Bermuda grass, also known as devil grass, is a popular choice for lawns due to its resilience, rapid growth, and tolerance to heat and traffic. However, these very traits can also make Bermuda grass a garden's nemesis. Given the chance, Bermuda grass can quickly overrun flower beds, garden spaces, and hardscapes, posing a significant challenge for homeowners and gardeners alike.
Understanding Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a perennial, warm-season turf grass that is native to African savanna and grasslands. Its aggressive nature and ability to thrive in many conditions make it a widespread grass species, particularly in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
Its deep and extensive root system allows it to recover from damage quickly, survive drought, and resist many herbicides. While these traits make Bermuda grass an excellent choice for lawns and sports fields, they can be a problem when the grass invades unwanted areas such as flower beds, vegetable gardens, and paved paths.
When Bermuda grass invades, it does so quite insidiously. Its root system, or rhizomes, can extend up to 6 inches underground, allowing it to spread undetected until new shoots, known as stolons, emerge from the ground. These rhizomes can spread outwards in all directions from the original plant, causing a single Bermuda grass plant to spread rapidly throughout a garden.
How to Manage Bermuda Grass with Grass Barrier
Traditional methods of managing Bermuda grass invasions, like pulling or digging out the grass, are labor-intensive and often not effective in the long term. This is where the Grass Barrier comes in.
Grass Barrier is a powerful and innovative tool in the fight against Bermuda grass. It works by creating a physical barrier that prevents the grass's rhizomes from penetrating into areas where they're not wanted, such as flower beds or vegetable gardens.
Installation involves digging a trench about 6" deep around the area you want to protect, placing the Grass Barrier vertically into the trench, and then backfilling it with soil. A 4" lip is left above ground to hold back mulch or soil and act as a physical reminder of the barrier's presence.
The Superior Qualities of Grass Barrier
What sets Grass Barrier apart from other lawn edging solutions is its unique construction. It's made from 100% recycled HDPE, a robust material that is not brittle or prone to splintering like other products.
Unlike metal edging, Grass Barrier won't rust, and it has a smooth surface for a clean, professional appearance. Plus, it's resistant to puncture, with an ASTM D 4833 rating of 200 pound-force. With a potential lifespan of over 100 years, Grass Barrier is a long-term investment in your garden's health and appearance.
Furthermore, Grass Barrier is versatile, blending seamlessly with hardscape borders like rocks, bricks, or paving for added protection and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Bermuda grass, with its fast growth and invasive tendencies, can be a persistent problem in gardens. But it's a problem that can be managed effectively with the right tools. The Grass Barrier provides a simple, durable, and environmentally-friendly solution to this common gardening challenge. By choosing Grass Barrier, you're not only protecting your precious flower beds or vegetable gardens but also opting for a cleaner, more orderly outdoor space.
Embrace the power of Grass Barrier, and turn your Bermuda grass challenge into a well-maintained, beautiful landscape.