Lawn Weed: Bermudagrass or Wiregrass: Cynodon dactylonname 

Weed Description 

A perennial grass that has both rhizomes and stolons and is capable of forming a turf or mat of fine leaves. Several varieties of bermudagrass are cultivated for use as lawn and pasture grasses, however this weed has developed into a very troublesome and hard-to-control weed in agronomic crops, landscapes, nurseries, and turfgrass. Bermudagrass is found throughout the southern United States, as far north as southern New Jersey. 

We have received many questions on this identification of what maybe growing in your lawn. What you see today is known as Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG), which is common in most Virginia lawns. Most lawns in our area are a mixed stand of Tall Fescue and KBG. In fact, our seed blend is a combination of these two grass types. A lawn that is properly mowed at 4 inches will allow the KBG, and sometimes even the fescue, to produce a seed head. This is completely normal and it’s the natural reproductive phase of the grass plant.

What are these tan areas in my lawn?  

Are you seeing tan areas in your fescue lawn this winter? If so, you have begun to witness dormant Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that goes dormant (turns tan) over the winter months. While Fescue grass is typically green year-round but may be discolored or yellow in harsh, wet winter months. When winter temperatures consistently fall below 50 degrees, fescue will go dormant because weather conditions aren’t ideal for development and growth. 

What is this vine-like, spreading grass in my lawn? 

Common Bermudagrass, also known as wiregrass, is a warm-season perennial turfgrass. It spreads laterally through stems called rhizomes and stolons. It has excellent heat and drought tolerance but cannot handle shade. It can be a very invasive and difficult grass to control. 

Bermudagrass Expectations During the Spring Months 

Each spring, Bermudagrass comes out of dormancy at different times. Some years Bermudagrass will start turning green in March, and other times as late as the start of May. Once the Bermudagrass comes out of dormancy, it will not grow like it does after a good July thunderstorm in the Williamsburg area.  Air temperatures in Williamsburg in late May average highs of 83 degrees and lows of 63 degrees. In our experience, Bermudagrass does not really start to grow to its full potential until after Memorial weekend.

What is Crabgrass? 

Crabgrass is a summer annual weed occurring in lawns during spring through summer months in many areas. Crabgrass is a very easy summer annual to control in many Virginia areas. With preparation and pre-emergence, you can easily handle crabgrass. 

Do I need to water my grass in the fall?  

Fall is here and many of our customers have the same question. Is it ok to stop watering? NO! Now is the prime growing season for your fescue lawn. 

Your grass is working hard to repair itself from the stress and heat of the summer and to prepare itself for the winter to come. Fertility and water are essential to this process. We at Virginia Green have your fertility covered, but watering your grass is up to you and mother nature. 

A lush, bright green lawn is one of those things that can really make a homeowner proud. Few people want to buy property that doesn’t have a lawn of some sort. It’s one of the reasons that so many real estate agents tell sellers to clean up their yard as a way to boost their property’s curb appeal. In a way, the lawn is like a status symbol of sorts that comes with home ownership. 

When Do I Prune Spring Shrubs? 

Why Prune? 

Pruning is the selective removal of specific plant parts for the benefit of the whole plant. Some reasons to prune are to train a plant, maintain plant health, improve the quality of flowers, fruits, and stems, restrict growth, remove damaged and diseased branches, and to increase air circulation that can decrease specific plant diseases 

What are Common Tree & Shrub Issues in the Summer? 

In Virginia, we often notice several common issues involving your plant material during the summer. In most cases, these issues are already present but become more prevalent during the summer due to heat stress. In the image below, you’ll see lace bug damage on the underside of plant leaf. Lace bugs are very small insects, measuring only about 1/8 inch long, however they can cause considerable damage to the foliage of ornamental shrubs and trees.