Everything you need to know about maintaining beautiful Bermuda grass
| Month | Mowing | Fertilization | Pre-emergent | Post-emergent | Aeration | Other Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Mow only if needed | None needed | None needed | Winter weed control | None needed | Turn off irrigation |
| February | Mow only if needed | None needed | Apply for summer weeds | None needed | None needed | Prepare equipment |
| March | Begin regular mowing | First app after 2-3 mowings | Second app for summer | Use with caution | Too early | Irrigation audit |
| April | Mow at 1-2" weekly | 0.5-1.0 lb N/1000 sq ft | None needed | Spot treat as needed | Wait for warmer soil | Begin watering |
| May | Mow at 1-2" weekly | 0.5-1.0 lb N/1000 sq ft | None needed | Spot treat as needed | Ideal time | Monitor growth |
| June | Mow at 1-2" weekly | 0.5-1.0 lb N/1000 sq ft | None needed | Spot treat as needed | Good if needed | Check for insects |
| July | Mow at 1-2" weekly | 0.5-1.0 lb N/1000 sq ft | None needed | Spot treat as needed | Too hot | Check for grubs |
| August | Mow at 1-2" weekly | 0.5-1.0 lb N/1000 sq ft | None needed | Last application | Too hot | Monitor pests |
| September | Mow at 1-2" weekly | Last application | Apply for winter weeds | None needed | Too late | Reduce watering |
| October | Mow as needed | None needed | Second app for winter | Spot treat winter weeds | Too late | Prepare for dormancy |
| November | Mow only if needed | None needed | None needed | Winter weed control | None needed | Turn off irrigation |
| December | Mow only if needed | None needed | None needed | Winter weed control | None needed | Equipment maintenance |
A lush, green Bermuda grass lawn is every homeowner's dream, and achieving it requires more than just watering and mowing. The secret lies in understanding your lawn's unique fertilizer requirements and applying the right nutrients at the right time. Here's a comprehensive guide to mastering Bermuda grass fertilization.
Bermuda grass thrives when it gets the right balance of three key nutrients:
Nitrogen depletes quickly, making it the centerpiece of your fertilizer schedule. However, the amount you apply depends on your lawn’s condition and goals:
Fertilizer bags display an N-P-K ratio, indicating the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium by weight. For example, a 32-0-4 fertilizer contains:
Pro tip: Use a soil test to fine-tune phosphorus and potassium needs, ensuring you only add what’s necessary.
Nitrogen comes in two main forms, each with distinct advantages:
Granular Fertilizers: Easy to apply and suitable for steady nutrient release, but uptake depends on soil properties.
Liquid Fertilizers: Dissolve quickly, providing faster results via foliar application. Ideal for spoon-feeding, where small amounts of nitrogen are applied weekly to maintain consistent growth.
Tip: Always water the lawn immediately after applying liquid fertilizer to improve nutrient uptake and prevent burn.
The right schedule depends on your lawn's needs and your desired results:
Watering your lawn may seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than just turning on the sprinklers. The amount of water your Bermuda grass needs can vary depending on weather and soil type.
Bermuda grass generally requires around 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. This can vary based on weather conditions.
| Season | Watering (inches per week) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 0.5 – 0.75 | Weekly |
| Summer | 1 – 1.5 | 2-3 times a week |
| Fall | 0.5 – 1 | Weekly |
| Winter | Minimal | Rarely |
Honestly, save yourself some headspace and get a smart controller. Modern ones monitor weather and soil type and handle the watering for you. Not only will it be more convenient, but you will save so much money on watering since a well-calibrated controller applies just the right amount, while preventing runoffs.
Water pressure and sprinkler heads can affect how much water flows through your system. For this reason, the amount of water that flows in a minute can vary significantly from household to housefold. Instead of focusing on watering time, focus on inches of water. Notice how we've been using inches of water, and never time on this site. To accurately measure an inch of water, simply use the tuna can test. Place empty tuna cans around your lawn and measure how much water is applied in a set period. Adjust your watering time to ensure 1 inch per week.
You want water to penetrate into the soild so your grass can absorb it. To accomplish this, water deeply and less frequently. Deep watering promotes robust root systems and helps prevent weeds. Watering daily not only costs more money, but is likely to give you poor results.
Sandy soils may require more frequent watering, while clay soils need less frequent but longer durations. Use soaking cycles to prevent runoff, especially for sloped lawns. Again, most smart controllers can help prevent runoff with default settings.
The best time to water is early morning, finishing before sunrise. Avoid watering during the day to reduce evaporation or in the evening to prevent fungal growth.
When weeds have already sprouted in your Bermuda grass lawn, post-emergent herbicides become your go-to solution. These products target weeds that are visible above the soil, killing or controlling them without harming your Bermuda grass. Below, we explore the most effective post-emergent herbicides for Bermuda grass and provide tips for their use.
Maintaining a weed-free, vibrant Bermuda grass lawn requires thoughtful planning and the right tools. One of the most effective ways to combat weeds is through the use of pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent weed seeds from germinating. Let’s explore the top pre-emergents for Bermuda grass, how to apply them, and special considerations for overseeding with ryegrass.
Pre-emergent herbicides form a chemical barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from sprouting. They don’t kill existing weeds but act as a preemptive defense against unwanted growth. For post-emergent weed control, a different type of herbicide is required.
Note: Research indicates pendimethalin, oryzalin, and dithiopyr may suppress Bermuda grass quality more than oxadiazon and prodiamine.
Prodiamine is an excellent choice for spring. Use the following schedule for optimal results:
| When | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 50°F soil temp | 0.3 oz per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| 30–60 days later | 0.3 oz per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Optional summer application | 0.2 oz per 1,000 sq. ft. |
For extended coverage, split the application: half before soil temps hit 55°F and half after.
Specticle Flo is perfect for combating winter weeds like Poa annua. For best results, follow this split-application schedule:
| When | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 80°F soil temp | 2–3 mL per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| 30–45 days later | 2–3 mL per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| 30–45 days later | 2–3 mL per 1,000 sq. ft. |
Pro Tip: Use a syringe for precise liquid measurements. If cost is a concern, consider splitting the purchase with other lawn care enthusiasts.
Pre-emergents attack roots. While this is great for weeds, grass isn't immune to this (i.e. ryegrass seeds) or roots from sod. If you're planning on overseeding or laying sod, just skip pre-emergent and manage your weeds with herbicides. Some pre-emergent can effects lasting 10 months, so check with label.