Lawn fertilizers should be applied on your lawn depending on the region that you live in. The 5 Lb. Smooth and level the ground. When to use it. This will help you choose the appropriate fertilizer for Bermuda grass in your lawn. Our seasonal Homeowner Maintenance Guides compile all the care information for your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall. 4. The stems weave together and will help your lawn resist weeds. Spread the starter fertilizer before you add Bermuda grass seeds using a broadcast or drop spreader. Does implementing a year-round fertilization schedule sound like a lot of work? Mowing the grass will remove any dead, dormant grass and promote new spring growth. In the first two weeks, the sod should remain moist and damp throughout the day. Each of the guides lay out maintenance tips for spring, summer and fall. Once applied, work the product 4 to 6 inches into the soil. Fall aeration should be performed in October. . Most lawn care companies recommend that you apply lawn fertilizer in the spring, between February and April. In fact, this fertilizer will have your new sods nutrient needs set for the next four weeks. Bermuda grass should be planted when soil temperatures are consistently warmer; this happens when both daytime and nighttime temperatures are between 70 and 95 degrees. For more information, please see HGIC 1201, Fertilizing Lawns. At this point, the roots of the sod will have had a chance to grow and establish themselves, and they will be able to better absorb the fertilizer. Continue to soak twice a day, once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. Looking to spur new turf growth by applying fertilizer but are worried about doing it too soon? When do you need to fertilize new sod or fertilize new grass? But you would only need to use it three times in spring and summer. At this time, the roots continue to anchor into the ground, and cutting may lead to long-term damage. However, after watering during days 25, you should be able to check for any dry spots that arent receiving water. According to Clemson University, Bermuda grass has a yearly maintenance program that contains mowing, thatch removal, aerification, weed, and insect control. There are different types of fertilizer applications. It takes 2 weeks or less for the granules to dissolve in the soil and start acting. One benefit of fall fertilization is that it bolsters lawn density. The first application of fertilizer to bermudagrass should be made in spring when the grass is 50% green OR when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees F. Visit www.georgiaweather.net to determine local soil temperature. Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Anthills On My Lawn. Fertilizing in winter will break the dormancy and force the Bermuda grass to grow. Fertilizer with high levels of phosphorus are best for new sod. Aerate in both spring and fall if your yard has clay soil. Be sure to use a lawn fertilizer that has a high nitrogen content in order to promote growth. To learn more, readWhen to Fertilize Newly Installed Sod. Apply fertilizer once between June and August, around six to eight weeks after the late spring feeding. You can start feeding your new Zoysia grass sod with nitrogen-laden fertilizer approximately one and a half months after installation. It sports a richly green color, and features a fine to medium texture. Using slow-release nitrogen will benefit your lawn without spurring uncontrolled growth that can force you to have to mow more frequently. In most areas, fall is the best time of year to add amendments and lime. It contains three bottles of liquid fertilizer with two bottles that have an 8-8-8 ratio and one bottle with a 16-0-4. Required fields are marked *. Being a warm-season turfgrass, the recommended fertilization season for Zoysia grass is from spring to early fall. Why fertilize in the fall? Liquid feeds also tend to keep the pH levels in your soil balanced. Or is it just for beautification? The first time that you should fertilize your new sod is right after you have laid it down. Then fertilize every six to eight weeks, making the last application four weeks before the first frost. Bermuda grass thrives in soil pH between 6-6.5. Use half of the first bottle of liquid fertilizer in the Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box,Grow, on your already installed sod. Would you feed a newborn baby a slice of pizza? Generally, liquid fertilizers can sit on the barley for about a day. While most people know to fertilize their lawns in the spring, it is important to remember that fall feeding is critical, too. [How to Use It], Best Crabgrass Killer that Wont Kill Grass [Top 8 + Reviews], How to Revive St. Augustine Grass and Get it to Grow Back. Add fertilizer and nutrients as needed. Usually, depending on time of year, we recommend that you wait about one month from the time that it's been laid down, four to six weeks, and then we recommend that you put out a balanced fertilizer such as a triple 15, or a 15-5-10, or something like that. This also creates a seedbed for when you're placing new seed in. Therefore- its okay (and perhaps- important) to apply starter fertilizer on new sod. 1. Check out the schedule below: This step takes place on the day of installation. You can use it for Southern, Mid-South, Midwest and Northeast lawns. Buy on Amazon Buy on Home Depot Buy on Walmart. After your grass starts to grow, you can swap the starter fertilizer with regular fertilizer and apply a second dose roughly four to six weeks later or when the grass is 1 to 1 inches tall. Starting on day 10, you can reduce your watering schedule to once per day. