When To Fertilize Bermuda In North Texas

If you’re looking to get your lawn in top shape, knowing when to fertilize Bermuda in North Texas is the most important step. Timing your applications right is what separates a good lawn from a great, resilient one.

This grass thrives in our heat, but it needs a precise feeding schedule to match its growth cycle. Get it wrong, and you risk weak roots, winter damage, or encouraging weeds. Let’s break down the optimal calendar for your Bermuda grass, from spring green-up to fall dormancy.

Your fertilization schedule follows the soil temperature, not just the date on the calendar. Bermuda grass starts growing actively when soil temperatures consistently hit 65°F. In North Texas, this typically happens from mid-April to early May.

The feeding season lasts until early fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Here is your core annual timeline:

First Application (Spring Green-Up): Late April to Mid-May. Feed as it exits dormancy and begins steady growth.
Second Application (Peak Growth): Late May to June. Support its fastest summer growth.
Third Application (Midsummer): July to early August. Maintain color and density.
Fourth & Final Application (Fall Prep): Late August to early September. Strengthen roots for winter.

Never fertilize after mid-September. Late feeding promotes tender new growth that will be killed by the first frost, wasting your effort and harming the plant.

Understanding Bermuda Grass Growth Cycles

Bermuda is a warm-season grass. It’s growth is directly tied to warmth and sunlight. During winter, it goes fully dormant and turns brown. It wakes up in spring, grows vigorously all summer, and then slows down as days shorten in fall.

Fertilizer provides the nutrients for each phase. In spring, we focus on nitrogen for green leaf growth. In summer, we maintain that supply. Come fall, we shift focus to potassium, which is crucial for root development and cold hardiness.

Spring: The Wake-Up Call

Your first task in spring isn’t fertilizing—it’s waiting. Apply fertilizer too early and you’ll feed the winter weeds, not your grass. Wait until your lawn is about 75% green from natural growth.

Before you feed, complete these steps:

Mow low to remove dormant brown tissue.
Ensure the lawn is fully dry to avoid compacting soil.
Apply a pre-emergent for weeds if you haven’t already.

Use a balanced, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for this first app. A ratio like 15-5-10 is a good choice. The slow-release formula feeds the grass gradually as it wakes up.

Summer: Supporting Peak Performance

Summer is when Bermuda hits its stride. It can handle—and needs—regular feeding. The high temperatures and long days allow it to process nutrients quickly. Your summer applications (typically 2-3) should be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Stick with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Consistency is key here to maintain deep color and thick growth, which naturally crowds out weeds. Always water deeply after applying summer fertilizer to move nutrients into the soil and prevent burning.

If we hit a drought period, it’s okay to delay an application. Fertilizing a stressed, dry lawn can cause damage. Wait until after a good rain or your next deep watering cycle.

Fall: The Most Important Feeding

The fall application is non-negotiable for health. While spring feeding makes it look good, fall feeding makes it strong. This is when you should use a fertilizer with more potassium (the third number on the bag). Look for a formula like 10-10-20 or similar.

Potassium strengthens cell walls, improves drought tolerance, and, critically, enhances cold hardiness. A well-fed lawn in fall will enter dormancy healthier and will green up faster the next spring. Remember, this is the last one. The lawn’s growth is slowing, so it doesn’t need more nitrogen to push leaf growth.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Walking down the garden aisle can be confusing. Here’s what to look for:

Nitrogen (N): The first number. Promotes green, leafy growth. Essential for spring/summer.
Phosphorus (P): The second number. Aids root development. Most North Texas soils have enough, so a high number isn’t usually critical.
Potassium (K): The third number. Boosts overall plant health and stress tolerance. Vital for the fall application.

For most summer applications, a fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (like 21-7-14 or 15-5-10) works perfectly. Always opt for slow-release or controlled-release nitrogen when possible. It feeds the lawn over time, reduces burn risk, and is less likely to leach into water systems after heavy rain.

Step-by-Step Fertilizer Application

Test Your Soil: A simple soil test from your county extension office tells you exactly what your lawn lacks. It’s the best $20 you can spend.
Calculate Needs: Bermuda needs about 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year. Split this across your 4 applications.
Use a Spreader: A broadcast spreader gives even coverage. Calibrate it according to the bag’s settings to avoid streaks or missed spots.
Apply on a Dry Lawn: Ensure the grass blades are dry so fertilizer doesn’t stick to them and cause burn.
Water Deeply: After applying, water the lawn with about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water. This washes the granules off the blades and into the soil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Here’s what to watch for:

Fertilizing Too Early: This is the biggest mistake. It feeds weeds and doesn’t help dormant grass.
Using Weed & Feed at Wrong Times: Weed & Feed products are best applied in late spring when weeds are actively growing and the lawn is already lush. Using them at other times is inefficient.
Overwatering After Application: You want to water it in, not wash it away. A deep, moderate watering is better than a light flood.
Ignoring Soil Compaction: If your soil is hard, nutrients and water can’t get to the roots. Consider core aeration in late spring or early summer.

FAQs on Fertilizing Bermuda Grass

Can I fertilize Bermuda grass in March?

It’s not recommended. Soil temperatures are usually to cool in March for Bermuda to utilize the nutrients. Early fertilization primarily benefits weeds and can lead to excessive thatch later on.

What is the best fall fertilizer for Bermuda?

Look for a fertilizer with a low first number (nitrogen) and a high last number (potassium). A formula with a 1-2-2 ratio, such as 5-10-20, is ideal for that final fall feeding to boost winter hardiness.

How late is too late to fertilize?

In North Texas, mid-September is your absolute cutoff. Fertilizing in October is to risky, as it stimulates new growth highly susceptible to frost damage.

Should I water before or after fertilizing?

Apply fertilizer to a dry lawn, then water it in afterward. Watering before can make the granules stick to wet grass and cause leaf burn. Watering after moves the nutrients into the soil profile where the roots can access them.

Can I use the same fertilizer all year?

You can, but it’s not optimal. Using a high-nitrogen blend all year misses the opportunity to strengthen roots in fall with potassium. Tailoring your choice to the season gives better results with the same amount of effort.

Additional Lawn Care Tips for Success

Fertilizing works best when combined with other good practices. Mowing height is crucial—keep your Bermuda at 1 to 1.5 inches during peak season. This encourages density and discourages weeds.

Water deeply and infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. This trains the roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-tolerant. Always mow with a sharp blade; a dull blade tears the grass, creating brown tips and stress.

By following this seasonal guide, you provide exactly what your Bermuda lawn needs when it needs it. The result is a thick, green, and durable turf that can handle the North Texas heat and look fantastic doing it. Stick to the schedule, choose your products wisely, and your lawn will show it’s appreciation all season long.