One of the many wonderful things about spring is that your bermudagrass lawn ends its dormant period and begins to green up. The grey undertones of winter transform into vivid greens and a rainbow of spring’s colorful flowers. You want your spring green-up to be perfect, so it is tempting to get out there and fertilize early. If you have bermudagrass, don’t do it. Wait for the right time to fertilize, and you’ll have beautiful bermudagrass until winter dormancy returns.
In the winter, bermudgrass goes dormant. This is because it is a warm season grass. During cold winter months (consistent ground temps below 50 degrees Fahrenheit), the grass protects itself by going dormant. It turns brown, but this is only so it can preserve nutrients to make it through winter. Dormancy is self-preservation for warm season grasses, but it is also a time where grass is vulnerable. If you fertilize during this time, the grass will not make use of the extra nutrients. Other cold season weeds may love it though, and they’ll thrive with the extra food. Basically, if you fertilize your dormant grass, you are feeding the weeds. It will not bring the lawn out of dormancy.
When the grass starts to green-up, and it is about halfway back to its vivid color, it is okay to fertilize. This happens typically around the beginning or middle of April, and your grass is actively soaking up nutrients during this time. Read the instructions on the fertilizer to make sure you are applying the right amount. You should see the effects within days, and your lawn will begin to look great.
In June or July, a couple months after your spring application, your bermudagrass will be ready for a second application of fertilizer. Again, read the directions. This will simply keep your beautiful grass thriving through summer months.
Early fall is the last time you need to fertilize your bermudagrass, and this should actually be done in late summer…August or early September. Your grass will get one more dose of nutrients before returning to dormancy.
If you live in Johns Creek, GA, it is just about time for your first application of fertilizer to your bermudagrass lawn. You can use a complete fertilizer or use one that is more tailored for spring green-up. If you don’t feel a complete fertilizer will work, spend the time it takes to get your soil tested, and get accurate and complete recommendations for your lawn care. Your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Have questions about your lawn?
Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas.
770-619-2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
