As spring approaches, look for a fertilizer that has a high nitrogen content and a balanced ratio of phosphorus and potassium. This combination fuels new growth and vibrant color.
A third application in fall promotes root strength and cold tolerance. It also helps your lawn build energy reserves before winter dormancy.
Nitrogen
The lifeblood of green growth, nitrogen is essential to bermuda lawns. It promotes a deeper, more vigorous root system and enhances photosynthesis. It’s also the key ingredient of chlorophyll, which produces the color that gives a lush, healthy-looking lawn.
A fertilizer that provides the right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is important for a healthy Bermuda lawn. It should be formulated with the specific soil conditions in your area in mind.
Spring is the most critical time for fertilization of Bermuda grass. Look for a high nitrogen fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nutrients to fuel the grass’s rapid growth during this season.
Summer heat stresses Bermuda grass, so you should look for a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content that includes phosphorus to help your lawn better withstand stress. In addition, you should use a fertilizer that contains potassium to improve your lawn’s ability to withstand drought and heat stress. Discover more with The Bermuda Bible.
Phosphorus
Bermuda grass requires nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Fertilizers provide these nutrients in greater quantities than are typically available naturally within most soils.
Ideally, lawns should be tested and fertilized based on the results of a soil test. This helps ensure that the correct amounts of each nutrient are applied, which maximizes yield and minimizes damage to the plant or the environment.
If a soil test indicates a higher pH, sulfur may be recommended to reduce it. These types of amendments should be applied prior to planting to allow time for them to work.
If a soil test is not available or if you prefer not to invest in one, the best fertilizer for bermuda is a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 13-13-13. These blends contain a good amount of fast release nitrogen along with moderate to high levels of phosphorus and potassium. They are also cost effective. This type of fertilizer can be used year-round as long as the phosphorus and potassium are not pushed too high.
Potassium
Bermuda grass spreads through stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems). This type of aggressive growth is great in warm climates, but it can be difficult to control with regular fertilizing. A good Bermuda Grass fertilizer will provide nutrients that encourage healthy and lush growth, while also helping to strengthen turf against diseases, heat, pests and drought.
Choose a fertilizer that has a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for a healthy lawn. A popular choice is a 10-10-10, which will provide this balanced formula and promote overall lawn health, based on the specific needs of Bermuda grass and soil conditions.
We recommend selecting a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen, as this will reduce the risk of excess top growth and promote a more balanced growth pattern throughout the season. We recommend fertilizing your lawn 4-6 times a year, with applications spaced evenly throughout the active growing season, starting in late spring and ending in early fall.
Iron & Micronutrients
While Bermuda grass is very adaptable and can grow in a wide range of climates, it requires an adequate supply of three specific nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). These are typically readily available to bermuda grass through natural soil processes, but lawn fertilizers are formulated to provide these essential nutrients at levels that exceed those naturally occurring in most soils.
Ideally, it is best to fertilize your bermuda grass lawn in the spring and summer to ensure proper growth and color throughout the growing season. It is also a good idea to overseed your bermuda grass lawn in fall, using cool-season ryegrass seed, as this promotes a vibrant color through the winter.
When selecting a lawn fertilizer for bermuda grass, consider the nutrient content, granular or liquid form, and the application method that best fits your lawn care routine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended coverage rate and watering schedule. A soil test is an excellent way to determine the specific nutrient requirements of your bermuda grass lawn.