Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf variety recognized for its dense, aggressive growth habit that creates a highly durable lawn surface. This rapid growth, especially in hot conditions, requires a consistent and regimented nutrient supply to maintain its characteristic dark green color and density. Unlike less demanding turf types, Bermuda grass demands frequent, high-nitrogen feeding throughout its active period.
Establishing the Annual Fertilization Schedule
The feeding schedule for Bermuda grass is entirely dependent on its active growing season, which generally runs from late spring through early fall. The grass becomes dormant in cooler months, meaning any fertilizer applied during this time is wasted and can potentially harm the plant.
For homeowners aiming for a lush, golf-course quality lawn, a high-maintenance schedule is recommended, requiring applications every four to six weeks. This aggressive frequency provides a continuous supply of nitrogen to support maximum density and color. A moderate-maintenance approach, which still yields a healthy lawn, allows for a slightly longer interval of six to eight weeks between feedings.
A typical calendar outline for a high-maintenance plan often begins in May and continues monthly through September, totaling four or five applications. This schedule ensures the turf receives the four to five pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet generally required annually by Bermuda grass. Maintaining this steady rhythm prevents the alternating growth spurts and nutrient deficiencies that result from inconsistent feeding. This allows for uniform growth and resilience against environmental stresses.
Selecting Fertilizer Type and Application Rate
The selection of fertilizer for Bermuda grass involves understanding the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) ratio printed on every bag. Bermuda grass has a significantly higher demand for nitrogen (N), the first number in the ratio, which promotes leaf growth and color. A maintenance fertilizer with a ratio similar to 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 is recommended, with common examples being 15-5-10 or 16-4-8 formulations.
It is advised to conduct a soil test to determine the exact needs for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), as established lawns often require little to no additional phosphorus. However, the high nitrogen requirement remains constant, and most successful programs utilize a blend of nitrogen sources. This blend combines quick-release nitrogen, which offers an immediate green-up, with slow-release nitrogen, which provides sustained feeding over several weeks.
Calculating the correct application rate is determined by the percentage of actual nitrogen in the bag and the desired amount for the lawn. A standard application target is to deliver one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of turf area during each feeding. To find out how much product to spread, divide 100 by the first number (the nitrogen percentage) on the fertilizer bag. For example, a 20-5-10 fertilizer means 20% of the bag is nitrogen, so dividing 100 by 20 equals five, meaning five pounds of the product is needed to deliver one pound of actual nitrogen to every 1,000 square feet.
Timing Applications to Seasonal Growth
The start of the spring fertilization program must be dictated by environmental cues rather than a fixed calendar date to prevent damage from late frosts. Bermuda grass will only begin to use fertilizer once the soil temperature consistently reaches 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at a four-inch depth. Applying nitrogen before this threshold encourages tender new growth that can be severely damaged if a cold snap occurs. Waiting until the grass has fully greened and has been mowed a couple of times is a good visual indicator that the soil is warm enough.
For newly planted lawns or areas where sod or seed has been laid, the first application should involve a specialized starter fertilizer. This product features a higher concentration of phosphorus, which is beneficial for stimulating robust root development in establishing turf.
The nitrogen applications must cease entirely in the late summer or early fall to prepare the grass for winter dormancy. The final nitrogen application should occur approximately four to six weeks before the first expected frost date in the region. Applying nitrogen too late in the season stimulates vulnerable new growth that will be damaged by freezing temperatures. This late-season growth also depletes the stored carbohydrates the plant needs to survive the winter, increasing the risk of cold injury and diseases like Spring Dead Spot.