Bermuda grass and crabgrass are known for their fast growth capabilities and can overtake lawns but their effects on your landscape are quite different. Bermuda grass is ideal for a dense, vibrant turf; however, it requires proper care to control the rapid spread. Crabgrass has a similar spread rate but it is considered as a weed.
Let’s have a look at the factors that distinguish these two grass types.
Bermuda Grass Vs. Crabgrass – Major Differences
Bermuda grass is a vivid green perennial grass variant thriving in warm environments. It enters a dormant stage during the winter months. Crabgrass, known for its purple-tinged and lighter green hue, starts growing in the spring and withers in the fall.
Bermuda grass has thin, wiry leaves with medium texture while the leaves of crabgrass are coarser and broader. Bermuda grass spreads fast using its underground rhizomes and above-ground stolons to create an even-looking lawn. Crabgrass spreads from a central location in a clumping pattern.
Bermuda grass is quite resilient and is commonly sued for golf courses, sports fields and regular lawns. Crabgrass is mostly perceived as a weed and is not intentionally planted for such needs.
What is Crabgrass?
Crabgrass is deemed a weed with flat, broad leaves that spread from the center in clusters, resembling a crab. It grows well in compacted soil and in lawns that receive minimal maintenance. You may need to hire a lawn care professional to remove crabgrass from your yard and install a more visually appealing grass variant.
Pros
- Rapid coverage
- Thrives in poor soil conditions
- Adapts to different soil types
Cons
- Widely regarded as a weed
- Competes with desirable grass types
- Grows in clumps
It is best suited for lawns requiring quick coverage and spaces where grass struggles to grow.
Pros of Crabgrass
It is hard to find any pros of Crabgrass as most people want to discard it. However, it thrives even in barren, compacted, and nutrient-deprived soil. Crabgrass grows quite fast, covering patches quicker than other grass types.
Cons of Crabgrass
While it is not deemed as a harmful weed, Crabgrass is not popular. It grows aggressively in places without care and overtakes weak or patchy lawns. It also spreads rapidly, threatening the growth of desirable turf grass types.
What is Bermuda grass?
Bermuda grass is a turf grass that thrives in warm-season climates and is loved for its dense growth, fine texture and capacity to survive heavy traffic. It grows well in Southern and coastal regions with mild winters and hot summer months.
Pros
- Tolerates heavy foot traffic
- Rapid growth rate
- Excellent drought tolerance
Cons
- Poor cold tolerance
- Poor shade tolerance
- Difficult to contain due to its aggressive spread
It is best suited for high-traffic areas like soccer fields, golf courses, high-traffic lawns, and warm climate regions with minimal frost periods.
Pros of Bermuda grass
Bermuda grass stands out for its capacity to survive heavy foot traffic, apart from its thick, carpeting growth and rich green color. It recovers quickly from wear and tear, making it a popular choice in sports fields and active lawns. It also suits domestic lawns with relatively heavy foot traffic. It grows so fast that it quickly covers bare and patchy areas.
Bermuda grass also survives drought very well, aided by its extensive, deep root system. This allows the grass to draw moisture from deep within the soil. It fares better than many other warm-season grasses in drought seasons.
Cons of Bermuda grass
Bermuda grass has poor cold tolerance and in shaded areas, it weakens and loses color. Its fast-growing nature makes it difficult to control, as it can easily invade raised garden beds. This is not desirable from the aesthetic perspective. Additionally, its deep root system can affect landscape fabrics, making removal difficult.
Bermuda grass also goes dormant and turns brown in cooler months. While this is a natural survival mechanism, it negatively impacts the lawn’s appearance. It fares worse than most other competitors in cooler climates, where it struggles to maintain both color and growth.
Bermuda Grass and Crabgrass, Compared
There is hardly any direct competition between these two types of grass since Bermuda grass is valued for lawns, while crabgrass is considered an unwanted weed. The major differences between these them are as follows:
- Looks – Bermuda grass has fine and thin leaves with a medium to dark green color. It creates a dense, lush turf in sunny, warm climate. Crabgrass has a yellowish-green color and does not form dense turf, growing in clumps.
- Texture – Bermuda grass’s has softer, finer blades compared to crabgrass, which has coarse, rough leaves.
- Growth rate – Both Bermuda grass and crabgrass grow rapidly, but this is a drawback for the latter. With proper upkeep and regular lawn aeration, crabgrass can be controlled effectively.
- Root system – Bermuda grass has a deep and robust root system, while crabgrass has a shallow root system.
- Adaptability – Crabgrass thrives in compacted soil and in neglected areas, outgrowing most other grasses under such conditions. Bermuda grass requires a healthy, aerated soil, plenty of sunlight, and warm weather to thrive.
- Control – Managing both these grasses can be challenging. Bermuda grass has an intensive root system, where as crabgrass spreads rapidly if left unchecked. You may benefit from hiring a professional lawn care service provider to maintain either grass type.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right turf type is a critical step in achieving a lush, healthy lawn and minimizing the presence of weeds like crabgrass. Bermuda grass stands out for its hardiness, thick coverage, and ability to thrive in the Dallas–Fort Worth climate, whereas crabgrass typically appears as an opportunistic invader in thin or poorly maintained areas. By diligently fertilizing, watering, and mowing your lawn on the correct schedule, you can create optimal growing conditions for Bermuda while making it less hospitable for crabgrass. If you need professional guidance tailored to your specific property, Texas Sod & Drainage is here to help with everything from selecting the right grass to installing water drainage solutions. With expert support and proper maintenance, you can keep your yard looking vibrant and weed-free—ensuring your lawn remains a source of pride for years to come.
