They say the grass is always greener on the other side. In a transitory region like Nashville, TN, however, it’s hard to say which “other side” harbors the greener grass - to the North, South, East, or West? In truth, the answer depends on which type of grass you’re using. Bermuda grass tends to thrive in areas below Nashville, while fescue is often the primary choice in the Northeast. Both Bermuda and fescue are viable in Nashville and other transitory regions in the U.S., but each grass type has its pros and cons. And if you aren’t happy with your business’s or home’s current landscape, your grass itself might be the main problem. Let’s go over the good and the bad of both types of grass so you can make landscaping changes that work and, more importantly, that last.

Bermuda Grass: Pros and Cons

While all lawns require regular maintenance, Bermuda grass tends to itself relatively well. Indeed, this type of grass spreads on its own, filling bare patches fairly quickly without the need for overseeding. In this way, a Bermuda-based lawn is self-healing, keeping weeds and dirt patches at bay. Additionally, Bermuda doesn’t grow as tall as fescue, so it doesn’t require constant mowing. And because Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant, there is less of a need for significant irrigation services throughout the year. With all of that said, Bermuda grass has its downsides as well. For one thing, this grass type doesn’t grow well in the shade, and it can brown very easily. Also, Bermuda’s fast-spreading, self-healing nature is a double-edged sword, as it can take over gardens and other areas not designated for grass growth.

Fescue Grass: Favorable or Flawed?

In a sense, the pros and cons of fescue and Bermuda are reversed. Fescue is not overly invasive like Bermuda grass - it generally stays in its lane. Fescue grass also fares better than Bermuda grass in colder climates, and Nashville, while often warm, can certainly experience some colder temperatures in the winter. Some people also prefer Fescue for its lush green color and tall nature, both of which can enhance the appearance of a lawn, especially when viewed from the side and/or at a distance. However, fescue requires much more maintenance than Bermuda grass. Not only is frequent mowing and watering a must (especially in the warmer months), but fescue must also be aerated and overseeded at least once a year (twice is usually preferable). Otherwise, a fescue lawn can quickly develop bare spots and invite weed invasion. When viewed from directly above, a once-beautiful fescue lawn can reveal plenty of flaws.

The Right Grass Type for Your Needs

Ultimately, then, aside from your visual preferences, the main reasons to pick one grass type over another has to do with maintenance concerns, and these may vary widely depending on your specific needs and circumstances. For instance, if your facility is large and yields a lot of shade, fescue might come to the rescue in terms of landscape and building maintenance. If, on the other hand, you have a limited budget for landscape maintenance, Bermuda grass provides a less maintenance-intensive solution. And if you’re not sure which type of grass is best for your needs, The Budd Group is happy to help. Our landscaping experts offer a number of services designed to maintain any type of property’s exterior greenery, making us a key player in residential/condominium maintenance, commercial property maintenance, industrial maintenance, and more. Our green landscaping offerings include irrigation installation/management/optimization, fertilization, pest control, landscape debris removal, mowing, trimming, soil testing, turf infills, and so much more. To learn more about our services and values, give us a call today at 800-221-8158!