistant, which makes it a good choice for areas that get a lot of sun and not a lot of rain. Bermuda grass is also relatively easy to care for; it doesn’t need to be mowed or aerated as often as other types of grass, and it can tolerate heavy foot traffic.
Kentucky bluegrass, on the other hand, is a cool-season grass that’s more commonly found in the northern United States. It’s known for being soft and lush, which makes it a good choice for areas that get a lot of rain. Kentucky bluegrass is also relatively easy to care for; however, it does need to be mowed more often than Bermuda grass.
So, which one should you choose? If you live in the south and are looking for tough, drought-resistant grass, Bermuda grass is probably your best bet. If you live in the north and are looking for a soft, lush lawn, Kentucky bluegrass is probably your best bet. Of course, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right type of grass for your lawn (such as maintenance requirements and cost), but these are two of the most important factors to consider. Below we’ll look at more details on the specific growing conditions of both to help you make an informed decision.
Caring for Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, which means it grows best when daytime temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plant your grass too early in the spring, it will likely go dormant when the temperatures start to cool off at night. To ensure that your grass has the best chance of survival, wait to plant until late spring or early summer.
When you’re ready to plant, prepare your soil by tilling it to a depth of 6-8 inches. Then, add a layer of organic compost and mix it into the soil. This will help improve drainage and provide essential nutrients for your new grass plants.
Water Deeply But Infrequently
Bermuda grass is drought-resistant, which means it doesn’t need a lot of water to thrive. In fact, watering too often can actually do more harm than good. When you do water your lawn, make sure to give the roots a deep soaking so they can grow down deep into the soil. Then, allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
Mow High and Fertilize Regularly
To keep your Bermuda grass looking its best, mow it regularly using sharp blades set at the highest setting. For most varieties of Bermuda grass, this means mowing to a height of 1-2 inches. Mowing too short can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and pests.
Fertilizing is also important for keeping your Bermuda grass healthy and green. Apply a slow-release fertilizer three times per year – once in early spring, once in late spring or early summer, and once in fall. Avoid fertilizing during periods of extreme heat or cold as this can damage the grass.
Caring for Kentucky Bluegrass
Watering
Kentucky bluegrass is a notoriously thirsty grass, so it’s important to make sure you’re giving it enough water. During the hot summer months, your grass will need at least 1 inch of water per week. The best time to water is early in the morning, before the sun gets too hot. This will give your grass time to absorb the water before it evaporates.
Mowing
Proper mowing is crucial for keeping your Kentucky bluegrass healthy and looking its best. First of all, make sure you’re using a sharp blade; dull blades can tear the grass, causing damage. Secondly, don’t mow too low; 3-4 inches is ideal. And finally, don’t remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade each time you mow. Doing so can stress out the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your Kentucky bluegrass is important for two reasons: first, it provides the nutrients the grass needs to stay healthy; and second, it helps thicken the grass, making it less likely to be damaged by foot traffic or pests. The best time to fertilize is in the spring and fall; during the summer months, the heat can cause fertilizer burn, which can damage your grass.
When it comes to choosing the right type of grass for your lawn, there are many factors to consider. In this post, we’ve compared two of the most popular types of grass—Bermuda grass and Kentucky bluegrass—to help you choose the one that’s right for you. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, we recommend talking to a local landscaper or lawn care professional. They’ll be able to give you more specific advice based on your climate and your needs.
