Knowing the perfect schedule for feeding your grass is key to a thick, green yard. If you’re wondering when to fertilize bermuda lawn in texas, timing is everything for optimal growth.
Texas heat and soil demand a specific approach. Getting it right means a resilient lawn that handles summer stress and bounces back each spring.
When to Fertilize Bermuda Lawn in Texas
Your fertilization schedule revolves around soil temperature, not just the calendar. Bermuda grass wakes up when soil temps consistently hit 65°F and grows best when they’re between 75°F and 99°F. This typically gives us a long growing season from late spring through early fall.
Here’s the basic annual timeline for most of Texas:
* First Feeding (Spring Green-Up): Late April to Mid-May. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the grass is actively growing, not just showing a little green.
* Main Summer Feedings: Apply every 6-8 weeks from June through August.
* Final Fall Feeding (Optional but Recommended): Early September. This helps with winter hardiness and an earlier spring green-up.
A soil test is your best first step. It tells you exactly what nutrients your lawn lacks, so you don’t waste money or harm the environment. You can get a kit from your local county extension office.
Spring Fertilization: The Wake-Up Call
Don’t be tempted to fertilize too early. Applying fertilizer while bermuda is still dormant feeds weeds instead. Watch for these signs before your first application:
* The lawn is mostly green, not just patches.
* You’ve already mowed it a couple times.
* Soil temperatures are reliably above 65°F.
For the spring application, use a fertilizer with a good amount of nitrogen but also phosphorus and potassium. A ratio like 15-5-10 or 16-4-8 is often effective. The nitrogen pushes green leaf growth, while the other nutrients support strong roots developed during the previous fall.
Step-by-Step: Your First Spring Application
1. Mow your lawn at your regular summer height.
2. Ensure the grass is dry to the touch before applying.
3. Use a broadcast or drop spreader for even coverage—calibrate it according to the bag’s instructions.
4. Apply half the recommended amount walking north-south, and the other half walking east-west. This prevents streaks.
5. Water the lawn thoroughly after application to wash the granules off the blades and into the soil.
Summer Fertilization: Maintaining Momentum
Bermuda grass hits its peak growth in the Texas summer. It needs regular nutrients to stay thick and crowd out weeds like crabgrass and spurge. During the summer months, you can shift to a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen ratio, such as 21-0-0, if your soil test shows sufficient phosphorus and potassium.
Always follow the label rates. Over-fertilizing in summer can cause:
* Excessive growth, meaning more mowing.
* Increased thatch buildup.
* Greater susceptibility to brown patch fungus.
* Pollution of waterways from runoff.
Water is crucial. Deep, infrequent watering encourages profound root systems. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
The Critical Fall Fertilization
This is the most important feeding for long-term health. An early September application helps the grass store carbohydrates in its roots and rhizomes. This stored energy improves winter survival and fuels a faster, greener spring start.
For the fall feeding, use a fertilizer lower in nitrogen but higher in potassium (the last number, like 5-10-30). Potassium strengthens cell walls, improving drought tolerance, disease resistance, and cold hardiness. Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizer too late in the fall, as it can promote tender new growth that will get damaged by frost.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Walking down the garden center aisle can be confusing. Here’s what to look for:
* Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release: Slow-release nitrogen feeds the grass over a longer period (8-12 weeks), providing even growth and less risk of burn. Quick-release gives a rapid green-up but requires more frequent applications.
* Granular vs. Liquid: Granular is easier for most homeowners to apply evenly. Liquid fertilizers act quickly but may require more frequent use.
* Weed & Feed Products: Use these with extreme caution. They are best applied in late spring when weeds are actively growing and the bermuda is fully out of dormancy. Misapplication can harm your lawn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Steer clear of these pitfalls:
* Fertilizing a Dormant Lawn: This wastes product and feeds winter weeds.
* Ignoring Soil pH: Bermuda prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, nutrients get locked up and unavailable to the grass.
* Forgetting to Water In: Granular fertilizer needs irrigation to activate and to prevent it from burning the grass blades.
* Applying Before Rain: A heavy downpour can wash away your fertilizer before it has a chance to be absorbed, leading to runoff into storm drains.
* Not Cleaning Your Spreader: Leftover fertilizer in your spreader can corrode it or lead to inaccurate application next time.
Seasonal Lawn Care Checklist
Fertilizing works best when combined with other good practices. Here’s a quick seasonal guide:
Spring (April-May)
* Apply pre-emergent herbicide if needed for weeds.
* Dethatch if the layer is over 1/2 inch thick.
* Apply first fertilizer application.
* Begin regular mowing schedule.
Summer (June-August)
* Mow frequently (every 5-7 days), never removing more than 1/3 of the blade height.
* Apply summer fertilizer every 6-8 weeks.
* Monitor for pests like grubs and treat if necessary.
* Water deeply during periods of drought.
Fall (September-October)
* Apply fall fertilizer with potassium.
* Gradually lower mowing height for the final cuts.
* Apply a second pre-emergent in early fall for winter weeds.
* Continue to water as needed until dormancy.
Winter (November-March)
* Mow only if needed to remove debris.
* Keep leaves raked off the lawn.
* Plan for the next season and get a soil test.
* Service your mower and spreader.
FAQ: Your Texas Bermuda Lawn Questions
What is the best month to fertilize bermuda grass in Texas?
The most important months are late May for the first feeding and early September for the final fall feeding. Summer applications in June, July, and August maintain its health.
Can I fertilize my bermuda lawn in October?
It’s generally too late for most of Texas. A late nitrogen application can force new growth that winter frost will damage. Stick to an early September schedule for the last feeding.
How often should I fertilize bermuda in Texas?
During the active growing season, plan on feeding it every 6 to 8 weeks. That usually means 3-4 applications total per year, including the crucial fall feeding.
Should I water after fertilizing?
Yes, always. Watering immediately after applying granular fertilizer moves the nutrients into the soil and prevents the product from burning your grass blades.
Is it too late to fertilize bermuda grass in August?
August is fine for a summer application, especially if your last feeding was in June. If it’s late August, consider switching to your fall fertilizer blend instead of a high-nitrogen summer formula.
What fertilizer ratio is best for bermuda grass?
A balanced fertilizer like 15-5-10 is a great start for spring. In summer, a higher nitrogen formula like 21-0-0 can be used if soil levels are good. For fall, seek out a formula with more potassium, such as 5-10-30.
Following this Texas-specific guide takes the guesswork out of feeding your lawn. By syncing your schedule with soil temperatures and using the right products, you’ll provide your bermuda grass with exactly what it needs for optimal growth. The result is a durable, beautiful lawn that can stand up to our challenging climate. Remember, consistency is key—your lawn will thank you for it with lush, green color all season long.