Bermuda grass fertilization is one of the more enjoyable yard tasks. Bermuda grass, when mowed and maintained properly, should produce a lush, full, and deep green lawn. Its care calendar should have an effective fertilizer plan to achieve the most significant outcomes.
However, using the right fertilizer on Bermudagrass is key. This blog post contains an in-depth study and discussion of how and when to fertilize Bermuda grass and the best food for your Bermuda grass to assist you in making the right choice.
Contents
How To Fertilize Bermuda Grass
Starting fertilizer or organic “slow-release” fertilizer is ideal for Bermudagrass seedlings. Avoid applying “weed & feed” fertilizers on newly planted or seeded lawns since they contain weed-killing agents as well as fertilizer. Because seedlings require phosphate and potassium from your fertilizer, mix it into the soil before sowing Bermuda Grass seeds. A seed spreader can evenly apply fertilizer. It can then be tilled into the topsoil by hand or mechanically. The topsoil should not be worked more than 4″ deep.
Re-fertilize Bermuda grass four to eight weeks following seed germination. While phosphorus is essential in the early stages of grass seed germination, your lawn does not require it once established. Phosphorus runoff also pollutes surface and groundwater.
An established grass benefits from organic, slow-release fertilizers like an 18-1-8 mix. Spread the fertilizer in two directions. To avoid over-application, stick to the fertilizer’s recommended application rate. Inspect the sidewalk and driveway for fertilizer grains. If you fertilize your lawn and water it, the nutrients will reach the roots faster.
What Type of Fertilizer is Best For Bermuda Grass?
The best fertilizer for Bermuda grass will have a high nitrogen content, little or no phosphorus, and contain a small amount of potassium. The N-P-K ratio of the fertilizer should be 3:1 or higher. In the case of a 16:0:8 NPK ratio, 16 percent nitrogen, zero percent phosphorus, and eight percent potassium are present. For Bermuda grass, this is an excellent ratio to use.
When using a water-soluble or liquid fertilizer, the nitrogen ratio is often raised to accelerate results and account for soil loss. Almost all fertilizers include three figures on the label that show the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
When To Fertilize Bermuda Grass
Timing is everything when it comes to fertilizer. The following schedule will assist in maintaining a steady amount of nutrients in the soil throughout the growing season, ensuring that your grass remains healthy.
Spring:
Bermuda grass begins to green when the soil temperature reaches 60-65 degrees. Use fertilizer once the danger of frost has passed and your lawn is at least 50% green. That time of year when the dogwoods are blooming is ideal. Use a complete lawn fertilizer using a slow-release nitrogen source. 1.5 lbs. real nitrogen per 1000 sq. Completing this application will take 2-3 months.
Summer:
Fertilize once again in mid-summer, approximately 2-3 months after spring. Typically, this occurs in late June or early July. Utilize a complete lawn fertilizer that contains a slow-release nitrogen source. This application, too, will take around 2-3 months to complete.
Early Fall:
Repeat the fertilization in late August or early September. You can use the same complete fertilizer or switch to one with less or no phosphorus but more potassium. 12-4-14 or 12-0-12. Add 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in either scenario.
Winter:
Bermuda grass should not be fertilized in the winter. You may awaken your grass during a mild winter spell only to have it destroyed by the subsequent wave of frigid conditions.
The 3 Best Fertilizers For Bermuda Grass
Based on customer feedback, we’ve compiled a list of the top three Bermuda grass lawn fertilizers for 2022. Each one brings something unique to the table in terms of formula and application method, yet all result in a beautiful lawn. Here are the top solutions if you need a rapid answer.
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food For Bermuda Review
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Here’s one you’ve probably seen before. The 24-25-4 NPK ratio of Scott’s Turf Builder Starter Food ensures healthy nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium absorption. Because it is specifically formulated for this purpose, apply it on newly laid sod or when reseeding yellowing areas.
