Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass in Utah

Tahoma 31 is a warm-season hybrid Bermudagrass that can grow in Utah, particularly in lawns with strong summer sun and suitable soil and drainage. It grows actively during hot weather and has better cold tolerance than many other Bermudagrasses.

Tahoma 31 turns tan during winter dormancy and begins growing again as temperatures warm. Its performance can vary with sunlight, soil conditions, drainage, shade, water coverage, and winter exposure. 

Key Takeaways

• Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass in Utah is mainly a summer-growing lawn grass. Significant Bermudagrass growth starts above about 59°F, with its strongest growth at roughly 75°F to 99°F.
• Tahoma 31 handles cold better than many older Bermudagrasses. Its cold-tolerance measurement is about 15.6°F, although winter survival still varies with site and weather conditions.
• Winter dormancy is normal for Tahoma 31. The lawn can remain tan from around October through April before returning to active growth as temperatures rise.
• Tahoma 31 can reduce lawn water demand. Hybrid Bermudagrass can use substantially less water than Kentucky bluegrass under suitable Utah conditions.
• The grass forms dense, fine-bladed turf during active growth. It also has a strong sod structure, relatively few seedheads, and good resistance to spring dead spots.

Can Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass Grow Well in Utah?

Yes. Tahoma 31 can perform well in Utah lawns that receive strong summer sun and have suitable soil and drainage. It grows most actively during hot weather and handles cold better than many other Bermudagrasses.

The grass turns tan and dormant during winter, then returns to active growth as temperatures rise. Its overall performance can vary with sunlight, soil, drainage, and winter exposure.

Why Utah's Hot, Dry Summers Can Suit Tahoma 31

Tahoma 31 grows most actively during the high temperatures Utah experiences in summer.

Temperature has a major effect on its growth:

• Bermudagrass starts significant growth above about 59°F.
• Its best growth occurs at roughly 75°F to 99°F.
• Summer is therefore its main growing period. Tahoma 31 can produce dense green growth through hot weather when conditions are suitable.
• Cool weather slows its growth. This gives it a very different yearly growth pattern from Kentucky bluegrass and fescue.
• Tahoma 31 keeps a fine, dense surface during active summer growth. Its naturally high turf density helps the lawn maintain an even appearance through its strongest growing period.

Its Cold Tolerance Compared With Other Bermudagrass Varieties

Tahoma 31 handles freezing temperatures better than many older Bermudagrass varieties, although severe winter conditions can still damage it.

Its cold performance includes several useful points:

• Its cold-tolerance measurement was about 15.6°F, a temperature linked with 50% plant death under controlled conditions.
• Winter damage can vary greatly. Tahoma 31 had about 4% winterkill in Indiana and 25% in Kentucky during earlier evaluations.
• It can turn green again fairly quickly after cold stress. Tahoma 31 reached about 75% green coverage within 22 days after warmer conditions returned.
• It has lower winter-injury risk than older varieties such as Tifway. Newer cold-tolerant Bermudagrasses, including Tahoma 31, have improved survival in climates where traditional Bermudagrass has struggled.

Northern Utah Considerations and Winter Dormancy

In northern Utah areas such as Ogden, Layton, and Bountiful, Tahoma 31 can handle cold better than many Bermudagrasses, but homeowners should still expect a tan dormant lawn through much of the colder season.

Warm-season lawns in northern Utah commonly go straw-colored during winter dormancy, and Tahoma 31's spring recovery can vary with soil temperature, sunlight, winter severity, and late freezes.

Its seasonal appearance follows a clear cycle:

• Dormancy generally covers the colder part of the year. It stays dormant and straw-colored from around October through April.
• Brown winter grass can still be alive. The living parts near and below the soil can remain healthy while the leaves above ground lose their green color.
• Spring green-up happens later than with cool-season grass. Tahoma 31 waits for warmer conditions before strong growth returns.
• Fall color gradually fades as temperatures drop. Growth slows during September and October, followed by full winter dormancy.
• Tahoma 31 can stay green later than some other warm-season grasses and return earlier in spring. This can shorten its tan period compared with less cold-adapted Bermudagrass varieties.
• Spring recovery does not happen on the same date every year. Soil temperature, sunlight, winter severity, and late freezes can move green-up earlier or later.
• Uneven spring color does not always mean permanent damage. Sunny sections may begin growing before colder or shaded sections of the same lawn.

Soil, Sunlight, and Irrigation Conditions Homeowners Should Evaluate Before Installation

Tahoma 31 performs best on sunny sites with suitable soil, good drainage, enough rooting depth, and even water coverage.

