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Ferguson College of AgAg Research
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Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is an introduced grass for lawn turf and pasture. It is very aggressive and spreads both above and below ground. For us, the area being repurposed is a grassy area within the butterfly garden that we boxed in with raised beds. This has made maintenance more difficult for our mowing crew and our garden upkeep. The bermudagrass creeps into our flower bed areas. The plan is to kill the grass, replace the grass with hardscape area, and be able to use this space for a new purpose.

In 2020, Oklahoma Gardening did a research project at Perkins Research Station. Using some of their test plot information (36 replicated trial plots), we selected three methods to demonstrate at our garden.  

 

Three ways to get rid of Bermuda grass to develop a garden space, using non chemical methods.

  1. Shading with cardboard
  2. Clear plastic - solarization - sun heating to high temperature in the Summer.
  3. Black plastic mulch - shading and heat

Before: Normal Grass Lawn, Mostly Bermuda Grass

This grassy area is boxed in by flower beds. The riding mower can no longer access the area. Push mowing and weed eating is necessary for upkeep. Transitioning to hardscape makes more sense for maintenance.

 

A garden space filled with grass and weeds.

 

Method One: Cardboard

A double layer of cardboard was placed over the wet ground and weighted down with pallets to begin shading out the grass. This is a good way to recycle cardboard. Ideally, you want to remove plastic tape and any plastic labels.

 

Wooden pallets and a mineral tub on flat cardboard covering grass.

 

Method Two: Clear Plastic

Clear plastic was installed next to method one. The plastic used is a recycled piece of heavy greenhouse plastic. For homeowners, check with a furniture or mattress store for large pieces of clear plastic (queen or king size mattress covering). This one is at a sidewalk entrance so visitors can view the progress. Landscape pins were used to help anchor the edges, as well as tucking the plastic under the edge of the cardboard. The cattle tubs are also to help hold down the plastic from the wind.

 

Clear plastic on grass with plastic mineral tubs holding it down.

 

Green grass viewed through the plastic.

 

Grass underneath clear plastic.

 

Condensation begins in just a few minutes.

 

Condensation formed on grass under clear plastic.

 

Day Two

The grass is already browning considerably, with temperatures in the mid 90's.

 

Brown grass under clear plastic.

 

Day 3

A cattle tote was weighting down a corner. This is a great visual of how much effect the heating of the clear plastic heat is having.

 

Green grass and dead grass under clear plastic.

 

Method Three: Black Plastic

Black plastic for plasticulture was used. For the homeowner, extra large lawn and leaf bags could be cut on the sides and used.

 

Black plastic covering grass.

 

All three methods will remain in place for several weeks. These are held down by pallets, and landscape fabric pins. You can walk across this area gently if you visit the garden. Please do watch your step.

 

The three methods of the bermuda grass eradication demonstration.

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