Positive facts :
- Specifically created to feed and strengthen turf lawns.
- There’s 100% assurance that your lawn won’t be burned.
- Promotes the growth of strong, deep roots and increases your lawn’s capacity to absorb water.
- Use on any type of grass
As a granular fertilizer, this Scotts Lawn Food provides immediate results while including slow-release particles that offer a longer-lasting solution than many liquid fertilizers.
Directions: Thoroughly water your lawn before application. Begin on the periphery and work your way in toward the center. Expect 5000 square feet of coverage per 15lb bag.
Ensure that you explore this fantastic product!
Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
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No synthetic or chemical substances are used in Milorganite Organic Fertilizer. This organic fertilizer’s excellent 6-4-0 NPK ratio and composted manure base improve grass health without polluting streams or harming neighboring aquatic life.
Most consumers enjoy this product since it enables you to control the amount of time required to mow the lawn. It is denser and fuller in appearance, but it glides through the mowers. You will need to water the lawn less frequently so that the grass can conserve water and use it as needed before the next rainfall.
If your soil is balanced, this is unlikely to be an issue. However, when applied at the recommended pace, a 32-pound bag covers approximately 2,500 square feet of Bermuda grass. A push spreader is used to apply this granular fertilizer.
Don’t forget to have a look at this plant food!
Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK – Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer
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Consider the Simple Grass Solutions Advanced Liquid Fertilizer if you want complete and balanced lawn nutrition. The NPK ratio is 16-4-8, which indicates it has slightly more nitrogen than the 3-1-2 combination. Regardless of whether or not your lawn has turned yellow, this product can still be of great use to you.
Highlights :
- Contains seaweed and fish.
- Safe for you, your kids, your pets, and the ecosystem as a whole.
- Nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer.
This solution is ready to use, even if you don’t have complex spraying equipment at your disposal. The bottle’s nozzle connects to a garden hose, allowing you to spray your grass as it self-dilutes. Also, one bottle covers 3,200 square feet of grass.
I hope you will look into this fantastic fertilizer!
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass
Nutrient Content Ratio
The majority of fertilizers have precise nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus ratio. Always choose a fertilizer with a larger percentage of these ingredients since this indicates a higher quality product. In other circumstances, there are fertilizers formulated explicitly for Bermuda grass that include additional nutrients such as iron.
Climate
The weather conditions will influence the fertilizers you select and whether or not you will require them at that time. For example, applying fertilizer during heavy rainfall is a complete waste of time because it will most likely be washed away before being absorbed by the grass. Second, it will be a massively dangerous move.
Warmth is another factor that influences fertilizer consumption. Assure that you apply the fertilizer while the temperature is at least 60 F° since this promotes nutrient absorption by the plants.
Season
Fertilizers are manufactured with certain application times and seasons in mind. Some fertilizers operate best in warm/tropical areas, some in cold climes, and others in any season. Additionally, some perform well in the off-season. Consider the time of year you will apply to ensure you select the appropriate option.
Conclusion
It will help if you become well-versed in the subject of lawn fertilizer. Many books on fertilizer are accessible, even if you are not an expert landscaper. You may find the right lawn fertilizer in a variety of places.
Fertilizer is required for all lawns, no matter how large or little. In addition to helping your grass grow, fertilizer will also make your yard seem better. So, take good care of your lawn, and it will reward you with a spectacular texture. I wish you the best of luck!
FAQs
Can you over-fertilize your Bermuda Grass?
Yes, Bermuda grass can be overfertilized. But, if you fertilize your grass too much, it might burn the roots. You might not see it until it’s too late, so if you’ve ever spotted brown blotches on your lawn, you’ll understand what I mean.
Is high nitrogen good for Bermuda Grass?
Long-term consequences of nitrogen overuse are numerous. Maintain your lawn at roughly 1lb/N per M, and you’ll be good. Be prepared for disease, thatch buildup, and a lawn that cannot handle stress if you feed your lawn excessively!
