Newly-planted Bermuda grass is certainly nice to look at. You do know that it requires constant watering for a moist and growth-conducive soil, but how about fertilizers? More specifically, when to fertilize Bermuda grass in NC?
Quick answer
It’s recommended that you fertilize your Bermuda lawn come late June to early July, and again in the middle of August in North Carolina.
This is equivalent to putting in the first of many applications in late spring through early summer and when the grass is at least 50 percent green.
The Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass in North Carolina
Bermuda grass is a highly popular type of lawn grass throughout the US. It’s classified as a warm season turf, which means that it grows during the warmer seasons and tends to hibernate or go dormant during colder days.
NC gardeners are actually split in two when it comes to recommending the best bermuda grass fertilizer. Some say that high nitrogen is best, while others say that a low nitrogen, high potassium works wonders in a bermuda lawn setting.
However, it’s worth noting that there are different bermuda grass varieties, and fertilization will largely depend on what works best for each. Lawn fertilizer that contains nitrogen should work as an all-around, while there are specialized options depending on what problem you’re facing.
Lawn fertilizer products usually come in three types- water soluble, granular and liquid. Each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Water Soluble. Water soluble fertilizers are exactly what they sound like. The sand-like components dissolve quickly in water and usually dispersed via hose end. This solves two bermuda grass requirements, water and fertilizer with just one application.
Granular. Dry granulars usually are products made up of small pebbles, with most of them having slow-release characteristics. The benefits aren’t as well-pronounced in the beginning but you can apply less frequently and the nutrients tend to stay in the soil for longer.
Liquid. Liquid fertilizers are some of the fastest-acting in the plant world. The liquid gets absorbed by the plant, but it’s the shortest-lived out of all the three.
How Do I Make my Bermuda Grass Thicker and Greener?
Bermuda grass comes in virtually all kinds of textures and is an absolute delight in your lawn or garden.
What separates bermuda from all other grass types is how it can self-regenerate even under heavy footfall or traffic. In addition, this grass species can tolerate a drought or two and thrives even in soils where there’s very little nutrients.
Bermuda grass is quick to grow and thrive if you take care of them, but if you want to maintain its green and healthy appearance then it’s recommended that you try out these 4 tips.
Mow to Less Than an Inch
Mowing the lawn regularly is an absolute must if you want to get a thicker lawn. This practice forces the grass species to spread out laterally rather than just assume an upward direction.
Experts recommend getting the grass to about an inch or less whenever you mow the lawn. A clean cut ensures less damage, and the more frequently you mow then the more vigorous the growth, leading to a denser characteristic.
Fertilize, Fertilize Fertilize
Time your fertilizer application right and when your grass is at an optimal climate. In North Carolina, this usually occurs from spring to early summer.
You can have your soil tested for lacking nutrients, then buy a general-purpose fertilizer with either a balanced fertilizer with a 4:1:2 ratio to push maximum growth and spread.
Apply Both Pre and Post Emergent Herbicide
If weed is a huge concern then it’s highly recommended that you get a pre-emergent weed herbicide.
The best time to put in pre-emergent is during spring time where weeds are more likely to grow and invade your lawn.
If weed infestation has become severe then you can get a post-emergent and apply it to existing pests. You can do this while your bermuda is dormant or if no other natural weed-killing plant method is used.
Aerate for Thick and Healthy Bermuda Grass
Aerating is best done in late spring through early summer, but you can start when the grass is going green for faster growth.