Fescue or Bermuda: What is best for your lawn?

ben55981
May 13
4 min read

Choosing the Right Grass for Your Virginia Beach Lawn: Tall Fescue vs. Bermuda Grass

Maintaining a beautiful lawn in Virginia Beach requires careful consideration of the type of grass you choose. Given the region's coastal climate, homeowners primarily rely on two grass varieties: Tall Fescue and Bermuda Grass. Each has its own advantages and challenges, and the best choice depends on your lawn care preferences, the amount of sun your lawn receives, and how much time you're willing to invest in maintenance.

This guide explores the benefits and drawbacks of each grass type and provides expert care recommendations to keep your lawn looking lush and healthy year-round.

Tall Fescue: A Hardy Cool-Season Grass

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a popular choice for Virginia Beach homeowners because of its adaptability and tolerance to temperature fluctuations. As a cool-season grass, it thrives during fall and spring but can struggle in the peak of summer.

Benefits of Tall Fescue

🌱 Drought Tolerance – Tall fescue has deep root systems that allow it to withstand dry spells better than many other cool-season grasses.
🌳 Shade Tolerance – Unlike Bermuda grass, which requires full sun, tall fescue can thrive in partial shade, making it a great option for yards with trees or buildings that create shady conditions.
🌿 Year-Round Green Color – In contrast to Bermuda grass, which turns brown in the winter, tall fescue remains green throughout the year.
🛡 Disease and Pest Resistance – This grass variety has moderate resistance to common lawn diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
⏳ Quick Establishment – Tall fescue germinates quickly and establishes itself faster than many other grasses, making it a good choice for overseeding and repairing damaged lawns.

Challenges of Tall Fescue

☀️ Summer Stress – The high summer temperatures of Virginia Beach can cause tall fescue to weaken, especially without proper watering and care.
🌾 Clumping Growth Pattern – Unlike Bermuda grass, which spreads through stolons and rhizomes, tall fescue grows in clumps. This can create an uneven lawn appearance unless properly overseeded.
💦 Higher Water Requirements – While it is somewhat drought-resistant, tall fescue still requires regular watering, especially during dry summers, to maintain its lush appearance.

Best Practices for Tall Fescue Lawn Care in Coastal Virginia

✂️ Mowing: Keep the grass height at 3.5 to 4 inches to promote deep roots and protect against heat stress.
💧 Watering: Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, preferably in the morning to prevent fungal diseases.
🌱 Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early fall and late spring to encourage strong root development.
🌾 Overseeding: Reseed in early fall to maintain density and prevent clumping.
🏞 Aeration: Aerate the lawn annually in fall or spring to enhance root growth and improve soil health.

Bermuda Grass: A Resilient Warm-Season Grass

Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass that thrives in the hot, humid summers of Virginia Beach. It is known for its aggressive growth and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a great choice for sports fields and high-traffic lawns.

Benefits of Bermuda Grass

🔥 Heat and Drought Tolerance – Bermuda grass excels in high temperatures and requires less water than tall fescue.
🌍 Self-Repairing Growth – This grass spreads through stolons and rhizomes, quickly filling in bare patches and creating a dense, carpet-like lawn.
⏳ Low Maintenance Needs – Once established, Bermuda grass requires minimal fertilization and irrigation compared to cool-season grasses.
🏃 Excellent Traffic Resistance – It is highly durable, making it an ideal choice for families with pets and children.
🌱 Weed Resistance – Its thick, fast-growing nature helps suppress weeds better than many other grass varieties.

Challenges of Bermuda Grass

❄️ Goes Dormant in Winter – One major drawback is that Bermuda grass turns brown and dormant in winter, making it less visually appealing during colder months.
☀️ High Sunlight Requirement – Bermuda grass needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It does not perform well in shady areas.
🌿 Aggressive Growth – While its ability to spread is beneficial for filling in patches, Bermuda grass can invade flower beds and other areas if not properly maintained.
🍂 Thatched Lawn Buildup – Over time, Bermuda grass can develop a thick layer of thatch, which may require dethatching to maintain lawn health.

Best Practices for Bermuda Grass Lawn Care in Coastal Virginia

✂️ Mowing: Keep the grass height at 1 to 2 inches for optimal density and appearance.
💧 Watering: Provide 0.5 to 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and drought conditions.
🌱 Fertilization: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer in late spring and mid-summer to promote vigorous growth.
🏞 Aeration: Aerate in late spring or early summer to support root expansion.
🍂 Dethatching: Remove thatch buildup annually or as needed to maintain healthy grass.
❄️ Overseeding (if desired for winter color): Consider overseeding with ryegrass in fall to maintain green color throughout the colder months.

Which Grass is Best for Your Virginia Beach Lawn?

Choosing between tall fescue and Bermuda grass depends on your specific needs and lawn conditions:

🌳 If you want year-round green grass and have some shade, tall fescue is the better option.
☀️ If you prefer a heat-tolerant, drought-resistant lawn with low maintenance, Bermuda grass is ideal.
🌿 For a hybrid approach, some homeowners choose a mix, using Bermuda grass for sunny areas and tall fescue in shaded spots.

At Earthscapes Lawn and Land Service, Inc., we specialize in lawn care and can help you establish and maintain a beautiful lawn suited to Virginia Beach's climate. Whether you need turf installation, aeration, overseeding, or seasonal lawn maintenance, our expert team is here to assist you.

📞 Call us today at (757) 395-4306 or visit our website at www.earthscapesvb.com to schedule a consultation! 🌱