Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf recognized as a heavy feeder, requiring a significant and consistent supply of nutrients to maintain its dense, dark green appearance. This vigorous growth habit makes proper fertilization a top priority for lawn care. Selecting and applying the correct fertilizer is an ongoing process that supports the grass’s high metabolism throughout the growing season. This guide covers the chemical requirements, product choices, and seasonal timing necessary for a thriving Bermuda lawn.
Nutritional Needs and N-P-K Ratios
A Bermuda grass lawn primarily requires nitrogen (N) to support its dense growth and vibrant color. Fertilizers are labeled with three numbers, the N-P-K ratio, representing the percentage by weight of Nitrogen, Phosphate (Phosphorus), and Potash (Potassium). A ratio high in the first number, such as 3-1-2 or 4-1-2, is recommended for routine maintenance of this turf type.
Nitrogen (N) is crucial for promoting leaf blade development and is responsible for the rapid greening that occurs after feeding. Bermuda grass may require four to five pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, split into multiple applications throughout the active growing season. Applying too much nitrogen at once can cause a growth surge that may be difficult to manage.
Phosphorus (P) supports strong root development and energy transfer within the plant. While it is particularly useful when establishing new sod or seed, established lawns often have sufficient phosphorus in the soil. It is recommended to perform a soil test before applying a high-phosphorus fertilizer, as an excess can lead to environmental concerns and interfere with the uptake of other nutrients.
Potassium (K) helps the grass develop resilience against environmental stresses, including drought, disease, and high temperatures. Including potassium aids in strengthening the cell walls and regulating water within the plant. This nutrient is particularly helpful toward the end of the season as the grass prepares for winter dormancy.
Choosing Between Quick and Slow-Release Formulas
Fertilizer products contain different types of nitrogen that determine how quickly nutrients become available to the plant. Quick-release formulas, such as those using water-soluble nitrogen sources like urea or ammonium sulfate, provide an almost immediate boost of nutrients. The advantage is the rapid green-up of the lawn, which is useful when a fast response is desired, such as at the beginning of the season or to correct a deficiency.
Nitrogen from quick-release products is fully available in a short period, typically lasting only two to three weeks, which necessitates frequent reapplication to maintain consistent color. These water-soluble salts also carry a higher risk of “burning” the lawn if over-applied or not immediately watered in. Application rates should not exceed one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per feeding.
Slow-release fertilizers feature coated nitrogen sources, often using polymer technology, designed to dissolve and release nutrients gradually over an extended period. This mechanism provides a steady supply of food over four to eight weeks, promoting more uniform growth. The benefit is a lower risk of fertilizer burn and a reduced need for frequent applications.
For routine mid-season maintenance, slow-release products are preferred for established Bermuda grass to sustain healthy growth without causing excessive, rapid shoot development. Many professionals utilize a blended product that includes both quick-release nitrogen for an instant visual effect and slow-release nitrogen for long-term feeding.
Seasonal Application Timing
The timing of fertilizer application for Bermuda grass is guided by the grass’s growth cycle, which is tied to soil temperatures. The first feeding should occur in the spring once the soil temperature at a four-inch depth consistently measures 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually corresponds to the time the lawn is at least 50 percent green after winter dormancy, ensuring the grass is actively growing before receiving a nutrient boost.
Throughout the peak growing season, from late spring through early fall, maintenance applications should follow a consistent schedule. Frequency depends on the fertilizer type, ranging from every four to six weeks for quick-release products to every six to eight weeks for slow-release ones. This regular feeding meets the high nitrogen demand of Bermuda grass during the summer heat.
The final fertilizer application should take place in late summer or early fall, typically in late August or early September. This late-season feeding should focus on providing potassium rather than high levels of nitrogen. A low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula strengthens the grass’s root system and increases tolerance to cold temperatures, preparing the lawn for dormancy.
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizer too late in the fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth that will be highly vulnerable to the first frost. Following any granular fertilizer application, the area must be lightly watered immediately. This moves the nutrients into the soil and off the grass blades, reducing the chance of leaf burn.