If you’re a Charlotte homeowner looking for a lawn that can handle our hot summers and still look great, Bermuda grass deserves serious consideration. This warm-season turf has become one of the most popular choices in the Charlotte metro area, and for good reason.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing and maintaining Bermuda grass in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, including when to plant, how to care for it through our distinct seasons, and common problems to watch for.
Why Bermuda Grass Thrives in Charlotte
Charlotte sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b/8a, which puts us right in the sweet spot for Bermuda grass. Our summers bring exactly what this turf loves: daytime temperatures consistently above 80°F, plenty of sunshine, and enough humidity to keep the soil from drying out completely between waterings.
Here’s what makes Bermuda grass particularly well-suited to Charlotte lawns:
Heat tolerance. When July and August temperatures climb into the 90s, cool-season grasses like fescue struggle and often go dormant. Bermuda grass actually grows most vigorously during these hot months.
Drought resistance. Bermuda’s root system can extend 6 feet or more into the soil, allowing it to tap moisture that shallow-rooted grasses can’t reach. During Charlotte’s periodic summer dry spells, established Bermuda stays green longer without irrigation.
Quick recovery. Kids playing in the yard, dogs running laps, weekend cookouts—Bermuda grass bounces back from heavy foot traffic faster than almost any other turf grass. The aggressive lateral growth via stolons and rhizomes fills in damaged areas quickly.
Disease resistance. Many fungal diseases that plague fescue lawns in our humid summers have less impact on healthy Bermuda turf.
The key to Bermuda’s drought resistance is its deep root system. To encourage deeper roots, water deeply but infrequently—about 1 inch per week in one or two sessions rather than light daily watering.
What Does Bermuda Grass Look Like?
Mature Bermuda grass forms a dense, carpet-like lawn with a fine to medium texture. The blade color ranges from medium green to blue-green depending on the variety and nitrogen levels in the soil.
Unlike the bunch-type growth of fescue, Bermuda spreads aggressively through both above-ground runners (stolons) and below-ground stems (rhizomes). This spreading habit is what gives Bermuda lawns their thick, uniform appearance—but it’s also why Bermuda can become invasive if it creeps into flower beds or your neighbor’s fescue lawn.
Common Bermuda grass varieties you’ll find in Charlotte:
- Common Bermuda – The most affordable option, often established from seed. Coarser texture than hybrid varieties.
- Tifway 419 – A popular hybrid with fine texture and excellent density. Must be established from sod or sprigs.
- Celebration – Known for deep blue-green color and shade tolerance superior to other Bermudas.
- TifTuf – A newer variety bred for drought tolerance and water conservation.
When to Plant Bermuda Grass in Charlotte
Timing matters significantly with Bermuda grass. Unlike cool-season fescue that’s best planted in fall, Bermuda needs warm soil temperatures to establish properly.
Optimal planting window: Late May through early July
The soil temperature should be consistently above 65°F for germination and ideally 70-80°F for vigorous growth. In the Charlotte area, this typically means:
- Seeding: Late May through June provides the longest growing season for establishment before fall dormancy.
- Sodding: Can extend into July since sod is already mature, but earlier is still better for root development.
- Sprigging: Same window as seeding; sprigs need warm conditions to spread and fill in.
Avoid planting Bermuda grass in late summer (August-September). While temperatures are still warm, there isn’t enough growing season remaining for the turf to develop a strong root system before winter dormancy.
Bermuda Grass Maintenance in Charlotte: A Seasonal Guide
Spring (March – May)
As soil temperatures rise above 60°F, your Bermuda lawn will begin emerging from its tan winter dormancy. This is the time to:
- Remove winter debris and rake out any dead material.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide in early March before soil temps hit 55°F to prevent summer annual weeds like crabgrass.
- Begin mowing when the grass starts actively growing, typically mid-April in Charlotte.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once the lawn is fully green (usually late April to early May).
Summer (June – August)
This is when Bermuda grass really shines. During peak growing season:
- Mow frequently at 1 to 2 inches high. During rapid growth, you may need to mow twice per week to avoid removing more than one-third of the blade height at once.
- Water deeply but infrequently. Bermuda needs about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall and irrigation combined. Water in the early morning to reduce disease pressure.
- Apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during active growth. Bermuda is a heavy nitrogen feeder.
- Watch for pests. Bermuda grass mites, armyworms, and grub worms can cause damage during summer months.
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. If your Bermuda gets away from you, gradually reduce the height over several mowings rather than scalping it all at once.
Fall (September – November)
Growth slows significantly as temperatures cool and days shorten:
- Continue mowing at regular height until growth stops.
- Reduce watering as growth slows—overwatering dormant Bermuda can lead to fungal problems.
- Apply a fall pre-emergent in September to control winter annual weeds.
- Final fertilization should be done by mid-September at the latest.
Winter (December – February)
Bermuda grass goes fully dormant once nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. The lawn will turn tan or straw-colored—this is normal and not a sign of damage.
- Avoid heavy traffic on frozen or dormant turf.
- Don’t fertilize during dormancy.
- Keep leaves cleared to prevent matting and potential disease issues.
Common Bermuda Grass Problems in Charlotte
Even well-adapted turf faces challenges. Here’s what to watch for:
Dollar spot and brown patch. These fungal diseases can appear during humid periods, especially if the lawn is over-watered or mowed with dull blades. Proper watering practices and good air circulation help prevent outbreaks. If disease becomes persistent, professional disease control treatment may be necessary.
Spring dead spot. This serious disease causes circular dead patches that appear as the lawn breaks dormancy in spring. It’s more common in lawns that were fertilized too late in fall or have thatch buildup.
Bermuda grass mites. These microscopic pests cause “witches’ broom” symptoms where grass blades become stunted and tufted. Infestations are difficult to control and may require professional treatment.
Shade decline. Bermuda grass needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In heavily shaded areas, it will thin out and eventually die back. If your lawn has significant shade, consider shade-tolerant alternatives for those zones.
Bermuda grass needs more nitrogen than most other turf types—typically 4-5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually. That’s why a properly timed fertilization program makes such a difference in how your lawn looks.
Is Bermuda Grass Right for Your Charlotte Lawn?
Bermuda grass is an excellent choice if your property has:
- Full sun exposure (6+ hours of direct sunlight)
- Well-draining soil
- Regular foot traffic from kids, pets, or entertaining
- A homeowner willing to mow frequently during summer
It may not be the best fit if:
- Your lawn has significant shade from mature trees
- You prefer a low-maintenance approach to lawn care
- Your property borders fescue lawns (Bermuda can spread invasively)
Professional Bermuda Grass Care in Charlotte
Maintaining a healthy Bermuda lawn requires consistent attention to fertilization, weed control, and pest management. Our 8-treatment lawn care program is designed specifically for Charlotte’s warm-season lawns, with properly timed applications that keep Bermuda grass thick, green, and weed-free throughout the growing season.
Whether you’re establishing a new Bermuda lawn or looking for help maintaining an existing one, we’re here to help.