Bermudagrass grows well in southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore where it’s warmer but is not as good a fit for central Maryland, and doesn’t work at all in western Maryland. But don’t worry; where Bermudagrass doesn’t work, there are other comparable grass varieties to choose from.
Knowing the best grass for your lawn is essential to growing a thick, green turf. Here are your questions about growing Bermuda in Maryland, answered.
Where Bermudagrass grows in Maryland
| Region | Growing conditions |
| Eastern Shore | Excellent |
| Southern Maryland | Excellent |
| Central Maryland | Fair |
| Western Maryland | Very poor |
Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore: Yes
We recommend Bermudagrass for southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, where winter temperatures are somewhat milder and less likely to damage or kill this warm-season variety. It does well in counties like St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Dorchester.
In coastal areas, like Lexington Park, the temperature rarely drops below 10 to 15 degrees, which suits Bermudagrass just fine. And because it’s salt-tolerant, Bermudagrass copes well near the beach, too.
Central Maryland: Sort of
It is certainly possible to keep Bermudagrass strong and attractive in central Maryland, but it can be a little more challenging than along the coast or in southern Maryland. Temperatures here get pretty cold but are mostly still acceptable for Bermudagrass. Make sure you also check your specific Bermuda cultivar to ensure it’s cold-hardy to zone 7.
Your Bermudagrass will thrive on the east coast, around Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties. For instance, Annapolis is in hardiness zone 8a. The temperature rarely falls below 17 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfectly tolerable for Bermudagrass.
But the northern parts of Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery, as well as pretty much the whole of Carroll, are too cold for Bermudagrass. Slowly, the state transitions into hardiness zone 6b in these areas. Temperatures can drop as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is low enough to kill Bermuda.
Western Maryland: No
Finally, in Western Maryland, Bermudagrass is pretty much a no-no. The hardiness ranges from 6b to 6a, and in the most western part, even 5b. That means that temperatures range between 0 and -15 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too cold for Bermudagrass.
For instance, in Garrett County, temperatures can drop as low as -5 to -10 degrees, and in parts as low as -15 degrees. Opt for another grass type here, instead.
The best growing conditions for Bermudagrass
Like any grass or plant, Bermudagrass needs certain conditions to survive and thrive, and as we’ve already explained, those conditions are less certain in colder areas of the state.
So before you commit to using Bermudagrass, you should know the conditions – soil, temperature, rainfall – that support its growth and assess whether your area of Maryland has what it takes.
Here are the best growing conditions for Bermudagrass:
| Soil pH | 6 to 6.5 |
| Soil type | Tolerates most soil types |
| Water needs | Low to moderate; needs at least 20 inches of rainfall or supplemental irrigation; survives on as much as 25 to 100 inches of annual rainfall |
| Hardiness zone | Mostly 7 to 10 (0 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit), but it depends on cultivar |
| Best daytime temperature | Between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Required soil temperature | Above 65 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Salt tolerance | High |
Which grass should I plant instead?
If your area is too cool for Bermudagrass or you just want to explore other grass types, there are plenty to choose from. Other popular Maryland grasses include:
- Zoysiagrass
- Fine fescue
- Tall fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Grass mixes
Even with these grasses, you have to consider where in Maryland you live. We’ll tell you more about them in our article The Best Grass Seed for Maryland Lawns.
More lawn care resources for Maryland
Whether you pick Bermudagrass or another grass, there are other things you need to know about growing grass in the state. Here are resources to help you grow your grass:
- Month-to-Month Maryland Lawn Care Schedule
- When to Plant Grass Seed in Maryland
- What Maryland’s Fertilizer Law Means for Your Lawn
- The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Maryland
- Common Weeds in Maryland and How to Get Rid of Them
Fall in love with your lawn again
Whether you want to relax with loved ones or grab some crab cakes out in the town, you’ve probably got a lot more on your plate than lawn care. But don’t worry; Lawn Love’s Maryland pros are at your disposal. Get an instant quote.
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