Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass are two of the most common warm-season grasses in Houston, TX. Both have their strengths, but if you’ve chosen Bermuda grass for its durability and drought tolerance, you’ll want to keep St. Augustine’s creeping growth habits at bay. Here’s how to prevent St. Augustine from invading your Bermuda lawn and tips to promote a thriving Bermuda lawn.
Why St. Augustine Invades Bermuda Grass
St. Augustine grass often invades Bermuda lawns due to its ability to thrive in conditions where Bermuda struggles. Common reasons include:
- Shade Tolerance: St. Augustine performs better in shaded areas, while Bermuda requires full sun.
- Thicker Growth: St. Augustine’s stolons spread aggressively and can smother thinner Bermuda patches.
- Improper Lawn Care: Weak Bermuda grass due to poor mowing, watering, or fertilization creates opportunities for St. Augustine to take over.
Understanding these factors can help you identify and address vulnerabilities in your Bermuda lawn.
Tips to Promote Bermuda Grass Growth
1. Maintain a Regular Mowing Schedule
St. Augustine grass grows taller than Bermuda, so mowing at the right height gives Bermuda the advantage.
- Mow Bermuda grass to a height of 2-2.5 inches.
- Typically, St. Augustine grass should be mowed higher (3-4 inches). Cutting it lower weakens it, reducing its ability to spread.
Frequent mowing prevents St. Augustine’s stolons from taking root in your Bermuda grass.
2. Patch Bare Spots with Bermuda Sod
Bare spots in your Bermuda lawn are prime areas for St. Augustine to invade. Patching these areas with fresh Bermuda sod strengthens your lawn’s defenses and ensures a uniform appearance.
Sod Patching Tips:
- Remove any St. Augustine runners or weeds in the bare area before installing sod.
- Loosen the soil to improve root contact and water absorption.
- Lay Bermuda sod and press it firmly into the soil.
- Water the patched area frequently for the first few weeks to promote establishment.
Filling in weak spots helps create a dense, healthy lawn that resists invasion.
3. Fertilize to Promote Bermuda Growth
Bermuda grass responds well to nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which promote dense, aggressive growth. St. Augustine prefers less nitrogen. Fertilizing your lawn according to Bermuda’s needs strengthens it against encroachment.
Recommended Fertilizer Schedule:
- Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
- Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep Bermuda roots.
Healthy, well-fed Bermuda grass is better equipped to compete with St. Augustine.
4. Address Shade Issues
St. Augustine tolerates shade better than Bermuda. If areas of your lawn are shaded, consider pruning trees or shrubs to increase sunlight. This creates an environment where Bermuda grass thrives and St. Augustine struggles.
For areas that remain shaded, consider planting a shade-tolerant ground cover to prevent St. Augustine from gaining a foothold.
5. Create Physical Barriers
Installing edging or borders can prevent St. Augustine stolons from creeping into your Bermuda grass. Choose a barrier material that extends a few inches into the soil to block underground growth as well.
6. Encourage Thick Bermuda Growth
Dense Bermuda grass is the best defense against invasion. Promote thick growth by:
- Aerating the soil to reduce compaction and improve root health.
- Maintaining proper irrigation to prevent drought stress that can weaken Bermuda.
- Learn more about thicker, greener bermuda grass.
7. Monitor and Act Quickly
Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of St. Augustine encroachment, especially if your neighbors have a St. Augustine Lawn. Catching and addressing the issue early minimizes the effort required to control it.
For more information regarding caring for a Bermuda Lawn, click here.
Maintaining a pristine Bermuda lawn takes effort, especially when St. Augustine grass is nearby. With consistent mowing, proper fertilization, sod patching, and a proactive approach, you can keep your Bermuda lawn looking its best. Strengthen your Bermuda grass with proper care to reduce the risk of invasion. For professional lawn care assistance, Greengate Turf & Pest is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and services to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn year-round.
