Why Bermuda is the Best Choice for Your Lawn in Central Arkansas
Why Bermuda Grass is the Best Choice for Your Lawn in Central Arkansas
Choosing the right type of grass for your lawn can make all the difference, especially in a place like Central Arkansas. With hot, humid summers and mild winters, you need a grass that can handle the heat and still look great year-round. That’s why Bermuda grass is the top pick for many homeowners in our region, including those in Vilonia.
Central Arkansas experiences some pretty intense weather. Summers are hot and humid, and while winters are generally mild, we do get the occasional cold snap. Bermuda grass thrives in these conditions. It loves the sun and is incredibly drought-tolerant, which is a huge plus during those long, hot Arkansas summers. Its deep root system helps it stay green and resilient, even when water is scarce.
When it comes to Bermuda grass, you’ve got two main options: common Bermuda and hybrid Bermuda. Common Bermuda is like the workhorse of lawns. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and spreads rapidly, covering your yard with a thick, green carpet. It’s perfect if you’ve got kids or pets running around because it can handle a lot of wear and tear. Whether you choose to sod, sprig, or seed, common Bermuda will establish itself quickly and keep your lawn looking great. Once it’s in, you’ll need to mow it regularly to keep it dense and healthy. While Bermuda loves being cut short, not every lawn is level enough for that. Bermuda can commonly be cut from 1 inch to 3.5 inches. Cutting lower requires specialty reel mowers that most homeowners and lawn care companies don't have access to. Often, the season starts with Bermuda being scalped to remove the dead layer and then is cut longer as the season progresses to preserve moisture and avoid cutting too much off at one time, following the 1/3 rule.
On the other hand, if you’re after a lawn that looks like it belongs on a golf course, hybrid Bermuda might be your best bet. Varieties like Tifway and TifTuf offer a finer texture and better resistance to pests and diseases. These hybrids are super durable and look absolutely lush, making them a favorite for high-end lawns. Hybrid Bermuda is usually established through sod or sprigs, which helps maintain its superior qualities. It needs a bit more attention to detail—mowing it to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches will keep it in top shape, and regular fertilization will help it thrive.
One of the best things about Bermuda grass is how low maintenance it is. Both common and hybrid Bermuda grasses are tough and resilient. They require less water and fertilization compared to other grass types, and they naturally crowd out weeds, which means fewer herbicides. Regular mowing is essential, though. It keeps the grass healthy and prevents thatch buildup. Make sure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can lead to disease. And speaking of health, Bermuda grass benefits from regular fertilization with slow-release products to keep it growing steadily without sudden growth spurts.
Bermuda grass is incredibly durable. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue, watching the kids play, or letting your pets run around, this grass can handle it all. Its rapid growth rate means it recovers quickly from any damage, ensuring your lawn always looks its best. Plus, the deep root system not only enhances its drought tolerance but also helps prevent soil erosion—perfect for those heavy summer rains or sloped areas in your yard.
Another reason Bermuda grass is perfect for Central Arkansas is its adaptability. Whether your soil is sandy, clay-heavy, or somewhere in between, Bermuda grass can establish itself and thrive. Conducting a soil test before planting is always a good idea. It helps you make any necessary amendments to optimize soil conditions for Bermuda grass. Adjusting soil pH, adding nutrients, and improving soil structure through aeration can all enhance the growth and health of your Bermuda lawn.
While Bermuda grass is an excellent choice for Central Arkansas, cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass often struggle here. Cool-season grasses prefer cooler temperatures and can suffer during our hot, humid summers. They tend to go dormant or even die back during the peak heat, resulting in a patchy, unattractive lawn. Additionally, these grasses require more water and care to stay healthy, which can lead to higher maintenance costs and more time spent on lawn care. If you’ve ever seen a cool-season lawn in Arkansas during July or August, you’ve likely noticed brown spots and thinning areas where the grass just can’t handle the heat. This is why Bermuda grass, which thrives in our climate, is a much more practical and sustainable choice.
Maintaining a Bermuda lawn is pretty straightforward once you know the basics. Start with a soil test to understand what your soil needs. This helps you tailor your fertilization plan for the best results. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making your grass more drought-resistant. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Keep your grass at the recommended height—1 to 3.5 inches for common Bermuda and 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid varieties. Sharp mower blades are a must to keep the grass healthy. A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds. If necessary, use herbicides that are safe for Bermuda grass to manage persistent weeds. Core aeration helps relieve soil compaction and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Aerate your lawn at least once a year for optimal health.
Choosing the right turf and maintaining it can feel like a big job, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Arkansas Turf Management, we’re here to help. We understand the unique challenges of Central Arkansas lawns, from Vilonia to the surrounding areas. Our team can help you choose the best Bermuda variety for your needs and provide expert installation and maintenance. If you’d rather spend your time enjoying your lawn than working on it, give us a call. We offer a range of services tailored to keep your lawn looking its best without the hassle. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you create the lush, beautiful lawn you’ve always dreamed of.