What is Bermuda grass?

Bermuda Grass Characteristics and Growing Range

Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf that thrives in Charlotte's summer heat while going dormant and brown during winter. Understanding its characteristics determines if it's suitable for your landscape goals.

Bermuda Grass Properties

Bermuda grass provides excellent summer performance but requires specific management approaches suited to its warm-season nature.

• Warm-season grass dormant November-April in Charlotte
• Incredibly heat and drought tolerant once established
• Fine-textured turf with attractive appearance when actively growing
• Aggressive growth pattern with extensive rhizome spread
• Requires full sun (6+ hours) for dense, healthy growth
• Turns brown immediately with first frost

Bermuda Growing and Management

1. Install through sod or sprigs (seeds unreliable in northern zones)
2. Plant in late spring (May) after frost danger passes
3. Requires aggressive maintenance: frequent mowing, dethatching
4. Overseed with cool-season rye in fall for winter color
5. Demands ample nitrogen fertilization for dense growth
6. Control spread with landscape edging to prevent turf encroachment

Bermuda works best in southern portions of our region where winter dormancy is more acceptable and summer heat is more extreme.