Getting your Bermuda grass lawn thick and green in Georgia starts with knowing when to fertilize. The timing is everything for strong roots and a lush look. This guide will walk you through the optimal fertilization schedule for our state’s climate, helping you avoid common mistakes.
Bermuda grass thrives in Georgia’s heat, but it needs the right food at the right time. Applying fertilizer too early or too late can waste your effort and even harm your lawn. Let’s break down the simple calendar that will keep your grass healthy from spring to fall.
When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass in Georgia – Georgias optimal fertilization schedule
Your fertilization plan follows the grass’s natural growth cycle. Bermuda greens up when soil temperatures consistently hit about 65°F. In Georgia, this typically happens from late April to mid-May, depending on if you’re in North or South Georgia.
Understanding Your Grass’s Growth Cycle
Bermuda grass goes dormant and turns brown after the first hard frost. It wakes up in spring, grows vigorously all summer, and then slows down in fall. Your fertilizer applications should support this rhythm.
Feeding it during dormancy is useless, as the roots can’t absorb nutrients. The goal is to promote growth when it’s active and prepare it for dormancy as winter nears.
The Essential Spring Start (Late April – May)
Your first application kicks off the growing season. Wait until the lawn is fully green, usually after two or three mowings. This ensures the roots are active and ready to use the nutrients.
- Timing: Late April in South GA, early to mid-May in North GA.
- Goal: Encourage strong lateral growth and green-up.
- Product: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with nitrogen.
- A common mistake is applying to soon, which can feed winter weeds instead of your grass.
Summer Feeding for Peak Health (June – August)
This is when Bermuda grass is most active. Regular feeding during summer maintains color and density, helping it withstand heat, drought, and foot traffic.
- Schedule: Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks through the summer.
- Key Months: Target June, July, and early August.
- Tip: Always water your lawn thoroughly after applying fertilizer. This prevents burn and moves nutrients into the soil.
If you have a lot of rain, you may need an extra feeding. But be careful not to overdo it, as to much nitrogen can cause thatch buildup.
The Critical Fall Application (September)
Your last fertilizer application is arguably the most important. It helps the grass store energy for the winter and promotes a quicker green-up next spring.
- Timing: Apply around early to mid-September.
- Goal: Strengthen roots for winter survival.
- Product Switch: Use a fertilizer low in nitrogen but higher in potassium (the last number on the bag). Potassium improves winter hardiness.
Do not fertilize after October 1st in most of Georgia. Late feeding promotes tender new growth that will be damaged by frost.
What to Look for in a Fertilizer
Reading the bag is key. The three numbers represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For established Bermuda lawns in Georgia, a ratio like 16-4-8 or 15-0-15 is often recommended.
- Nitrogen (First Number): Promotes green, leafy growth. Use slow-release forms for a steady feed.
- Phosphorus (Middle Number): Supports root development. Most Georgia soils have adequate phosphorus, so a low number is fine.
- Potassium (Last Number): Aids overall stress tolerance (heat, cold, disease). Crucial for the fall feed.
Always get a soil test every few years. Your local University of Georgia Extension office can do this. It tells you exactly what your soil lacks, so you don’t guess or waste money.
Step-by-Step Fertilizer Application
- Mow your lawn a day or two before applying fertilizer.
- Check that your spreader is clean and calibrated correctly. An uneven application causes stripes.
- Apply the product when the grass is dry to prevent it from sticking to blades.
- Water the lawn deeply immediately after application, using about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water.
- Avoid applying if heavy rain is expected within 48 hours, as it can runoff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make errors. Here’s what to watch for.
- Fertilizing Too Early in Spring: This feeds weeds and doesn’t help dormant grass.
- Over-fertilizing: Leads to excessive growth, thatch, and increased disease risk. It also pollutes waterways.
- Ignoring Soil pH: Bermuda grass prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too acidic, lime may be needed.
- Forgetting to Water In: Granular fertilizer needs water to activate and to prevent burning the grass.
Seasonal Lawn Care Quick Reference
Fertilizing works best with other good practices. Here’s a simple seasonal checklist.
- Spring: Dethatch if needed, apply pre-emergent for weeds, begin mowing regularly, apply first fertilizer.
- Summer: Mow high (1.5-2 inches), water deeply but infrequently, apply summer fertilizer feeds.
- Fall: Apply final fertilizer, continue mowing as growth slows, keep leaves raked.
- Winter: The lawn is dormant. Just keep it clear of debris and avoid heavy traffic on frozen grass.
FAQ: Your Bermuda Grass Fertilization Questions
Can I fertilize Bermuda grass in October in Georgia?
It’s not recommended. The last application should be done by late September. Fertilizing in October can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to early frost damage, weakening the plant for winter.
How often should I fertilize my lawn in Georgia?
For Bermuda grass, a total of 3-4 applications per year is typical. Start in late spring, feed every 4-6 weeks in summer, and give a final fall feed in September. Your soil test may adjust this schedule.
What is the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass?
A complete lawn fertilizer with a higher first number (nitrogen) and slow-release properties is ideal for most of the season. Look for formulations specifically labeled for Southern lawns or Bermuda grass.
Should I water before or after fertilizing?
Water after. Apply fertilizer to dry grass, then water it in thoroughly. This washes the granules off the blades and into the soil, where they can dissolve and be taken up by the roots. Watering beforehand isn’t necessary.
Is it too late to fertilize in August?
An application in early August is fine for summer feeding. However, by late August, you should be preparing for your final fall fertilization in September, so switch to a potassium-rich formula then.
Following this schedule will give you a robust, resilient lawn. Remember, consistency is more important than perfection. Stick to the core timings—green-up in spring, summer maintenance, and the vital fall feed—and your Bermuda grass will reward you with a beautiful carpet of green all summer long.