When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass & Other Grass Types in Texas
Bermuda grass is commonplace on lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses across Texas. That’s because it’s an attractive, warm-season turfgrass that is drought-resistant and relatively easy to care for. However, if you want your turf to look its best, proper fertilization is vital.
But the type of fertilizer you use and how often you apply it all depends on your soil’s composition and how you want your lawn to look. If Bermuda grass covers your lawn, it’s essential to learn the best time to fertilize and how to choose the right fertilizer for your lawn’s needs.
How to Choose the Right Fertilizer for Your Lawn
Standing in the fertilizer aisle can make you feel like you’re trying to decipher a secret code, with so many different numbers on the various packaging. And it is indeed a code of some sort, but it’s easy to crack.
Each bag of fertilizer will have three numbers printed on the front. For example, you may see 16-4-8. The first number is the percentage of nitrogen in the bag. The second number is the percentage of phosphate. And the third number is the percentage of potash.
The best way to choose the right fertilizer for your lawn is to have your soil tested. This will let you know the unique composition of your soil, including what it lacks.
It’s usually recommended to get a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content for Bermuda grass, but most lawns in Texas have adequate nitrogen. If this is true for your lawn, look for a fertilizer with a 1:1:1 or 1:2:1 ratio.
When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass in Texas
Timing is crucial when it comes to fertilizing Bermuda grass. You should always apply fertilizer during warmer months, since this is when Bermuda grass is actively growing. Bermuda grass becomes dormant during the winter, so applying fertilizers would be a waste of time and money.
You should apply the first round of fertilizer after you have already cut your lawn two to three times in the spring. However, the number and frequency of subsequent fertilizer treatments will depend on what type of lawn you want to have.
For low-maintenance yards, a single round of fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient. But if you choose to apply a second round, it should be during the late growing season.
Fertilizer should always be applied evenly across your entire yard for the best results.
When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass in Texas in the Fall
If your lawn is sparse or full of weeds, applying fertilizer in the fall can help address these problems. It’s important to time your fall fertilization carefully, as it should not be applied later than six weeks before the first frost.
When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass in Texas in the Summer
If your lawn is very young or recovering from years of neglect, apply fertilizer in the summer to encourage growth and stimulate strong root growth. It’s also a good idea to apply a round of fertilizer in the summer if you have a moderate-maintenance lawn.
Fertilizer treatments should be spaced 45 to 60 days apart to give your lawn plenty of time to recover.
The Key to Maintaining a Healthy Lawn
The key to maintaining a healthy lawn is proper fertilization and constant monitoring. It’s important to pay close attention to how your grass reacts to various treatments and weather conditions and act accordingly.
It’s also a good idea to create a lawn maintenance schedule that you can refer back to throughout the year. This makes it easy to see what you should be doing at the moment and what to prepare for next.
Grass Works has been providing Expert Residential & Commercial Local Lawn Care Services in Central Texas: Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Avery Ranch, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Steiner Ranch & West Austin since 2007! Need help with your landscaping? Get a free estimate today!
Ferris MyCue is the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. As a former firefighter who maintained yards on his days off, he saw a need for a dependable, local maintenance company that knew the hill country climate and could deliver quality landscaping services for a reasonable price. Since 2007 he has used his leadership to grow the company into one of the top landscape maintenance companies in Austin and surrounding areas offering landscape maintenance, design, and irrigation services to both residential and commercial clients. Ferris is also a member of the Seasonal Employment Alliance (SEA) and an active participant in advocacy efforts to help promote cap relief.