Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf that thrives in the heat and humidity of the Southern United States, making it a popular choice for lawns across Georgia. Achieving the dense, deep-green appearance requires a precise feeding strategy. Success depends on correctly timing fertilizer applications and selecting the right products for this aggressive grower. Mastering the seasonal schedule and understanding the grass’s specific nutritional demands are key to maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn.
Preparing the Lawn for Fertilization
Before applying nutrients, the first step is understanding the current condition of the soil. The most effective way to determine what the lawn needs is by obtaining a recent soil test, often available through the local county extension office. This analysis reveals the soil’s pH level and any deficiencies in phosphorus (P) or potassium (K). Bermuda grass prefers a soil pH between 5.8 and 7.0, and the test results guide necessary adjustments using lime or sulfur.
The most important factor for timing the initial spring application is the soil temperature. Fertilizer should only be applied when the soil temperature, measured at a four-inch depth, consistently reaches 65°F. This temperature indicates the grass has fully broken dormancy and its roots are actively growing. Applying fertilizer too early risks feeding spring weeds more than the grass. In Georgia, this threshold typically occurs in late April or early May.
The Seasonal Bermuda Grass Feeding Schedule
The fertilization schedule is divided into three phases based on the grass’s growth cycle.
Spring Green-up
This phase begins when the soil temperature consistently reaches 65°F, signaling the grass is out of dormancy. This initial feeding usually occurs in late April or early May and should use a balanced fertilizer to encourage recovery from winter.
Summer Peak Growth
This is when Bermuda grass is actively growing and requires the most nitrogen. During June, July, and August, the grass should be fed frequently, typically every four to six weeks. This schedule supports vigorous growth, aiming for approximately one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet during each summer application.
Late Season/Winter Prep
This phase focuses on hardening the turf for the coming cold. The final nitrogen application must be completed by late August or no later than mid-September to avoid stimulating new growth that would be damaged by frost. A specialized application of potassium (K) is recommended in early fall, often in September. Potassium enhances the grass’s cold hardiness and improves disease resistance heading into dormancy.
Selecting the Correct Fertilizer Products
Fertilizer products are identified by their N-P-K ratio, representing the percentage by weight of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen promotes leaf growth and vibrant green color, making it the most significant nutrient for Bermuda grass. Established Bermuda turf performs well with a high-nitrogen ratio, such as a 4-1-2 ratio or similar blends like 16-4-8 or 12-4-8.
Nitrogen Types
It is important to differentiate between the two main types of nitrogen. Quick-release nitrogen provides an immediate green-up effect but is used up rapidly and carries a higher risk of burning the lawn if over-applied. Slow-release nitrogen becomes available over two to three months, offering sustained growth and a lower chance of causing turf damage. Products used for summer feeding should contain a significant portion of slow-release nitrogen.
Micronutrients
Specific micronutrients, particularly iron (Fe), can enhance the appearance of Bermuda grass. Applying iron promotes a deep, rich green color without causing the excessive vertical growth associated with heavy nitrogen use. Iron deficiency is indicated by a yellowing appearance during the growing season, which can be corrected with a soluble iron product. The need for phosphorus should always be guided by a soil test, as excessive phosphorus can lead to nutrient imbalances.
Integrated Maintenance and Watering Practices
The effectiveness of any fertilization plan relies on supporting cultural practices, particularly watering and mowing.
Watering
Bermuda grass requires one to one and a half inches of water per week during the active growing season, either through rainfall or irrigation. It is beneficial to water deeply and infrequently, applying the full amount in no more than three waterings to encourage deep, drought-resistant roots. Watering should be done in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow the grass blades to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Mowing
Proper mowing height is important for a dense, healthy lawn that can absorb nutrients efficiently. Common Bermuda grass should be maintained between one and two inches, while hybrid varieties can be kept lower, often between half an inch and one inch. Mowing frequently, sometimes every three to seven days during peak summer growth, ensures that no more than one-third of the blade height is removed in a single cutting.
Weed Control and Aeration
Integrating weed control timing with the fertilization schedule helps maximize nutrient uptake. A spring pre-emergent herbicide, which prevents the germination of annual weeds like crabgrass, is typically timed just before the first fertilizer application. This ensures that nutrients are directed toward the desirable turf rather than competing weeds. Core aeration, performed during the active growing season, also improves the soil’s structure, allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots more easily, particularly in Georgia’s clay-heavy soils.