Several property conditions can affect how well it performs:

• Drainage: Bermudagrass does poorly where soil stays waterlogged. Heavy or compacted soil can reduce the air available around roots.
• Salt levels: Soil salinity above about 4 dS/m can become a problem. Higher salt levels make it harder for grass roots to absorb water, even when the soil looks moist. Tahoma 31 has relatively strong salt tolerance compared with many turfgrasses.
• Sunlight: Open areas provide better conditions for dense growth. Trees, buildings, fences, and slopes can create much darker sections within the same yard.
• Rooting depth: Shallow or heavily compacted soil gives roots less space and can make turf more sensitive to summer stress.
• Winter exposure: Open and windy parts of a yard may experience colder or drier soil than protected areas near buildings or other landscape features.
• Soil type: Tahoma 31 can grow across a fairly wide range of soil conditions, so the soil does not have to be one specific type. Drainage and usable rooting space matter more than soil type alone.
• Soil pH: A soil pH above about 7.5 can make iron harder for grass roots to use. Many Utah soils are around pH 8.0, so high pH can contribute to yellowing and weaker color. 
• Water coverage: Tahoma 31 has relatively low water demand and uses about 18% less water than other leading hybrid Bermudagrasses. Actual water needs can vary with temperature, soil, sunlight, and site conditions.
• Shade level matters more than simply having some shade. Tahoma 31 has better shade tolerance than many Bermudagrasses, but long periods of deep shade can still reduce density.

Benefits of Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass for Utah Lawns

Tahoma 31 can provide Utah lawns with dense growth, strong sod, good wear recovery, and a fine, even appearance during its active growing season. These benefits come from its vigorous spreading growth and turf density, rather than the heat and cold tolerance discussed above.

Additional benefits include:

• Dark green color: Tahoma 31 has a naturally dark green appearance during active growth, which can give the lawn a richer summer color.
• Very fine grass blades: Its narrow blades create a softer, more refined lawn appearance than coarser Bermudagrass types.
• High turf density: Tahoma 31 forms a thick, closely packed lawn surface. Dense growth can make the turf look more even and help it hold together under regular use.
• Few seedheads: Tahoma 31 produces relatively few visible seedheads compared with Bermudagrass varieties that produce many. This helps the lawn keep a more uniform appearance during active growth.
• Strong sod structure: Tahoma 31 sod in Utah can form strong, well-connected turf that holds together well and is less likely to break apart or develop loose sections.
• Strong root and underground growth: Its root system and underground stems help hold the turf surface together and support a dense lawn.
• Good resistance to spring dead spot: Tahoma 31 shows relatively low spring dead spot damage compared with several Bermudagrass varieties. Spring dead spot is a disease that can leave circular dead patches as Bermudagrass returns from winter dormancy.

Tahoma 31 vs. Cool-Season Grass in Utah

Tahoma 31 and cool-season grasses suit different parts of Utah's temperature cycle. Tahoma 31 concentrates growth in summer and offers lower potential water demand, while cool-season turf becomes active earlier in spring and retains green color longer during cooler weather.

Keep Your Tahoma 31 Lawn Healthy With Stewart’s

Tahoma 31 lawn care in Utah should account for the grass's summer growth, winter dormancy, soil conditions, and lawn health. Stewart's has served Utah homeowners since 1972 and provides professional lawn care built for local growing conditions.

Its Lawn Care Program includes:

• Professional fertilization
• Weed control
• Grub control
• Six scheduled lawn care visits

If you already have Tahoma 31 or are evaluating professional care for an existing lawn, Stewart's can discuss whether its lawn care services fit the turf and property conditions.

Contact Stewart's Lawn about professional lawn care.

FAQs

Is Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass good for Utah?

Yes, in the right conditions. Tahoma 31 can be a suitable choice for sunny Utah lawns where strong summer growth and lower water demand are priorities. Its cold tolerance is better than many Bermudagrasses, but homeowners should expect tan winter dormancy and later spring green-up than with cool-season grasses.

Does Tahoma 31 survive Utah winters?

Yes. Tahoma 31 has better winter survival than many Bermudagrasses, with a measured cold-tolerance value of about 15.6°F. Actual survival can vary with winter temperatures, exposure, soil conditions, and the duration and severity of cold weather.

Is Tahoma 31 better than Kentucky bluegrass for Utah?

The better choice depends on the lawn conditions and the seasonal appearance a homeowner wants. Tahoma 31 offers lower water demand and strong summer growth, while Kentucky bluegrass greens up earlier in spring and remains green longer before winter. Tahoma 31 has a longer dormant period.

Is Tahoma 31 drought tolerant?

Yes. Tahoma 31 is drought tolerant and has relatively low water demand for turfgrass. Hybrid Bermudagrass can use substantially less water than Kentucky bluegrass, and Tahoma 31 uses about 18% less water than other leading hybrid Bermudagrasses.