Bahia Grass Sod for
The North Florida Landscape
Bahia (Paspalum notatum)
Origination:
Bahia grass sod was introduced from Brazil in the early 1900's. It was
originally used as a pasture grass in the southeastern United States.
Pros and Cons:
Soil Preference:
Bahia grass sod is tolerant of
a wide range of soils and is not affected by infertile soils such as sand. However it grows best in
full sun and
slightly acid soil, if grown in
alkaline soils iron chlorosis becomes a problem and must be treated.
Shade Tolerance:
Bahia grows best in full sun but some varieties of Bahia will tolerate some shady conditions as long
as it gets full sun for part of the day
Salt Tolerance:
All varieties of Bahia
sod are considered to be not salt
tolerant. That includes both direct and indirect salt spray and
should be avoided where these conditions will be a factor to consider in your North Florida
Landscape.
Water Requirements:
Bahia develops an extensive root
system making it drought tolerant and requiring relatively little water on an as needed basis to maintain a healthy lawn in
the landscape environment. Bahia grass sod is the most drought tolerant of all varieties of sod
for the North Florida Landscape. After new sod has been established water only on an as needed basis applying 3/4
of an inch of water per application ( 465 gallons per 1000 s.f.)
Mowing Requirements:
All varieties of Bahiagrass sod
will develop coarse thick seed heads from May to November that rise up over the foliage and
will require frequent mowing to keep it
attractive.
Mow at 3-4 inches in height
every 7-14 days during growing season taking care to never
remove more than one third of the height of the grass blade. Always use a sharp mower blade when cutting Bahia as its
thick stems and coarse blades will tend to shred on a dull blade causing unnecessary stress to the grass
sod.
Traffic Tolerance:
Bahia sod makes a durable grass lawn able to withstand moderate
traffic.
Fertilizer Needs:
Bahia grass sod does not require an
extensive fertilization method to
thrive but will still need a minimum application of a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 16-4-8 twice a year
once in the spring and again in late summer when used as a lawn grass sod.
Pest Problems and Management Practices:
Bahia grass has
fewer insects, diseases and nematode problems than any other
variety of lawn grass sod for North Florida but is not
completely pest free. All varieties of Bahia can suffer from mole
cricket damage, and can occasionally be bothered by species
of lawn caterpillars. Bahia grass sod is also considered susceptible to brown patch.
Disease Problems and Management
Practices:
Bahia grass sod is considered susceptible
to dollar spot. A light
application of Nitrogen (1/2 lb per 1000 s.f.) should encourage the grass to outgrow symptoms without further
chemical treatment being required.
Establishment Methods:
Bahia grass lawns can be established by sod or by
seed. Sod can be put down year round in North Florida and seeding is most effective when Bahia grass seed
is sewn in spring or early summer.
Acceptable Uses:
Bahia grass sod is a good choice where a low maintenance grass is desired
and a slightly less visually appealing grass is acceptable. Great for areas where drought
tolerance is required and in areas where soil erosion is problematic.
There are several varieties of
bahia grass sod Each variety varies
slightly on the above characteristics but still holds the same general
tendencies.
Don't think Bahia grass sod is right for you?
Checkout our the other warm season Varities of Sod for the
Jacksonville | St. Augustine | North Florida Area
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