If you want a thick, green, and resilient lawn, knowing when should i fertilize bermuda grass is the most important step. Getting the timing right makes all the difference between a good lawn and a great one. This guide will walk you through the exact schedule and methods to follow for optimal results.
Bermuda grass is a warm-season favorite known for its durability and growth spurt in the heat. To support that vigorous growth, it needs the right nutrients at the right moments. Fertilizing at the wrong time can waste your effort and even harm your grass. Let’s get your lawn on the perfect feeding plan.
When Should I Fertilize Bermuda Grass
This is your core schedule. Bermuda grass should be fertilized during its active growing season, which is late spring through early fall. The exact start and end dates depend heavily on your local climate and soil temperature, not just the calendar.
The Role of Soil Temperature
Soil temperature is your best indicator. Bermuda grass starts to wake up and grow when soil temperatures consistently reach about 65°F. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check. Fertilizing before the grass is actively growing wastes fertilizer and can pollute waterways.
- Wait until the grass has fully “greened up” after winter dormancy.
- Apply your first feeding when soil temps are reliably above 65°F.
- Stop fertilizing when soil temps drop back below 65°F in the fall.
The Ideal Fertilization Schedule
A typical Bermuda grass lawn benefits from 3 to 5 fertilizer applications per year. Here’s a breakdown of the timing and goals for each.
1. Late Spring Application (The “Starter” Feed)
This is your first feeding of the year. Aim for late April to early June, depending on your zone. The goal is to give the grass a strong push out of dormancy and support early leaf and root growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
2. Summer Applications (The “Growth” Feeds)
During the peak heat of summer (June through August), Bermuda is growing fastest. You’ll typically make 2-3 applications during this period, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. These feeds maintain color, density, and help the grass recover from wear and tear.
3. Early Fall Application (The “Prep” Feed)
This final feeding is crucial. Apply it about 6-8 weeks before your expected first frost. The goal is not to promote top growth but to strengthen the root system for winter. Use a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium.
4. The Important Fall Cut-Off
Do not fertilize Bermuda grass in late fall or winter. Promoting new growth just before frost makes the grass vulnerable to cold damage and disease. The grass needs to harden off for dormancy.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Not all lawn fertilizers are the same. Understanding the label is key to picking the best one for Bermuda.
Understanding N-P-K Ratios
The three numbers on a fertilizer bag represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): The most important for Bermuda. It promotes vigorous leaf and stem growth, giving you that lush green color. Look for a high first number.
- Phosphorus (P): Supports strong root development and seedling growth. Most established lawns have enough phosphorus, so a lower middle number is often fine.
- Potassium (K): Enhances overall plant health, drought tolerance, and cold hardiness. Very important for the fall application.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release Nitrogen
For most homeowners, a fertilizer with at least 50% slow-release nitrogen is ideal. It feeds the grass gradually over 6-8 weeks, providing even growth, reducing the risk of burn, and minimizing nutrient runoff. Quick-release formulas give a rapid, sometimes excessive, green-up and require more frequent applications.
Step-by-Step Fertilizer Application
Doing it right ensures the grass gets the food and you don’t waste product.
- Mow: Mow your lawn a day or two before you plan to fertilize.
- Calibrate: Set your spreader according to the product’s label rate. This prevents over or under-applying.
- Apply Dry: Ensure the grass blades are dry to prevent fertilizer from sticking to them and causing burn.
- Overlap: Walk at a steady pace and slightly overlap your spreader wheel marks to avoid streaks and missed strips.
- Water In: Lightly water the lawn after application. This helps move the fertilizer granules down to the soil level where they can start to work. You don’t need to soak it, just a good quarter-inch of water.
Common Fertilization Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, its easy to make errors that set your lawn back.
- Fertilizing Too Early: This is the most common mistake. It feeds weeds, not your dormant grass.
- Over-Fertilizing: More is not better. It leads to excessive growth, thatch buildup, increased disease risk, and can pollute groundwater.
- Using the Wrong Spreader Setting: Always follow the bag’s instructions for your spreader type.
- Ignoring Soil Test: A soil test every 2-3 years tells you exactly what your soil lacks, so you can choose the perfect fertilizer blend.
- Fertilizing During Drought: If your lawn is under severe heat or water stress, hold off. Fertilizer can burn a stressed lawn.
Essential Lawn Care Partners to Fertilization
Fertilizer works best when combined with other good lawn care habits.
Watering Practices
Bermuda grass needs about 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Deep, infrequent watering is best. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal disease. This helps the fertilizer nutrients move into the root zone effectivly.
Mowing Height and Frequency
Mow Bermuda grass between 1 and 2 inches high, depending on the variety. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Frequent mowing at the proper height encourages thick, dense growth which is what you want.
Aeration and Dethatching
Core aeration once a year (best done in late spring or early summer) relieves soil compaction and allows air, water, and fertilizer to reach the roots. Dethatch if the thatch layer exceeds half an inch.
Seasonal Adjustments for Different Climates
Your local weather should fine-tune the general schedule.
For Transition Zone Lawns
In areas where warm and cool seasons meet, timing is extra critical. Start a little later in spring and end a bit earlier in fall to avoid cold damage to tender new growth.
For Southern Lawns
With a longer growing season, you may fit in an extra summer application. Watch for signs of stress in peak heat and adjust watering accordingly, sometimes you need to water more often than you think.
FAQ: Bermuda Grass Fertilization
Can I fertilize Bermuda grass in the winter?
No. Bermuda grass is dormant in winter. Fertilizing will not benefit the grass and will likely feed winter weeds or pollute the environment.
What is the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass?
A fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio (like 15-5-10 or 16-4-8) with slow-release nitrogen is often an excellent choice for general maintenance. Always base your final choice on a soil test.
How soon after fertilizing should I water?
You should water within 24 hours, preferably right after application, to wash the granules off the grass blades and into the soil. A quick, light watering is sufficient.
Can I fertilize a newly seeded Bermuda lawn?
Yes, but use a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus (like a 10-20-10 ratio) at seeding to promote root growth. Switch to a regular Bermuda fertilizer once the lawn is established.
Why is my Bermuda grass yellow after fertilizing?
This is often a sign of fertilizer burn, usually from over-application, applying to wet grass, or using a quick-release formula in high heat. Water deeply to help dilute the fertilizer salts in the soil.
Is it okay to fertilize before a rain?
It can be, if the rain is light. A gentle rain can help water the fertilizer in. However, a heavy downpour right after application can cause the fertilizer to runoff, wasting product and harming waterways. It’s safer to apply when no heavy rain is forecasted for 24-48 hours.
Following this guide on when to feed your lawn will set your Bermuda grass up for success. Consistent, timely fertilization, paired with proper mowing and watering, is the straightforward secret to a healthy, beautiful lawn that you can enjoy all season long. Remember to start with a soil test for the most accurate plan, and always err on the side of caution—it’s easier to add a little more fertilizer later than to fix the problems caused by too much.