Paspalum notatum, commonly known as Bahia grass, is a warm-season perennial grass favored by homeowners in the southeastern United States for its durability and low-maintenance profile. It is naturally suited to the region’s warm, humid climate and performs well in sandy or light-textured soils where many other grasses struggle. The deep, extensive root system gives it exceptional drought tolerance, making it a resilient choice for large properties or areas without irrigation systems. It thrives with minimal water and fertilizer inputs, positioning it as a practical, enduring turf option.
Routine Maintenance: Mowing and Hydration Needs
Maintaining the appearance of a Bahia grass lawn involves specific mowing and watering practices tailored to its unique growth habit. For the best turf health, the grass should be mowed to a height of 3 to 4 inches, which encourages the development of a deeper, more robust root system. Mowing too low can stress the grass and make it more vulnerable to pests and disease.
Bahia grass produces tough, Y-shaped seed heads that can make the lawn look unkempt and dull mower blades quickly. To manage these tall seed stalks, frequent mowing is required, especially during the peak growing season from late spring through summer. Keeping mower blades sharp is important to cut the fibrous stalks cleanly and prevent tearing the grass, which can lead to brown tips and potential fungus issues.
The deep root system means Bahia grass is highly drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering than other turf types. When irrigation is necessary, the goal is deep, infrequent watering to encourage the roots to grow downward rather than remaining shallow. Applying about one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water in a single session is generally enough to wet the top 8 inches of soil.
Signs that the grass needs water include leaf blades folding up, wilting, or turning a blue-gray color. Another common indicator of drought stress is when footprints remain visible on the lawn after walking across it. Watering in the early morning, before 10 a.m., minimizes evaporation and allows the grass to absorb the water effectively before the heat of the day.
Nutrient Management and Fertilization Timing
Bahia grass has relatively low nutritional needs compared to other warm-season grasses, but a balanced fertilization program is required for optimal color and growth. The ideal NPK ratio often leans toward higher nitrogen content to support leaf growth. A common strategy is to use a high-nitrogen fertilizer blend, though specific nutrient requirements should be determined by a soil test.
Fertilizer should be applied in split applications, generally two to four times, starting in the spring when the grass begins active growth and continuing through the fall. The first application is typically in late spring, followed by a mid-summer application during the peak growing months. Avoid fertilizing too early in the spring, especially in northern regions of its range, as a late frost could damage the new growth.
Bahia grass is naturally adapted to acidic soils, with an optimal pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. When grown in soils with a higher pH (above 7.0), the grass can develop iron deficiency, causing the leaf blades to turn yellow. This yellowing can be corrected by applying a soluble iron source, such as ferrous sulfate or iron chelates. Iron applications can be made every six weeks to maintain a deep green color without encouraging the excessive top growth caused by high nitrogen.
Troubleshooting Common Weeds and Pests
The open growth habit of Bahia grass means that a less dense turf allows weeds to establish easily. Common broadleaf weeds like dollarweed, knotweed, and spurge can be managed with post-emergent herbicides containing active ingredients such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP. These treatments are best applied in May when weeds are actively growing, but only when the turf is not under water or mowing stress.
It is important to note that Bahia grass can be sensitive to certain herbicides, and products containing atrazine or metsulfuron will damage the turf. Homeowners should be careful to check product labels, as many popular “weed-n-feed” formulations contain these harmful ingredients. For prevention, pre-emergent herbicides can be applied in late winter or early spring to stop weed seeds from sprouting.
The most damaging insect pest is the mole cricket, which tunnels just below the soil surface, severing the grass roots. This mechanical damage is more severe in Bahia grass due to its open growth habit. Mole crickets are most vulnerable to control when they are young nymphs in the early summer.
Targeted insecticides, available as sprays, granules, or baits, should be applied when the soil is moist to encourage the crickets to come to the surface. Homeowners can confirm the presence of mole crickets by flushing them out of the soil with a solution of soapy water poured over a small area. Although Bahia grass has good natural disease resistance, maintaining proper thatch levels and avoiding overwatering helps prevent occasional fungal issues like dollar spot.