Bermuda Grass Fertilizer Schedule: A Guide to a Healthy Lawn

Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass variety well-adapted to the sunny southern regions. It is known by many names, including wiregrass and devil grass, and is characterized by its coarse leaf texture and light green color.

However, the improved Bermuda grass varieties, like our proprietary BIMINI® grass, produce a vigorous, dense, fine-bladed grass that is a favorite in residential and commercial settings, particularly high-traffic areas like golf courses and other athletic fields.

Like any grass, Bermuda grass requires essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to thrive. These are found in most lawn fertilizers as a supplement to what is usually already available in most soils. 

Whether you’re using sod or grass plugs for planting, fertilizing at the right time and intervals is necessary during the initial growth phase and beyond to ensure your lawn’s long-term health.

When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass

When and how often you fertilize your soil depends on your grass type. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda, the optimal time falls within its active growing season, usually from early spring to early fall. A second application in early summer further supports its growth, providing the plant nutrients to prepare for winter dormancy.

Refrain from fertilizing in late fall and winter when soil temperatures drop, and Bermuda grass may enter a dormant phase. You can space out your fertilizer applications every 6-8 weeks during the growing season, adjusting the schedule based on the type of fertilizer used and your specific climate conditions.

What is the Best Lawn Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass?

Fertilizing Bermuda grass delivers dramatic results, making it a satisfying and rewarding part of lawn care. Within days of application, your lawn will seem greener, denser, and healthier. But, beyond aesthetics, adding nutrients to your grass also boosts its resilience against pests, diseases, and damage.

Bermuda grass thrives when provided with a steady and consistent supply of fertilizer throughout its growing season. You can achieve this by using slow-release fertilizers, which, unlike quick-release fertilizers that provide an immediate nutrient surge, offer a gradual and sustained release of nutrients over an extended period.

Their slow-acting nature not only reduces the risk of nutrient leaching but also maximizes nutrient absorption to support uniform and consistent grass growth. Additionally, the reduced frequency of application associated with this type of fertilizer translates to cost savings on maintenance.

NutriPod is a slow-release starter fertilizer specifically formulated to supply grass plugs with the necessary nutrition to establish themselves successfully in their new environment. This targeted approach boosts the effectiveness of the fertilizer process, contributing to your lawn's overall health.

How Much Fertilizer Should You Apply?

How much Bermuda grass fertilizer you should apply depends on various factors, primarily influenced by your specific soil conditions. Although optional, a soil test can provide valuable insights into the nutrient makeup of your soil, serving as a guide when fertilizing.

The amount of fertilizer required may also vary based on the type of fertilizer you're using, underlining the importance of adhering to the instructions on the fertilizer bags. However, you may find that the general recommendation for a lush lawn is to spread fertilizer at 1 to 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet.

Use a fertilizer spreader to distribute the granular fertilizer across the entire lawn and promote uniform nutrient uptake. This method is particularly crucial for newly laid sod to support the establishment of a healthy, vibrant lawn.

Fertilize Bermuda Grass with NutriPod

With its revolutionary design, NutriPod simplifies the process of fertilizing your Bermuda grass plugs. Encased in dissolvable pods, this granular fertilizer facilitates a mess-free application, ensuring exact application for your grass plugs. It saves you from the hassle of measuring and the potential risks associated with traditional fertilizers.

The application is pretty straightforward—simply drop a pod into the hole before planting the grass plugs. This strategic placement ensures proximity to the roots, guaranteeing access to essential nutrients as they adapt to the new soil.

Overall, fertilizing Bermuda grass forms the foundation of a lush and vibrant lawn. But like any lawn care routine, timing is key to maximizing its effectiveness and preventing potential risks. Aligning your fertilizing schedule with your lawn's active growing season, adhering to recommended guidelines, and adjusting the nutrients based on its specific needs can guarantee a healthy, resilient lawn that withstands the challenges of pests, diseases, and other environmental factors.

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