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Why BIMINI? 5 Reasons to Install This Improved Bermudagrass

Jamie Tedder

Bermudagrass has long been the standard for lawns in the sun-kissed, warm Florida climate. This warm-season grass is known for its exceptional heat and drought tolerance and ability to endure heavy foot traffic. These qualities also make it the preferred grass for golf courses, sports fields, and other areas receiving constant wear and tear.

However, there's an even better option now available: BIMINI® bermudagrass. This improved Bermuda variety not only improves these desirable traits but also addresses some of its traditional limitations. In the winter, it’s the last to go dormant and the first to green up in spring, making it an excellent option for a wider range of environments while maintaining the durability and resilience bermudagrass is known for.

Key Takeaways

  • BIMINI® bermudagrass builds on the strengths of traditional varieties with its superior drought and wear tolerance. Whether on athletic fields or residential lawns, its dense, fine texture and dark green color create an attractive, resilient turf that stands up to heavy foot traffic and everyday use.
  • Known for its exceptional drought tolerance, BIMINI® thrives in hot, dry climates like Florida, maintaining its lush green appearance with minimal water. Its ability to recover quickly from damage and superior wear tolerance ensures a consistently vibrant lawn, even in high-traffic areas.
  • Bethel Farms supplies BIMINI® bermudagrass in convenient sod pallets, simplifying installation and ensuring successful establishment. Achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn with BIMINI® bermudagrass.
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BIMINI® Bermudagrass: Overview

BIMINI® Bermudagrass sets itself apart from the coarser texture of traditional bermudagrass by offering a finer, more delicate feel. This improved variety forms a fine-textured, dense turf with a beautiful dark green color and upright leaf growth. With its heightened durability, BIMINI® has been developed specifically for athletic applications, such as golf courses and other high-traffic sporting fields. Its soft texture offers a durable, comfortable surface for athletes, reducing the impact of falls and increasing playability.

The appeal of BIMINI® has extended beyond athletic fields to residential lawns, with homeowners increasingly choosing BIMINI® for its aesthetic appeal and excellent performance. Its dense growth habit and dark green color create a lush, attractive lawn that can withstand the rigors of daily life, offering a superior alternative to traditional bermudagrass.

5 Benefits of BIMINI® Bermudagrass

When shopping for a grass variety for your lawn, it's essential to consider its ability to withstand the specific challenges of your environment. BIMINI® Bermuda stands out as an exceptional choice due to its improved resilience and performance.

Drought Tolerance

As a drought-tolerant grass, BIMINI® thrives in hot, dry conditions, allowing it to grow in regions like Florida that experience intense heat. Its deep root system allows it to access water deeper into the soil, so the grass stays green and healthy even during periods of limited rainfall.

Additionally, in areas with water restrictions, BIMINI® is particularly advantageous. It can stay green and healthy even with minimal water, so you can comply with local water regulations without sacrificing your lawn's appearance. This makes BIMINI® a resilient and eco-friendly option that supports sustainable water use.

Wear Tolerance

Bermudagrass varieties spread vigorously from rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (aboveground runners), forming a dense turf cover that can tolerate heavy wear and tear. In a study conducted by Oklahoma State University, BIMINI® ranked as the most durable and traffic-tolerant variety among other bermudagrasses tested. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and other stresses while maintaining its lush green look.

A traffic-tolerant lawn is favorable for many homeowners with active families, pets, or who often host outdoor gatherings. It is more resilient to damage, translating to minimal maintenance required, thus saving you time and effort in lawn care.

Consistency

As a warm-season variety, traditional bermudagrass experiences peak growth from late spring to early fall. It goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It regains its color in spring once the conditions become favorable or when soil temperatures consistently reach 70°F or higher.

On the other hand, BIMINI® is slow to go dormant in the winter. It maintains its dark green color longer in the cold and can withstand frost without losing its color or health. It also greens up early in the spring, giving you more days of emerald-green grass.

Density and Playability

With its exceptional density, BIMINI® provides a firm surface to support a golf ball, creating a seamless and precise golfing experience. In residential applications, this dense growth means a more resilient and durable lawn that can withstand the wear and tear of daily activities, from children playing to pets running around.

Additionally, the soft nature of BIMINI® provides a cushioned surface, reducing the risks of injuries during play. This makes it an excellent option for households with active family members—kids and pets—spending time outdoors.

Quick Injury Recovery

Besides developing into a dense green cover, BIMINI®'s vigorous growth rate also contributes to its ability to recover swiftly from damage. Whether it's damage from heavy foot traffic, sports activities, or environmental stresses like heat and drought, BIMINI® can bounce back efficiently. It is a significant advantage for homeowners looking to establish a lush, green lawn in a shorter period and those with children and pets, saving significantly on lawn care costs.

Moreover, the dense growth habit of BIMINI® helps suppress weed growth, reduce the need for chemical treatments, and make lawn care more sustainable.

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How to Maintain BIMINI® Bermudagrass and Maximize Its Potential

While the benefits of BIMINI® Bermudagrass—its drought resistance, rapid growth, and durability—are inherent, achieving and maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires dedicated care and attention. Proper maintenance practices not only elevate its natural attributes but also ensure your lawn reaches its full potential year-round.

Watering: Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth and helps the grass withstand periods of drought. Aim to water early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss and adjust frequency based on weather conditions to prevent overwatering, which can lead to disease and shallow roots.

Mowing: BIMINI® Bermudagrass tolerates low mowing heights well, making it ideal for those seeking a well-manicured appearance. Keep your mower blades sharp to achieve a clean cut, and adjust the cutting height according to the season. During the summer peak, slightly raise the cutting height to help shade the soil and protect the roots and crowns from exposure to excessive heat.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer according to soil test recommendations or general guidelines for bermudagrass maintenance. Fertilizing in early spring to kickstart growth and again in late spring or early summer is widely recommended to sustain healthy growth throughout the growing season.

This comprehensive approach to lawn care will help you achieve a vibrant, enduring lawn with BIMINI® Bermuda grass, ensuring its beauty and resilience for years to come.

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BIMINI® Bermudagrass from Bethel Farms

Bethel Farms is one of the trusted sod farms in Florida, supplying BIMINI® Bermuda grass in convenient sod pallets, facilitating easy installation and establishment of your new lawn.

Visit our website today to learn more about BIMINI® Bermudagrass and to order sod pallets for your outdoor space.