What are those brown patches in your fescue turf? It’s most likely Bermudagrass.
This is the perfect time of year to identify areas where common bermudagrass has taken hold in your cool season turf. By identifying this now, you can have proactive conversations with your landscaper about eradication prior to aeration and overseeding in the fall.
Since bermudagrass is currently dormant and brown, its distinct spreading stolons and fine-textured leaves are easier to spot against the green fescue. Over time, the bermuda will continue to creep in and spread throughout your turf areas, creating a blotchy appearance through the winter months, eventually choking out the fescue. The lighter green color and fine leaf textures will also be noticeable throughout the growing season when comparing to the darker green and larger blades of fescue.
Although the hybrid varieties of Bermuda are close to, if not the most popular turf variety in our area, the common Bermuda variety is still considered a noxious weed when it’s not where it’s supposed to be. It will literally grow on concrete.
—Will Taylor, Landscaping Professional & Commercial Business Developer
