This guide breaks down the key differences between crabgrass and Bermuda grass, how to identify them, and what to do if one shows up where it doesn’t belong.
Crabgrass vs Bermuda Grass
| Feature | Crabgrass | Bermuda Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Type | Annual grassy weed | Perennial warm-season turfgrass |
| Scientific Name | Digitaria spp. | Cynodon dactylon |
| Primary Use | Unwanted weed | Lawns, sports fields, golf courses |
| Blade Color | Light green to yellow-green | Medium to dark green |
| Blade Width | Wide and coarse | Narrow and fine-textured |
| Leaf Texture | Rough, sometimes hairy | Smooth to slightly rough |
| Growth Habit | Clumpy, sprawling outward | Dense, carpet-like |
| Growth Speed | Fast in hot weather | Very fast during growing season |
| Spreading Method | Seed only | Stolons and rhizomes |
| Seed Production | Extremely high | Low to moderate |
| Root Depth | Shallow roots | Deep, extensive root system |
| Drought Tolerance | Poor to moderate | Excellent |
| Heat Tolerance | High | Very high |
| Cold Response | Dies after first frost | Goes dormant and turns brown |
| Shade Tolerance | Low | Low to moderate |
| Traffic Tolerance | Poor | Excellent |
| Mowing Height | Thrives in short, stressed lawns | Tolerates very low mowing |
| Season of Growth | Late spring to summer | Late spring to early fall |
| Winter Survival | Does not survive winter | Survives and regrows yearly |
| Lawn Density Impact | Thins turf over time | Creates dense turf cover |
| Weed Competition | Encourages other weeds | Suppresses weeds when thick |
| Ease of Removal | Easy when young, hard when mature | Difficult once established |
| Common Lawn Problem Indicator | Poor soil or lawn care | Aggressive spreading if unmanaged |
| Soil Preference | Compacted, low-fertility soil | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Water Requirements | Moderate but inefficient | Low once established |
| Overall Lawn Value | Undesirable | Highly desirable |
| Can Be Confused With | Young Bermuda grass | Crabgrass when immature |
| Best Control Method | Pre-emergent herbicides | Physical barriers or herbicides when unwanted |
| Long-Term Lawn Impact | Leaves bare patches after die-off | Long-lasting turf stability |
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What Is Crabgrass?
Crabgrass is an annual grassy weed that thrives in warm weather and spreads aggressively in thin or stressed lawns. It typically germinates in late spring when soil temperatures rise and dies off after the first frost, leaving behind thousands of seeds for the next season.
Key Characteristics of Crabgrass
- Light green to yellow-green color
- Wide, coarse blades that grow outward
- Low-growing, spreading habit
- Grows in clumps with a “crab-like” appearance
- Produces large quantities of seeds
- Dies each winter
Crabgrass often invades lawns with bare spots, compacted soil, or poor mowing practices.
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What Is Bermuda Grass?
Bermuda grass is a perennial warm-season turfgrass widely used for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. It spreads through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (below-ground stems), making it extremely durable and fast-growing.
Key Characteristics of Bermuda Grass
- Medium to dark green color
- Narrow, fine-textured blades
- Dense, carpet-like growth
- Spreads aggressively but evenly
- Goes dormant and turns brown in winter
- Returns year after year
While Bermuda grass is prized for its toughness, it can become invasive if it spreads into flower beds or neighboring lawns.
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How to Identify Crabgrass vs Bermuda Grass
Blade Shape and Texture
Crabgrass blades are noticeably wider and rougher, often lying flat on the ground. Bermuda grass blades are thinner and more upright, creating a uniform look.
Growth Habit
Crabgrass grows in distinct clumps, radiating outward like spokes. Bermuda grass spreads smoothly and evenly, forming a dense mat.
Color Difference
Crabgrass is typically a lighter green, standing out against darker turf. Bermuda grass maintains a consistent green tone during the growing season.
Root and Runner Structure
Crabgrass does not have rhizomes. Bermuda grass spreads both above and below ground, which is why it’s difficult to remove once established.
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Is Crabgrass Ever Good for a Lawn?
In short, no. Crabgrass:
- Competes with turfgrass for nutrients and water
- Weakens lawn density
- Leaves bare spots after dying in fall
- Encourages future weed infestations
While it may temporarily fill empty areas, it ultimately damages lawn quality and appearance.
Is Bermuda Grass a Weed?
Bermuda grass is not a weed when intentionally planted, but it can behave like one when it spreads uncontrollably. Many homeowners consider it invasive in:
- Flower beds
- Cool-season lawns
- Driveways and sidewalks
Despite this, Bermuda grass remains one of the most popular warm-season lawn grasses due to its durability.
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How to Control Crabgrass
Preventive Control
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring
- Maintain thick, healthy turf
- Mow at the correct height
- Water deeply but infrequently
Post-Emergent Control
- Use crabgrass-specific post-emergent herbicides
- Spot-treat affected areas
- Pull small plants by hand before seed formation
The key to crabgrass control is prevention, as mature plants are difficult to eliminate.
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How to Control Bermuda Grass (When Unwanted)
If Bermuda grass invades areas where it’s not wanted:
- Use selective or non-selective herbicides depending on the location
- Install landscape edging
- Regularly remove runners
- Avoid tilling, which spreads rhizomes
Complete removal often requires persistence over multiple seasons.
Can Crabgrass Turn Into Bermuda Grass?
No. Crabgrass and Bermuda grass are completely different species. Crabgrass does not transform into Bermuda grass. However, young Bermuda grass can be mistaken for crabgrass due to its spreading growth habit.
Which Grass Is Better for Your Lawn?
Choose Bermuda grass if:
- You live in a warm climate
- You want a durable, low-maintenance lawn
- You need high traffic tolerance
Avoid crabgrass altogether, regardless of climate or lawn type.
FAQs
How to tell the difference between Bermuda grass and crabgrass?
The easiest way to tell the difference between Bermuda grass and crabgrass is by looking at their growth pattern, blade width, and color. Crabgrass has wide, coarse blades and grows in clumpy, spreading patches that lie flat on the ground, often lighter green than the surrounding lawn.
Bermuda grass has thin, fine-textured blades, a darker green color, and spreads evenly through runners (stolons) and underground rhizomes, creating a dense, carpet-like lawn rather than isolated clumps.
What kills crabgrass and Bermuda grass?
Crabgrass is best controlled with pre-emergent herbicides applied in early spring before seeds germinate. Post-emergent crabgrass killers can eliminate young plants during the growing season.
Bermuda grass is much harder to kill; non-selective herbicides or repeated treatments are usually required when it is unwanted. Selective herbicides may suppress Bermuda grass but rarely eliminate it due to its deep roots and rhizomes.
What is the hardest grass to get rid of?
Bermuda grass is widely considered one of the hardest grasses to get rid of. Its ability to spread through both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes allows it to survive mowing, drought, and many herbicide treatments. Even small pieces of root or runner left in the soil can regrow, making complete removal difficult without persistent control methods.
What is another name for Bermuda grass?
Another common name for Bermuda grass is wiregrass. It is also sometimes called devil’s grass due to how aggressively it spreads and how difficult it can be to remove once established.
Does crabgrass make a good lawn?
No, crabgrass does not make a good lawn. Although it can temporarily fill bare spots, crabgrass is an annual weed that dies after the first frost, leaving thin, bare areas behind. This weakens lawn structure, encourages erosion, and creates ideal conditions for more weeds to invade the following season.
Is Bermuda considered crabgrass?
No, Bermuda grass is not crabgrass. They are different grass species with different lifecycles and purposes. Crabgrass is an unwanted annual weed, while Bermuda grass is a perennial turfgrass intentionally grown for lawns and athletic fields. While young Bermuda grass can resemble crabgrass, it does not turn into crabgrass and should not be classified as the same plant.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between crabgrass vs Bermuda grass can save you time, money, and frustration. While crabgrass is an aggressive weed that signals lawn problems, Bermuda grass is a resilient turf option when properly managed. Accurate identification is the first step toward effective lawn care and long-term turf success.
A healthy, dense lawn is the best defense against crabgrass, and the best way to keep Bermuda grass looking its best.
