Bermuda vs Fescue Grass: The Best Grass Types for Tulsa Lawns  

When it comes to having a lush and green lawn in Oklahoma, choosing the right type of grass is key. Two popular options for lawns in this region are Bermuda grass and Fescue grass. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of grass and help you decide which one is the best grass for your Tulsa lawn.  

What Types of Grass Grow Best in Oklahoma? 

The climate in Oklahoma can support many grass varieties, including bermudagrass, tall fescue, zoysia grass, buffalo grass, and more. Because Tulsa falls in the Transition Zone, both cool and warm-season grasses can thrive in home lawns. When choosing your grass type, it’s important to know what environment it needs to thrive, and how well it holds up in cool or warm temperatures. The two most popular choices for turfgrass lawns in Oklahoma are Bermuda and fescue grass. Despite their differences, they both have key features that make them a great option for a thriving Tulsa lawn.  

Key Features of Bermuda Grass  

Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass that flourishes in the hot and sunny climate of Oklahoma. It prefers full sun and doesn’t do well in shady areas. It has a fine texture and dense growth, creating a lush, carpet-like appearance. Bermuda requires regular maintenance, including frequent mowing and fertilizing to keep it healthy. A few key benefits of Bermuda grass are its heat tolerance, drought tolerance, and foot traffic tolerance. It’s a water-efficient choice and recovers quickly from wear and tear. Bermuda has moderate winter hardiness. Being a warm-season grass type, it will enter dormancy during the winter months and regain its color in the spring. Bermuda spreads by stolons and rhizomes. Initially, it’s best planted with sod and annual aeration in the spring will promote healthy growth and stronger roots.  

Key Features of Tall Fescue Grass 

Tall Fescue grass is a cool-season turfgrass that can thrive in Oklahoma’s diverse climate. Fescue prefers cool temperatures and does well in shady areas, but can tolerate some heat through Tulsa summers. It has a broader grass blade with a softer appearance and a dark green color. Tall fescue lawns require more frequent watering than Bermuda grass but can tolerate some drought conditions. This turfgrass is better suited for lower-traffic areas as it may struggle to recover from heavy use or play. Being a cool-season grass, it stays green throughout the winter, providing year-round color. When the cool season begins in the fall, fescue should be aerated and overseeded to fill in any areas that are thinning or weak after the summer months.  

Bermuda vs Fescue Grass: The Pros and Cons  

While these grass types have their differences, they both come with their benefits, as well as drawbacks. When considering your grass type it’s important to remember that the environment and soil conditions are a key determining factor. You may need Bermuda in your front lawn for full sun and tall fescue in your back yard due to shading. Make sure to consider all areas of your outdoor space when choosing your turfgrass.  

Bermuda Grass Pros: 

• Well-adapted to hot climates, full sun lawns. 
• High traffic tolerance. 
• Excellent drought resistance. 

Bermuda Grass Cons: 

• Goes dormant in winter. 
• Requires more mowing and lawn maintenance. 

Tall Fescue Grass Pros: 

• Maintain green grass throughout the year. 

• More shade tolerant for areas of the lawn with trees, partial shade, or receive fewer hours of direct sunlight. 
• Lower maintenance compared to Bermuda grass. 

Tall Fescue Grass Cons: 

• Requires more water than Bermuda grass. 
• Slower to recover from heavy traffic. 
• Needs seeding annually. 

Tulsa Lawn Care Services for Bermuda and Fescue Lawns  

Homeowners looking for help with their lawns can trust our team at Green Group Oklahoma. Finding the right grass is just half of the battle and we can help keep your Tulsa lawn lush, happy, and healthy year-round. We have years of experience providing professional lawn care services in Tulsa, including weed control and fertilization, tree and shrub care, aeration, mosquito control, and lawn pest control. Our service area covers Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free quote!