Bermuda vs Paspalum Grass Comparison

For children's play areas in the UAE, Bermuda grass is generally the better choice due to its excellent wear resistance and rapid recovery from damage. It can withstand the regular foot traffic and play activities without deteriorating quickly.

However, if your priority is a softer feel underfoot for children playing, and the area doesn't receive extremely heavy use, Paspalum might be preferable as it offers greater softness while still maintaining good wear resistance.

During the UAE summer (May-September):

Bermuda Grass: Typically requires watering 3-4 times per week with deep irrigation (about 1-1.5 inches of water each time) during the hottest months. Early morning watering is recommended.

Paspalum Grass: Generally requires watering 2-3 times per week with similar deep irrigation. Paspalum is slightly more water-efficient in UAE conditions and can withstand longer periods between watering cycles.

Both grasses benefit from reduced watering frequency but increased watering depth to encourage deeper root growth. Adjust based on your specific microclimate, soil conditions, and signs from the grass itself.

Paspalum Vaginatum: Yes, this is one of Paspalum's standout features. It can be irrigated with recycled water, brackish water, and even diluted seawater with salinity levels that would kill most other grass types. This makes it especially valuable in coastal areas of the UAE and for sustainable landscaping projects.

Bermuda Grass: While Bermuda has moderate salt tolerance, it's significantly less tolerant than Paspalum. It can handle slightly brackish water and some recycled water, but high-salinity irrigation will eventually cause damage and deterioration.

If you plan to use non-potable water sources for irrigation, Paspalum is definitely the superior choice.

Installation costs in the UAE vary based on project size, location, site preparation needs, and supplier, but general price ranges are:

Bermuda Grass:

• Sod installation: AED 35-50 per square meter
• Supply only: AED 12-20 per square meter, depending on the size of the order, your location and seasonal variatons.
• This includes grass rolls, a soil infill upto 5cm, levelling, racking and aeration services. Should you need more soil, seperate prices will appply

Paspalum Vaginatum:

• Sod installation: AED 35-45 per square meter
• Supply only: AED 12-20 per square meter, depending on the size of the order, your location and seasonal variatons.
• This includes grass rolls, a soil infill upto 5cm, levelling, racking and aeration services. Should you need more soil, seperate prices will appply

Note: Many property owners find the long-term savings in water usage and maintenance make Paspalum grass cost-effective over time, especially in coastal areas.

Replacement of your old grass with the new grass cost a litte extra because of the old grass root removal, a layer of soil removal and disposal of the same. Generally, the replacement costs around 5-10 AED per sqm, seperately from the new grass charges.

Bermuda Grass:

• From sod (carpet rolls): 1-2 weeks to root establishment, 4-6 weeks to full establishment
• From seed: 7-14 days to germination, 2-3 months to full establishment

Paspalum Vaginatum:

• From sod (carpet rolls): 10-20 days to root establishment, 4-6 weeks to full establishment
• From seed: 10-21 days to germination, 3-4 months to full establishment

Establishment times are faster in the UAE during spring and fall months, and somewhat slower during the extreme summer heat. Proper irrigation during establishment is critical for both grass types.

For golf courses in the UAE, both grasses have specific applications:

Paspalum Vaginatum: Has become the preferred choice for many premium UAE golf courses, especially those near the coast. It's used for tees, fairways, and roughs due to its salt tolerance, softer feel, uniform appearance, and ability to be irrigated with lower-quality water. Its slightly higher ball position on fairways is also preferred by many golfers.

Bermuda Grass: Still used on many courses, particularly for fairways and tees that receive heavy traffic. Its superior wear resistance and faster recovery from divots make it practical for high-use areas. Some courses use special Bermuda hybrids specifically developed for golf applications.

Many UAE golf courses use a combination of both grasses in different areas based on specific needs and conditions. For putting greens, specialized ultradwarf Bermuda varieties or other grass types are typically used.

During UAE winter months (December-February):

Bermuda Grass: Will typically slow in growth and may show some dormancy with slight browning when temperatures consistently drop below 15°C at night. In most UAE locations, it rarely goes fully dormant but will lose some color and density.

Paspalum Vaginatum: Generally retains better color and growth during cooler months compared to Bermuda. It's less likely to show dormancy symptoms in the mild UAE winter and maintains a more consistent appearance year-round.

For premium landscapes where winter appearance is important, Paspalum has a slight advantage in the UAE climate. In rare cold snaps, both grasses may show temporary stress but typically recover quickly as temperatures rise.

The best natural grass for villa gardens in the UAE depends on your specific location and needs:

For Coastal Villa Gardens (Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Saadiyat Island):

• Paspalum Vaginatum is the optimal choice due to its exceptional salt tolerance, softer texture, and ability to handle recycled water irrigation.

For Inland Villa Gardens (Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills, Al Ghadeer):

• Bermuda grass is often preferred for its superior heat tolerance, drought resistance, and excellent recovery from heavy use.

For Family Villas with Children's Play Areas:

• Bermuda grass offers better wear resistance and faster recovery from traffic damage.

For Luxury Villa Gardens Emphasizing Aesthetics:

• Paspalum provides a softer feel underfoot and maintains a more consistent color year-round.

Many high-end villas in the UAE now use a combination approach, with Paspalum in more visible, less-trafficked areas and Bermuda in high-use zones.

The annual maintenance cost for Bermuda grass in Dubai typically ranges from AED 5-8 per square meter. This includes:

• Regular Mowing: AED 2-3 per square meter annually (weekly mowing during peak growing season)
• Fertilization: AED 1-2 per square meter annually (4-5 applications)
• Dethatching: AED 1-1.5 per square meter annually (1-2 sessions)
• Pest Control: AED 1-1.5 per square meter annually (as needed)

Water costs are additional and vary significantly based on your property's water source and rates. Bermuda grass typically requires more frequent mowing and dethatching compared to Paspalum, resulting in slightly higher maintenance costs.