The key difference between Bermuda grass and Fescue grass is that Bermuda grass thrives in warm climates and requires sun, while Fescue grass is well-suited for cold climates and shade.
Each homeowner dreams of having a lush and velvety lawn that adds beauty and connects them with nature. Among the plethora of grass options available, this article focuses on two varieties – Bermuda grass and Fescue grass – both of which can yield splendid results with proper care.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Bermuda Grass
3. What is Fescue Grass
4. Similarities – Bermuda Grass and Fescue Grass
5. Bermuda Grass vs Fescue Grass in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Bermuda Grass vs Fescue Grass
What is Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass, scientifically known as Cynodon dactylon, is a globally distributed grass species. Originally indigenous to Europe, Africa, Australia, and a significant portion of Asia, this grass displays grey-green-hued blades that are typically short, measuring around 2–15 cm (0.79–5.91 in) in length and adorned with coarse edges. The upright stems have the potential to reach heights of 1–30 cm (0.39–11.81 in) and often possess a slightly flattened form, occasionally showcasing a purple tinge. Clusters of seed heads, comprised of two to six spikes, emerge at the apex of the stem. These spikes, each measuring 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) in length, collectively form the seed head structure. Bermuda grass spreads horizontally across the ground through stolons, taking root at nodes that come into contact with the soil. As a result, it establishes a dense mat-like growth pattern.
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that thrives in environments with full sun exposure and proper drainage. It is well-suited for lawns in southern regions spanning from coast to coast. Bermuda grass tolerates heat, drought, heavy foot traffic, and even salt exposure. However, it requires vigilant upkeep and substantial nutrient input due to its high maintenance and nutrient requirements.
What is Fescue Grass?
Fescue grass refers to a group of cool-season grass species belonging to the genus Festuca. These grasses are commonly used for lawns, pastures, and other landscaping purposes. Fescue grasses are known for their adaptability to various climatic conditions and their ability to maintain green color even during cooler months.
There are several types of fescue grasses, each with its own characteristics and preferences:
Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea): This is one of the most common types of fescue grass. It’s known for its deep roots, drought resistance, and adaptability to various soil types. Tall fescue is often used in lawns, especially in regions with cooler climates.
Fine Fescue: Fine fescues include various species like creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue. These grasses have finer blades compared to tall fescue and are well-suited for shaded areas or lawns with less foot traffic. They are known for their shade tolerance and low maintenance requirements.
Kentucky Bluegrass-Fescue Mix: In some cases, a mix of fescue grasses and Kentucky bluegrass is used for lawns. Kentucky bluegrass provides a lush, green appearance in the spring and fall, while fescue grasses help maintain green color during the colder months and provide better drought resistance.
Fescue grasses are valued for their ability to grow well in both sun and shade, making them versatile choices for various lawn and landscaping needs. They are also known for their relatively low water requirements compared to warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass or zoysia grass. However, they might not fare as well in hot summer conditions as warm-season grasses do.
What are the Similarities Between Bermuda Grass and Fescue Grass?
- Bermuda grass and Fescue grass are relatively easy to grow.
- They are commonly used in landscaping, including lawns, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
- Both types of grass exhibit a dark green color.
What is the Difference Between Bermuda Grass and Fescue Grass?
Bermuda grass flourishes in warm climates and thrives under abundant sunlight, making it a preferred choice for southern states with high temperatures. In contrast, Fescue grass is tailored for colder climates and shade-rich areas, which makes it a popular choice for northern states with cooler weather conditions. This is the key difference between Bermuda grass and Fescue grass.
Bermuda grass is propagated through stolons and rhizomes, while Fescue grass is primarily propagated through seeding. While Bermuda grass generally consists of a single variety, Fescue grass comes in different varieties, including fine fescue and tall fescue. In addition, Bermudagrass can withstand high foot traffic, whereas fine fescue has a lower tolerance for heavy foot traffic.
The following table summarizes the difference between Bermuda grass and Fescue grass.
Summary – Bermuda Grass vs Fescue Grass
The key difference between Bermuda grass and Fescue grass is that Bermuda grass thrives in warm climates and requires sun, while Fescue grass is well-suited for cold climates and shade. Therefore, Bermuda grass is often preferred in southern states with high temperatures, whereas Fescue grass is suited for northern states with cooler weather conditions.
Reference:
1. “What Is Fescue Grass?” The Spruce.com
2. “Cynodon dactylon.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Focus Photography of Green Bermuda Grass, blades, environment” (CC0) via HD Wallpaper
2. “Festuca arundinacea” By Bildoj – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia