One disadvantage of bahiagrass is its tendency to form tall and unsightly seed heads throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. These seed heads can be seen as aesthetically unpleasing by many people, and they may find them objectionable in their lawns or landscapes.
To maintain a neat and attractive appearance, regular mowing is necessary to keep the stalks of the seed heads from becoming too tall. This can be a time-consuming task, as bahiagrass tends to grow quickly and may require frequent mowing during the growing season.
Another issue with the seed heads of bahiagrass is that they can be quite tough and fibrous. As a result, they can wear out mower blades more quickly than grasses with softer seed heads. This means that mower blades may need to be sharpened more frequently when dealing with bahiagrass, adding to the maintenance requirements and potential costs associated with this grass.
Furthermore, the presence of tall seed heads can also make it difficult to achieve a uniform and consistent height when mowing bahiagrass. This can result in an uneven appearance after mowing, as some areas with taller seed heads may be left untouched while others are trimmed shorter.
In addition to the aesthetic concerns and maintenance challenges, bahiagrass seed heads can also contribute to increased allergenicity. The pollen released from the seed heads can trigger allergies in susceptible individuals, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
While bahiagrass has its advantages such as its tolerance to drought and heat, its tall and unsightly seed heads can be seen as a significant disadvantage. Regular mowing, potential blade wear, difficulty achieving a uniform appearance, and increased allergenicity are some of the drawbacks associated with this grass.