Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass: Benefits, Drawbacks, And More

Written by Chanel Coetzee
Updated: June 3, 2023
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If you’re looking for the perfect grass for high-traffic areas that does well in hot climates, Tifway 419 Bermuda grass is the perfect option. However, it still has its drawbacks which will be discussed at length in this article. But this grass has a lot of benefits as well, so continue reading to find out the pros and cons of Tifway 419 Bermuda grass.

Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass: What is It?

You have more than likely seen Tifway 419 Bermuda grass on sports fields and golf courses. Its feathery texture and deep root system make it durable enough to sustain a lot of traffic. In addition, this grass is capable of enduring extreme heat and drought, making it one of the best options for warm climates. Another benefit of this grass is it is relatively low-maintenance. For example, it requires occasional fertilization and mowing during the colder months. However, once it starts to heat up, Tifway 429 needs mowing weekly or once it measures ½ to ¾ inches. Therefore, this grass is one of the most sought-after strains for professional turf grasses.

Green Bermuda Lawn Grass of Home

Bermuda grass is capable of enduring extreme heat and drought, making it one of the best options for warm climates.

©BLUEwalkerXV/Shutterstock.com

Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass Benefits

Choosing the best type of grass for your needs can be challenging, as there is a lot to consider. For example, the climate, seed type, and traffic should all form part of your decision. Therefore, Tifway 419 Bermuda grass is a top choice among businesses and homeowners because of these beneficial traits:

Drought Tolerance

One of the best benefits of this grass is its drought tolerance. Once Tifway 419 Bermuda grass has been established, it can survive prolonged periods without water and still hold its color.

Color

Tifway 419 Bermuda grass is famous for its dark green color, high level of tolerance, and dense growth habit. Because it is a warm-season grass, it lays dormant during the colder months while maintaining its color. However, in northern climates, it can go brown during the winter.

Disease Tolerance 

This grass is also known for its high tolerance against diseases. It is resistant to several common diseases like Pythium root rot and brown patch. Furthermore, this grass has a deep root system, which prevents soil erosion.

Heat Tolerance 

In addition to drought tolerance, Tifway 419 Bermuda grass is also heat tolerant. Therefore, it is a top choice for parks, lawns, and golf courses in places with warm climates. Furthermore, it also has a high tolerance against pests and diseases. However, it is hard to establish this grass from seed, so most people grow it from sod or sprigs. But, once it has established, it forms a beautiful green, lush lawn.

Shade Tolerance 

While this grass is notorious for surviving the heat, it is also shade tolerant. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for areas that don’t receive a lot of sun. But please note that Tifway 419 Bermuda grass grows best in full-sun environments, which is especially important for people who want their lawns to look as green and lush as possible.

Recovery

This grass is an excellent choice for golf courses and other areas that receive a lot of foot traffic due to its ability to recover from moderate wear. For example, its deep root system provides support during prolonged periods of drought or heat. In addition, its thick blades resist damage from heavy traffic.

Winter Color 

Because this grass goes dormant during winter, it is not usually people’s first choice if they want green grass all year round. In colder climates, it will turn brown, but if you live in a tropical region, it will keep its color during winter. However, if you are in an area where your Tifway 412 Bermuda grass goes brown during cold weather, there is something you can try. For example, if you overseed the grass with ryegrass, it helps keep the lawn green.

Better Density

When choosing grass, always look at its density because dense sod will have a deeper root system. Therefore, it will be able to survive more damage than other types of grass. Furthermore, it usually prevents brown patches from developing, which are unappealing and hard to fix. Because Tifway 419 sod has a very dense root system, it makes it an excellent choice for places with a lot of traffic.

Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass: Drawbacks

While there are a lot of benefits to Tifway 419 Bermuda grass, it also has its drawbacks. For example, it has a very high seed head production which can make your lawn look untidy if it’s not mowed often enough. In addition, it’s also not the best choice for shady areas. While it can grow in the shade, it needs direct sunlight for at least six hours every day. So if it is in the shade, it won’t reach its full potential unless it receives enough sunlight daily. Another drawback to Tifway 419 Bermuda grass is that it lies dormant during winter. Lastly, while one of its benefits is that it’s aggressive and repairs wear and tear easily, this trait is also a drawback. For example, it spreads really quickly due to its climbing stolons and can enter planter beds and other areas. This means that you have to use the weed eater more often since it gets into places that are hard to reach.

Maintenance Tips for Tifway 419 Bermuda Grass

If you really want immaculate lawns, you must ensure you take the correct care of Tifway 419 Bermuda grass sod. Therefore, below are some tips to help you in your journey to a lush green lawn, including how to fertilize, water, and mow the grass. Additionally, there are tips on how to deal with insects and weeds.

Fertilization 

Fertilization is key when it comes to Tifway 419 grass. However, you shouldn’t be fertilizing this grass all year round. The best time to do this is during fall and spring, when the grass is actively growing. In addition, you need to use a specific fertilizer for Tifway 419 sod, So ensure you get the right one. Lastly, use a spreader to cover the area evenly and prevent harmful burn spots.

Watering 

This grass needs deep and infrequent watering to help deep root growth. Therefore, the perfect time to water this grass is in the morning before it gets hot. Watering frequency will depend on several factors, such as humidity, temperature, and rainfall. However, a good rule of thumb is to water this grass once it turns dark green, indicating it is under stress from lack of water.

Weeds & Insects

This grass is susceptible to weeds and insects, which can be a huge problem. Therefore, the best solution is to pull the weeds out with your hands as you see them, do not give them a chance to produce seeds. Furthermore, insects can be massive pests, so depending on the species, there will be different ways to handle them. It will be best to call your local garden center or extension office for recommendations on how to get rid of that specific insect. They can tell you what products are safe for Tifway 419 Bermuda grass sod.

Mowing 

there is a trick to keeping this grass looking its best. You have to mow it at the proper height. For example, the recommended height for this grass is between 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. If you mow this grass any lower than the recommended height, it can cause damage and make it more susceptible to pests and disease. In addition, you must always use a reel mower when cutting this grass to prevent tearing the grass blades. Lastly, you must mow in different directions each time to avoid forming ruts in your lawn.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © pyzata/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Chanel Coetzee is a writer at A-Z Animals, primarily focusing on big cats, dogs, and travel. Chanel has been writing and researching about animals for over 10 years. She has also worked closely with big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and tigers at a rescue and rehabilitation center in South Africa since 2009. As a resident of Cape Town, South Africa, Chanel enjoys beach walks with her Stafford bull terrier and traveling off the beaten path.

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