Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf species known for its resilience and ability to withstand high heat and heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for lawns and athletic fields across the southern United States. The answer to whether it is soft is nuanced, depending almost entirely on the specific variety and the maintenance it receives. While the grass possesses naturally fine leaf blades, its ultimate texture is determined by how diligently the turf is cut and managed. To achieve the plush, carpet-like feel associated with softness, a rigorous maintenance schedule is required.
Understanding Bermuda Grass Blade Structure
The inherent texture of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is classified as fine to medium, with individual leaf blades typically measuring between 0.08 and 0.2 inches wide. Unlike some other turf types, the tips of the blades are often sharply pointed, which can affect the perception of softness when the grass is grown too tall. The species achieves its remarkable density through an aggressive growth habit, spreading both above ground via runners called stolons and beneath the soil surface using rhizomes.
This dual-spreading mechanism allows Bermuda grass to form a very tight, thick mat of turf, which contributes to a springy or cushioned feel underfoot. However, the density and the fineness of the blade alone do not guarantee a soft surface, as the structure can become wiry if not properly maintained. In its natural state, without specialized cutting, the turf’s density can feel firm rather than plush.
The Direct Impact of Mowing on Texture
The single most significant factor determining the softness of a Bermuda grass lawn is the height and frequency of mowing. To achieve the signature velvety texture often seen on golf courses, Bermuda grass must be maintained at a very low height, typically between 1 and 2 inches for common varieties. Specialized hybrid cultivars, such as those used on putting greens, are often maintained even lower, sometimes as short as 0.5 to 0.75 inches. This low cut forces the grass to grow laterally, creating a dense, tight surface composed almost entirely of soft leaf tissue.
If Bermuda grass is allowed to grow too tall, especially above 3 inches, the turf begins to develop a coarse, bumpy texture. This undesirable texture occurs because the plant focuses its growth on producing thick, woody stems, known as stolons, which elevate the leaf blades. The resulting growth is referred to as a “stemmy” turf, where the exposed stems feel rough and unpleasant to walk on. Maintaining a low cut requires frequent mowing, often two to three times per week during the peak growing season, to avoid removing more than one-third of the blade at any one time.
Proper maintenance is necessary to prevent this buildup of coarse stems just beneath the canopy. A poorly maintained Bermuda lawn can feel hard because the mower blades cut into these exposed, woody runners, a process known as scalping. Only through consistent, low mowing is the plant encouraged to prioritize the production of fine, dense leaf blades, which results in the desired soft feel.
How Bermuda Grass Compares to Other Turf Types
When comparing the texture of Bermuda grass to other popular turf varieties, the distinction lies in the blade width and growth habit. Cool-season grasses like Fescue generally have a consistently soft feel, but they must be maintained at a much higher cut, often 2.5 to 3 inches, to thrive. In contrast, warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine grass are characterized by broad, flat blades that create a distinctly lush, cushiony, or tropical “carpet” aesthetic.
The softness of St. Augustine is inherent in its broad, coarse blade structure, which makes it feel generally softer than the pointed, fine-textured Bermuda blade. Bermuda grass, even when perfectly maintained, offers a different kind of softness—a highly dense, resilient, and springy feel that is due to its tight growth pattern. Its softness is competitive only when compared to other fine-textured, warm-season varieties and only when a rigorous, low-mowing schedule is strictly followed.