Types

• Bermuda grass is typically divided into two categories--common and hybrid. Common Bermuda grass is typically grown from seed and used for erosion control, agriculture and some residential lawns. Hybrid Bermuda grass is typically planted as sod rather than seed. Hybrids are used on residential lawns, golf courses and sport turfs. Some examples of hybrid Bermudas used in Texas include Princess 77, Yukon, Paloma and Bermuda Triangle, a blend of three types of hybrids. The major differences between the hybrid types are usually minor and include leaf width, color and susceptibility to diseases and weeds.
  
  

Characteristics

• All types of Bermuda grass grow best in the full sun and become dormant (brown colored) during cooler weather seasons. This type of grass has a medium-to-fine texture and is usually easy to establish from seed. Bermuda grass is very hardy, salt tolerant and drought resistant. These features make it a popular choice in Texas because the state often experiences drought-like summer seasons.
  
  

Planting

• No matter if you're planting seed or sod, the best time to plant Bermuda grass in Texas is in the late spring or early summer. Low nightly temperatures should be at least 65 to 70 degrees F before planting this type of grass. The seeds or sod should be watered daily in the month following the initial planting. This type of grass needs the extreme heat of Texas summers to grow quickly.
  
  Bermuda grass should never be planted in the Texas autumn, even though temperatures tend to remain in the 70s and 80s until November.
  
  

Watering

• After Bermuda grass is established in the yard or golf course, it can live on as little as one-half inch of water a week. This is beneficial for Texans because many urban areas and neighborhoods have summer watering restrictions. When you actually are allowed to water, try to do it at dawn or dusk. If you water in the heat of the day, the water will evaporate before it can replenish the Bermuda grass.
  
  

Mowing

• Bermuda grass should be mowed on a weekly basis during the summertime, because it grows so quickly in the heat. Always use a sharp mowing blade to ensure you are cutting the Bermuda, rather than ripping it out from its roots. Set your mower cutter at a moderate level, as you do not want to cut it too short. Clippings left on the lawn can help the grass to retain more moisture and require less watering. GroLawn, Inc., a lawn care that services North Texas, advises homeowners to never mow Bermuda grass when it is wet.