Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass highly valued across North Carolina for its resilience to heat and ability to recover quickly from damage. It thrives during the high temperatures of the summer months, creating a dense, attractive lawn. Due to its aggressive growth habit, Bermuda grass requires a consistent nutritional program to maintain its density and vibrant green color throughout the active season. Understanding the specific timing for fertilizer application is the foundation of a successful Bermuda grass lawn.
Preparing the Turf for the Growing Season
A successful fertilization schedule begins with a foundational understanding of the soil’s current condition. Before any product is applied, obtaining a soil test is the most important step for a North Carolina lawn owner. This test provides a precise measurement of the soil’s pH level and the concentrations of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The results dictate the specific fertilizer formulation required, preventing unnecessary or harmful applications of nutrients already present in abundance.
Bermuda grass is a warm-season variety that will not begin to actively grow until soil temperatures reach a reliable threshold. The grass breaks dormancy only when the soil temperature, measured at a four-inch depth, consistently stays above 65°F. Attempting to fertilize before this point is ineffective, as the plant cannot absorb the nutrients and may encourage the growth of cool-season weeds. The first application should be delayed until the lawn is completely green and actively growing, signaling the turf is ready to utilize the feeding.
The North Carolina Bermuda Grass Fertilization Schedule
The active fertilization period for Bermuda grass in North Carolina generally begins in late spring, after the turf has fully emerged from winter dormancy. This first major application typically occurs from mid-May to early June across the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. Mountain areas may see a slightly later start due to cooler temperatures. Timing is determined by the grass’s readiness, not a calendar date, to ensure the plant is fully capable of nutrient uptake.
Bermuda grass has a high requirement for nitrogen (N), the primary nutrient responsible for producing dense, lush growth. For a high-quality lawn, the grass requires a steady supply of nitrogen throughout the peak summer months of June, July, and August. This continuous feeding is best achieved through a schedule of frequent, small applications rather than a few large ones.
A recommended program involves applying approximately 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, repeated every four to six weeks during the height of summer. To achieve this rate, a common strategy is to use a split application, where a half-pound of nitrogen is applied every two to three weeks. Splitting the applications significantly reduces the risk of burning the turf, which is common when large amounts of nitrogen are delivered at once.
Fertilizer products should feature a high ratio of nitrogen, such as a 4-1-2 ratio, to satisfy the grass’s needs during this intense growth phase. The exact formulation of phosphorus and potassium should always be informed by the initial soil test. The timing of these applications shifts slightly depending on location within the state, with the warmer Coastal Plain seeing the earliest start and the cooler Mountains seeing the latest.
For example, a lawn in the Coastal Plain might be ready for its first feeding in early May, while a similar lawn in the western part of the state may not be ready until late May or early June. Monitoring the grass’s transition to full green-up is key, rather than strictly following a predetermined date. Consistent application throughout the summer ensures the turf maintains its color and density, helping it outcompete weeds and withstand heat stress.
Late-Season Feeding and Winter Preparation
As the growing season draws to a close, a distinct shift in fertilization strategy is necessary to prepare Bermuda grass for dormancy. The most important step is setting a hard cutoff date for nitrogen application, which should occur no later than late August or early September in North Carolina. Applying nitrogen past this point stimulates tender new shoot growth, which is highly susceptible to damage from early frost and increases the risk of winter injury.
Instead of nitrogen, the focus shifts to potassium (K), which plays a significant role in improving the grass’s winter hardiness and disease resistance. Potassium strengthens the plant’s cell walls and promotes root development, helping the turf store carbohydrates necessary for surviving the cold months. The final application of the year should be a low-nitrogen, high-potassium product, such as a 5-10-30 formulation, or a standalone potash supplement.
This final feeding is typically applied four to six weeks before the average date of the first expected frost. Once the Bermuda grass has entered full dormancy, evidenced by its straw-brown color, no further fertilizer should be applied until the following spring. Fertilizing a dormant lawn is wasteful and can lead to nutrient leaching.