Aaron Shehan’s #1 Recommendation for a Durable, Resilient Lawn
Bermuda grass is by far the most common and practical turf choice in Burleson, Texas, especially in newer neighborhoods. As the owner of Gro Lawn and Burleson Lawn Care, I’ve seen every grass type struggle under the wrong conditions—and I can confidently say that Bermuda is the most reliable option for full-sun North Texas lawns.
Why I Recommend Bermuda Grass
Most new home builders install Tif419 or other hybrid Bermuda varieties, and for good reason:
- ✅ Exceptional wear tolerance – handles kids, pets, and frequent mowing
- ✅ Fast recovery from damage – fills in bare spots quickly via aggressive stolon and rhizome growth
- ✅ High drought resilience – can go longer without water than St. Augustine or Zoysia
- ✅ Dense growth – naturally suppresses many weeds when mowed correctly
- ✅ Responds well to fertilizer and aeration
That’s why Bermuda is my go-to grass for most of Burleson’s sunny homes, especially in areas like Southern Oaks, Oak Valley Estates, Castle Hills, and Mountain Valley.
The Downside: It Hates Shade
As trees mature in established neighborhoods like Oak Valley Estates, Castle Hills, Southern Oaks, and Mountain Valley, we’re now seeing lawns that used to thrive with Bermuda start to thin out and decline. That’s not a soil problem—it’s shade.
Once Bermuda starts thinning from lack of sunlight, no product will fix it. Tree trimming or landscape modification is the only solution. If your lawn gets less than 6–8 hours of direct sunlight, Bermuda is no longer a viable option.
Common Mistakes with Bermuda Lawns
🌧️ Overwatering in Spring
Every year in Burleson, homeowners get excited and start watering too early—March, April, and May. That’s a problem.
- The soil is already moist from winter and spring rains
- Extra water causes root suffocation, yellowing, and Bipolaris fungus
- Bermuda doesn’t need consistent irrigation until mid to late May, depending on the heat
✅ Refer to this Texas A&M Bermuda Lawn Calendar (PDF) for proper timing.
🌵 Underwatering in Summer
Yes, Bermuda is drought-tolerant, but not drought-proof. Prolonged periods without water in July and August will lead to thinning and dead patches. If bare areas don’t recover with proper care, sod may be needed, but we do not offer sod installation.
💡 Use our Watering Guide to dial in irrigation based on temperature and sprinkler output.
✂️ Mowing Too Tall
This is the most common mistake I see.
Tif419 and other hybrid Bermudas should be mowed no taller than 1.5 inches.
- Mowing taller does not improve drought resistance
- It encourages stemmy growth and poor color, reducing turf quality
- For the best density and appearance, mow twice a week at 1”–1.25”
📘 Backed by research: Mow at the Right Height – OSU Extension
Characteristics of Bermuda Grass
- Warm-season perennial grass
- Thrives in full sun (6–8+ hrs daily)
- Grows aggressively via stolons and rhizomes
- Tolerates heavy foot traffic and frequent mowing
- Requires regular maintenance (fertilization, mowing, occasional dethatching)
- Goes dormant and brown in winter but greens up quickly in spring with proper care
More info: Bermudagrass Disease Guide – Texas A&M
What We Offer for Bermuda Lawns in Burleson
- Custom fertilization and weed control plans tailored to Bermuda’s needs
- Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide programs
- Aeration, dethatching, and mowing height consulting
- Watering plans based on real sprinkler output
- And most importantly: honest assessments of what your lawn actually needs
“Our program can’t fix poor cultural practices, but it will take a healthy lawn to the next level. And if something isn’t working, we’ll tell you straight—no guesswork, no sales pitch.”
— Aaron Shehan, Practical Agronomist & Owner
📞 Call 1-800-LAWNCARE or visit uglyweeds.com to schedule your lawn evaluation or treatment consultation.
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