Bermada Grass Vs. Tall Fescue Grass

Appearance

• Commonly called devilgrass or wiregrass, bermuda grass is a deep-rooted grass that spreads by stolons and rhizomes. It grows 15 to 25 inches tall and features light- to deep-green foliage.

  Tall fescue is a deep-rooted grass that grows through tillers or stems and grows 36 to 48 inches tall. It features wide, deep green leaves with serrated margins and glossy undersides. Tall fescue produces flowers in spring, and seeds mature in early to mid summer.

Adaptation

• Bermuda grass is adapted to subtropical and tropical climates and grows best in areas with mild winters, prolonged periods of high temperatures and high rainfall. It extends to areas in the transition zone in which lower temperatures do not fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It pales in color when temperatures drop below 50 degrees F.

  Although tall fescue performs well in a variety of soil types and temperatures ranges, it thrives in areas that fall in the transition zone.

Use

• Well suited to high traffic areas, bermuda grass is commonly grown in golf courses, sports fields and playgrounds. Dense bermuda grass tolerates moderate soil compaction and wear, and recovers quickly from injury. However, bermuda grass cannot tolerate partial or heavy shade.

  Tall fescue is used in lawns, parks and golf course roughs if it's mowed down to 1 1/2 inches during the summer. It has a lower tolerance to wear and tear as compared to bermuda grass, and therefore limited for use on athletic fields and golf courses in the South.

Management

• Bermuda grass thrives in soils with pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Although bermuda grass survives drought longer than most turf grasses, it does not perform well under drought conditions. The grass responds well to watering and requires between 0.1 and 0.3 inch of water every day to remain in optimal health. It does not tolerate waterlogged sites. It is mowed between 3/4 and 1 inches in height, with the lower heights suitable for golf courses and taller heights for lawns. The grass has a high fertilizer requirement and needs between 1/2 to 1 1/2 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet area every month during the growing season.

  Tall fescue thrives in soil pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Water the grass to a depth of 4 inches only when the leaves begin to roll or wilt. Mow the grass down to 2 inches during spring and fall, and 3 inches during the summer or in dense shade. Feed tall fescue 3 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every year, using 1 lb. in fall, 1 lb. in late spring and 1 lb. when it is actively growing.