Weed and feed products combine fertilizer and herbicide into a single application for lawn maintenance convenience. This dual-action approach aims to nourish the turf while simultaneously addressing weed problems. However, for a high-performance warm-season grass like Bermuda, a tailored approach is necessary to match its aggressive growth cycle and specific needs. A one-size-fits-all product can often lead to subpar results or even damage. Effective Bermuda lawn care requires separating the “weed” component from the “feed” component to maximize effectiveness and maintain turf health.
Bermuda Grass Specific Nutritional Requirements
Bermuda grass is a vigorous grower that requires a substantial amount of nitrogen to maintain its dense turf and characteristic deep green color. Lawn maintenance professionals often recommend an annual nitrogen application rate between 2 and 4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during the active growing season. This high demand contrasts sharply with the needs of many other turf varieties. The optimal nutrient balance for Bermuda grass is typically represented by an NPK ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2, with examples including a 15-5-10 or a 16-4-8 analysis.
The nitrogen component should include a significant percentage of slow-release nitrogen to provide a sustained supply of nutrients and avoid excessive growth flushes. Frequent, lighter applications, known as “spoon-feeding,” are highly beneficial for Bermuda grass. This involves applying smaller doses of fertilizer, such as 0.25 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, every two weeks instead of a large amount once a month. This method ensures consistent feeding and minimizes the risk of nutrient leaching. Beyond the primary nutrients, a secondary application of iron is often used to enhance the turf’s green color without promoting the rapid vertical growth caused by high nitrogen applications.
Targeted Weed Control Strategies
Weed control in Bermuda grass relies on a dual strategy using both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. The most effective defense against annual grassy weeds like crabgrass is a properly timed pre-emergent application. This application forms a chemical barrier in the soil to stop seeds from germinating. It must occur in early spring when soil temperatures reach a consistent 55 degrees Fahrenheit, well before the grass fully breaks dormancy. A second pre-emergent application is often necessary in the fall to control cool-season weeds like henbit and chickweed.
For weeds that have already sprouted, post-emergent herbicides are used. Bermuda grass is tolerant of many selective broadleaf herbicides, such as three-way mixes containing ingredients like 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba. However, application timing is sensitive; it should not be applied when the grass is greening up in the spring or during extreme summer heat, as this can cause turf injury. If an application is needed during the summer, follow label directions carefully and consider using a lower-concentration product. Herbicides like quinclorac are commonly used to control mature grassy weeds.
Drawbacks of Combined Weed and Feed Products
The primary issue with using combined weed and feed products on Bermuda grass is the fundamental conflict in application timing between the herbicide and the fertilizer component. Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied in the early spring when soil temperatures are rising toward 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent weed seed germination. At this early stage, Bermuda grass is still dormant or just beginning to green up, and applying a heavy dose of nitrogen fertilizer is strongly discouraged.
Applying fertilizer too early encourages the grass to break dormancy prematurely, which can lead to damage from a late frost. The bulk of the nitrogen feeding should only begin after the grass has fully greened up and is actively growing, which usually occurs weeks later. Furthermore, the application methods often conflict. Many post-emergent herbicides require the granular material to stick to the moist leaves of the target weeds. Conversely, the fertilizer component requires immediate watering in after application to avoid burning the turf. Separating the pre-emergent application from the nitrogen fertilization allows each treatment to be applied at its specific optimal time for maximum effectiveness and turf safety.
Optimal Seasonal Application Schedule
A precise calendar is essential for managing Bermuda grass successfully. The first pre-emergent application should be completed when soil temperatures are consistently around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, typically late February to mid-March, to prevent crabgrass and other summer annuals. This timing ensures the chemical barrier is established before the weed seeds sprout.
Active nitrogen fertilization should commence only after the Bermuda grass has fully emerged from dormancy and the danger of frost has passed, usually between mid-April and early May. A high-nitrogen, 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 0.5 to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. This feeding schedule should be maintained every four to six weeks throughout the summer to support the grass’s aggressive growth.
As temperatures cool in the fall, typically in September, a second application of pre-emergent herbicide is necessary to control winter annual weeds. Nitrogen applications must be stopped by early September to avoid stimulating late-season growth vulnerable to frost. Instead, a fertilizer with a high potassium content, such as a 5-5-15 ratio, should be applied to enhance the grass’s winter hardiness before it enters dormancy.