When it comes to building a tough, low-maintenance lawn in the southern United States, bahia grass stands out as a reliable option. Whether you’re trying to identify bahia grass in your yard, considering planting a bahia grass lawn or looking for tips on how to care for bahia grass, this guide has you covered.

Let’s take a closer look at how to identify this hardy turfgrass, understand its pros and cons and learn what to do if it pops up where you don’t want it.

What Is Bahia Grass?

Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is a warm-season turfgrass commonly used in the southeastern U.S. Known for its durability and tolerance to drought, bahia grass is often used in lawns, pastures and along roadsides where other grasses may struggle to grow.

So, is bahia grass good for lawns? The answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you need a grass that can handle poor soil, full sun and minimal watering, then yes, a bahia grass lawn could be a great fit. However, if you prefer a lush, fine-textured lawn with deep green color, you might find bahia’s appearance a bit coarse.

Varieties of Bahia Grass

Not all bahia grass is the same. Several cultivated varieties exist, each with unique characteristics. Here are the most common ones you may come across.

Argentine Bahia Grass

Argentine bahia grass is a popular choice for home lawns because of its attractive, darker green color and relatively uniform texture. It produces fewer seed heads compared to other varieties, which helps maintain a cleaner lawn appearance. It grows well in sandy soil and performs best with regular mowing and maintenance.

Pensacola Bahia Grass

Pensacola bahia grass is more cold-tolerant than Argentine and is often used in the northern parts of the warm-season zone. It has narrower blades and produces more seed heads, which can be a drawback for some homeowners. However, it grows aggressively and is excellent for erosion control and rougher turf areas.

Other Varieties

Other cultivars, such as Tifton 9 and UF Riata, are developed primarily for pasture use but may occasionally show up in turf mixes. These are less common for home lawns but worth knowing in case you’re dealing with mixed seed or sod.

Pensacola Bahia Grass

Pensacola bahia grass is more cold-tolerant than Argentine and is often used in the northern parts of the warm-season zone. It has narrower blades and produces more seed heads, which can be a drawback for some homeowners. However, it grows aggressively and is excellent for erosion control and rougher turf areas.

Other Varieties

Other cultivars, such as Tifton 9 and UF Riata, are developed primarily for pasture use but may occasionally show up in turf mixes. These are less common for home lawns but worth knowing if you’re dealing with mixed seed or sod.

Bahia Grass as Lawn

A bahia grass lawn is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and tough enough to handle heavy foot traffic and full sun. Its deep roots make it well-suited to sandy soils, and it doesn’t require frequent watering or fertilizing to survive.

However, appearance-wise, bahia grass can be more rugged. It tends to grow tall seed heads quickly, which can give a lawn a weedy look if not mowed regularly. Some homeowners appreciate its resilience, while others prefer a more manicured turf.

Is Bahia Grass a Cool or Warm-Season Grass?

Bahia grass is a warm-season grass. That means it grows best in the heat of late spring through summer and slows down or goes dormant when temperatures cool in fall and winter.

If you’re wondering, “Is bahia grass a cool or warm season grass?” the answer is clear. It thrives in warmer climates and is commonly found in states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama and parts of Texas and the Carolinas.

When Does Bahia Grass Grow?

Bahia grass begins growing when soil temperatures reach around 65°F, which usually happens in mid to late spring depending on your region. Growth peaks during the summer months, then tapers off as cooler fall temperatures arrive.

Because it’s a warm season grass, bahia grass won’t green up early in the year. It typically remains dormant through winter and may appear brown or patchy until warm weather returns.

How to Care for a Bahia Grass Lawn

Bahia grass maintenance is simple, but a few key practices will help you keep your lawn healthy and looking its best.

Mowing

• Keep your bahia grass lawn mowed to 2.5 to 4 inches
• Mow regularly to prevent seed heads from forming and creating a weedy appearance

Watering

• Water deeply but infrequently
• Bahia grass is drought-tolerant, but during extended dry spells, supplemental watering will help maintain color and vigor

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in late spring once the grass is actively growing
• A second light feeding in midsummer may be beneficial
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as bahia is sensitive to high nitrogen levels

Weed Control

• Keep an eye out for common weeds in bahia grass, such as crabgrass, spurge and dollarweed
• Maintaining a thick lawn and proper mowing height helps prevent weed invasion

Aeration

• Aerate annually if your soil is compacted or if your lawn sees heavy foot traffic

Bahia Grass as a Weed

While bahia grass has many benefits, it’s not always welcome in every yard. Its coarse texture, fast-growing seed heads and aggressive spread can make it undesirable in finely manicured lawns or in areas where it wasn’t intentionally planted.

If you’re wondering why bahia grass is growing in your cool season lawn, the likely culprit is contaminated seed or encroachment from nearby roadside or pasture grass. Once established, it can be tricky to remove without damaging your desired turf.

How to Kill Bahia Grass Without Damaging Your Lawn

Controlling unwanted bahia grass requires a targeted approach, especially if you’re trying to protect surrounding turf.

Here’s how to remove bahia grass while minimizing harm to the rest of your lawn.

Spot Treatment

• Use a selective herbicide designed to kill bahia grass without harming your primary turf
• Apply directly to unwanted patches following the label instructions

Manual Removal

• For small infestations, dig out the clumps, roots and all
• Dispose of the removed material to prevent reseeding

Lawn Renovation

• In severe cases, it may be necessary to kill and reseed affected sections
• Use proper seed and maintenance practices to prevent bahia from returning

Ongoing Maintenance

• Mow regularly to prevent seed formation
• Keep your lawn healthy and thick to discourage bahia grass weeds from taking hold

It’s important to know that some herbicides may require multiple applications or may not work well in extreme heat. If you’re unsure, your local Lawn Doctor professional can recommend the best plan for controlling bahia grass weeds in your region.

At Lawn Doctor, we help homeowners take control of their lawns, offering expert care tailored to your region and grass type. From fertilization and weed control to lawn repair and renovation, we have the tools and experience to keep your grass growing strong.

Ready to take the guesswork out of lawn care? Contact your local Lawn Doctor today for a free lawn evaluation and let’s create the healthy, green lawn you’ve been dreaming of.