Weeding is a duty that many gardeners despise; getting your hands dirty and having to labor in the sweltering sun is not something anyone wants to do. However, Bermuda grass is one of the lawn grasses that will organically handle the weeding for you.
Bermuda grass is a fast-growing warm-season grass that has been acclaimed for its drought resistance, tolerance to heavy foot traffic, and capacity to withstand freezing temperatures. It’s impressive how the Bermuda grass can achieve this with so little upkeep.
But will Bermuda grass choke out weeds?
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Will Bermuda grass choke out weeds?
Bermuda grass is famous for various reasons, but what I find most fascinating about it, is its unusual ability to choke off weeds.
Bermuda grows defensively under optimal conditions and when adequately managed, forming thick, lush green blades that grow closely together, choking off weeds.
Its dense canopy and aggressive growth habits sap the life power of some weeds, such as crabgrass. Bermuda grass has been demonstrated to defend itself against even the most invasive weeds.
However, this does not mean that weeds will not emerge on your Bermuda grass.
Its defense against weeds can only improve if provided the necessary conditions, although there are common weeds that can keep up with Bermuda grass, such as yellow nutgrass, chickweed, and dandelions, which are a familiar presence on Bermuda lawns.
Even with a slew of skilled competitors, a healthy Bermuda will be able to keep weeds at bay. So keep your Bermuda grass in good shape to cut down on the dreaded weeding chores.
How to have a healthy Bermuda grass
Even without a strict maintenance program, Bermuda grass will remain green all year without displaying signs of deterioration. I understand that you want healthy Bermuda grass that is free of weeds.
Getting that Bermuda is simple; all you have to do is give your primary grass care, but what I’m about to show you are some of the most detailed methods you may have a healthy Bermuda that naturally chokes out weeds.
1. Mowing height
Mowing Bermuda grass entails more than just acquiring a lawn mower and getting started to have a well-kept lawn; it involves getting it right.
When mowing, remember that Bermuda grass’s significant protection against its famed weeds is its dense canopy, and removing the canopy exposes your grass to weed invasion.
Cut back your Bermuda grass to a lower height will allow the light to reach the soil, and soon you will have the likes of chickweed creating a nasty appearance on your lawn.
To prevent this, you should mow your Bermuda grass at a mowing height of 2 to 2.5 inches. A basic rule of thumb that I use while mowing my Bermuda grass is that I don’t mow it to more than a third of its height. Plus, a weekly mow will ensure your grass grows quickly and thicker.
2. A well-balanced soil pH
Bermuda grass is not fussy about the type of soil it grows on; it does well on any soil as long as it is well-drained. However, acidic soil will limit the potential of your Bermuda grass, but the notorious dandelion will fancy acidic soil.
Bermuda grass does well in a pH range of 5.8 to 7; anything below this is detrimental to your grass, opening it to weeds attack.
The first step to having that Bermuda grass that will naturally suppress weeds is to ensure a balanced soil pH level. So, measure your soil’s pH levels using a weed tester to see how acidic it is.
If it is acidic, you can increase the pH level of your soil by adding calcitic lime. Lime is a chemical-free way to lower the acidity of your lawn; it is made of naturally pulverized limestone.
3. Frequent Bermuda fertilization
Bermuda grass has high nutritional requirements, which is why it grows swiftly and thickly. To keep this growth going, create a dependable fertilization regimen.
Slow-release fertilizer is ideal for Bermuda grass, and a 1000 square foot Bermuda lawn will require 1.5 pounds of this fertilizer. This fertilizer should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks when the plant is at its peak development.
Fertilize again after its peak growth, following spring, with the same fertilizer, but this time wait 6 to 8 weeks. When winter hits, do not fertilize your grass because it will be dormant.
See also: Will boiling water kill bermuda grass
4. Dethatching
Another key care program required by the grass to choke out weeds is dethatching.
Bermuda grass is susceptible to thatch buildup, particularly after fertilization. Bermuda grass grows rapidly, and its runners, stems, and stolons will soon produce thatch.
Thatch buildup will choke your lawn, causing your Bermuda grass to suffer and lose resistance because it will not have enough oxygen circulation and nutritional delivery. Your lawn will begin to thin out, making an opportunity for weed invasion.
In later spring or early summer, inspect your grass, and if the thatch is more than a half-inch thick, consider removing it, and you will notice your Bermuda grass flourishes in a few weeks to choke out the weed.
5. A perfect watering schedules
Many of us ignore it, but watering is another key thing to consider for healthy Bermuda grass. Be cautious while watering bermudagrass. You must create a watering schedule that does not overwater your grass since this will result in Bermuda grass with weak, shallow roots that are vulnerable to weed infestations.
Bermuda grass should be watered twice a week; the watering schedule should begin early in the morning and last 30 to 60 minutes for one-inch-deep irrigation. The infrequent and deep watering will improve the health of the Bermuda grass.
See also: Best way to kill bermuda grass with vinegar
Will Bermuda grass choke out weeds? The answer is a resounding yes, but there is a catch: you must provide proper care for your Bermuda grass.
Weed control can be exhausting and annoying, so assist your Bermuda grass, and it will reward you with a beautiful green lawn free of weeds.
What are your thought on Bermuda grass’s ability to choke out weed let me know in the comment section below
