Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf known for its aggressive growth and ability to form a dense, lush lawn. This rapid growth requires a high amount of nutrients, making it one of the most demanding turf varieties for fertilization. The timing of nutrient application is the most important factor determining the success of a maintenance program. Improperly timed feeding can lead to weak turf susceptible to disease or result in wasted fertilizer that washes away. Following a precise seasonal schedule ensures the grass receives the specific nutrients needed to support its root system and vigorous spread.
Timing the Initial Spring Feeding
The timing of the first fertilization depends on soil conditions, not the calendar date. Bermuda grass begins active growth when the soil temperature, measured at a four-inch depth, consistently stays between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Applying fertilizer before this thermal trigger risks feeding weeds or losing nutrients to runoff.
A visual cue is a 50% green-up across the lawn, indicating a return to active metabolism. The first application should provide initial energy for the growing season, using a complete fertilizer (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) often with a slow-release nitrogen component.
The initial application rate should be approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. A soil test is advisable to determine if phosphorus is needed for root development. Otherwise, a balanced blend with slow-release nitrogen provides a robust foundation for aggressive growth.
The Summer Maintenance Schedule
Bermuda grass demands a high level of nitrogen throughout the peak growing season, typically from late spring through late summer. To maintain dense, deep-green turf, a total of two to four pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is often required annually. This high nutrient requirement necessitates a consistent application schedule during the warmer months.
The most effective approach is to apply fertilizer every four to six weeks once the growing season is in full swing. Each summer application should deliver between 0.5 and 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to fuel the grass’s aggressive spreading habit. Using a granular fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen helps prevent sudden growth surges and minimizes the risk of fertilizer burn.
The fertilizer ratio during this period should focus heavily on nitrogen, with common N-P-K ratios being 3-1-2 or 4-1-2. Products like 15-5-10 or 16-4-8 fit this profile, providing the high nitrogen needed for leaf and runner growth.
Preparing for Dormancy: Late Season Feeding
As summer heat subsides and nighttime temperatures drop, the lawn’s feeding strategy must transition. Nitrogen applications must cease by late August or early September, depending on the region, to prevent stimulating tender new growth. This soft tissue is highly susceptible to damage from early frost and increases the turf’s vulnerability to diseases like spring dead spot over winter.
The final feeding should be a “winterizer” application, shifting the nutrient focus away from nitrogen and toward potassium (K). Potassium improves the turf’s hardiness and disease resistance.
Applying a low- or zero-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer four to six weeks before the first expected frost helps strengthen the cell walls and root system. This final application, often utilizing a 5-10-30 blend, prepares the grass for dormancy without encouraging late-season top growth. Strengthening the roots and enhancing cold tolerance with potassium ensures the lawn is better equipped to survive the winter and resume vigorous growth the following spring.