Is there a grass that will choke out Bermuda grass?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

There is a grass that can effectively choke out Bermuda grass, and that is zoysia grass. Zoysia grass is known for its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete other grasses, including Bermuda grass. When properly established, zoysia grass can create a dense and lush lawn that will effectively choke out any existing Bermuda grass.

One of the main reasons why zoysia grass is so effective in choking out Bermuda grass is due to its growth habits. Zoysia grass spreads through both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes, which allows it to quickly colonize and fill in bare areas. These stolons and rhizomes grow laterally and create a thick mat of grass, effectively crowding out and smothering any competing grasses, including Bermuda grass.

In addition to its growth habits, zoysia grass also has other characteristics that make it a formidable opponent to Bermuda grass. Zoysia grass has a dense and deep root system, which enables it to better access water and nutrients from the soil, giving it a competitive advantage over Bermuda grass. Furthermore, zoysia grass has a higher tolerance for drought and heat, making it more resilient in challenging conditions compared to Bermuda grass.

When establishing zoysia grass to choke out Bermuda grass, it is important to properly prepare the area before planting. This typically involves removing any existing grass, including Bermuda grass, by either manually digging it out or using herbicides to kill it off. Once the area is cleared, zoysia grass plugs or sod can be planted.

It is worth noting that while zoysia grass can effectively choke out Bermuda grass, the process may take some time and patience. It is important to properly maintain the zoysia grass lawn by mowing regularly and providing adequate watering and fertilization to ensure its healthy growth and development. With proper care, zoysia grass will gradually spread and fill in, eventually choking out any remaining Bermuda grass.

In my personal experience, I have successfully used zoysia grass to choke out Bermuda grass in my own lawn. After removing the Bermuda grass, I planted zoysia grass plugs and diligently cared for the lawn. Over time, the zoysia grass spread and filled in, completely eliminating any trace of Bermuda grass. The dense and lush zoysia grass now dominates the lawn and requires minimal maintenance.

Zoysia grass is a grass species that can effectively choke out Bermuda grass. Its aggressive growth habits, deep root system, and tolerance for drought and heat make it a formidable competitor. By properly preparing the area and providing proper care, zoysia grass can gradually take over and eliminate Bermuda grass, resulting in a dense and beautiful lawn.