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. Miracle-Gro produces among the best fertilizers for plants and vegetables, but did you know that they have designed fertilizers for grass and lawn as well? Do you love your home landscape as much as we do? Thinking about installing new sod? Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package in order to. Adjusting the pH level is a preferable method to improve the soil quality and avoid damage to the meadows growth. Reduce Mowing for Deeper Roots. Dont mow the lawn 3 days before or after applying the fertilizer. Scotts Fall Lawn Food is a great granular fertilizer for fall lawn care. Please note that the table below includes Amazon Affiliate links. Measure the square footage of the new grass youre trying to grow in order to determine how much fertilizer you need to purchase. For both new and existing bermuda lawns, the fertilizer process is the same: Start by spreading it around the perimeter of your lawn at a steady walking pace. This Bermudagrass lawn management calendar details relevant aspects of selection, mowing, irrigation, fertilization, weed and insect control, and aeration. best time to feed new sod with fertilizer, Can You Put Too Much Lime on Lawn? Lawn fertilizing is a game of patience and precision when performed. New turf needs a lot of water to maintain and increase root establishment. When growing bermuda grass from seed, the first fertilizer application should be . 1. Follow the directions on the label for application rates. Mr. Landschoot recommends the application of a half to one pound of nitrogen per 1000- square feet of sod area. This will help the grass seed get off to a good start. The 32-ounce container can treat up to 3200 sq ft of grass. Key Features: For Northern lawns. Read more about the importance carbon plays in your lawn inWhy is Carbon Important to Your Lawn?. Once its completely exited dormancy and has been mowed at least once in spring, its time to aerate. So, after preparing your soil for seed or sod, the last step before planting is to fertilize the soil with a starter fertilizer. Apply fertilizer as recommended by the results of a soil test or broadcast a slow-release, granular fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or similar formula at a rate of no more than 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Basically, all kinds of bad things that you dont want. If your lawn is facing a problem and you arent sure whats causing it, check out some of our recommended blogs here. Apply fertilizer after the first mowing has occurred. New sod is a great way to establish a thick, healthy lawn. When winter begins to yield to springtime and ground temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit for a run of 4 or . So, when do you add starter fertilizer to your new turf? When we are talking about a daily basis, morning is the ideal time to water new sod. Let ABC take care of your yard, so you and the butterflies can simply relax and enjoy the view! You can learn more about this inHow to Read a Fertilizer Label. Overwatering for an extended period of time, however, will severely damage the sod, inducing disease and rotting roots. Water the fertilizer after application to promote absorption. This is actually cheaper than purchasing each seasonal box individually. Use either a drop spreader or a rotary spreader to disperse the fertilizer. Quality bermuda sod laid during the active growing season that has received proper care and nutrition should be able to be mowed between 13-15 days after being laid. This is incredibly important, because when fertilizer goes too deep, it can burn the roots of your grass. Bermuda grass lawn is ideal for filling the large squares of the garden due to its fast-growing aspect. The need for phosphorus is determined by the soil test. This video will give you a timeline of how to take care of your new sod lawn for the first couple months. The next time you should fertilize your new sod is about six weeks after you have laid it down. Youll want to use fertilizer with modest nitrogen rates (a pound or less per 1,000 sq. When fertilizing new sod on your lawn, consider the following: Whether you're using regular or starter fertilizer, apply enough fertilizer to contain at least half a pound of nitrogen. The next application of regular fertilizer for your new lawn is in the fall before the onset of frost or snow. Before installing your new turf, till the starter fertilizer into the ground with a hoe. Below is a guide detailing how often to apply popular U.S. lawn fertilizers such as Scotts or Pennington. Finally, you should fertilize your new sod one last time in the fall, before the winter sets in. Apply the last bottle in yourLawnifi New Lawn Starter Box,Maintain. Starter fertilizers that are packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium are usually a great option. Lastly, fertilizing assists in the recovery of your grass in the spring. At least four weeks, and possibly as many as eight. These are essential to help process all the nutrients in your grass. Additionally, it also contains the right amount of potassium and phosphorus. Congratulations and we wish you great success on your new lawn! These two steps will help make it easier for the fertilizer to reach the soil and penetrate to the roots of your garden grass. What kind of lawn do I have? If youre still conducting research OR youve finished establishing your new sod, check out the two articles below and dont forget tosubscribe to Sod University, our free educational newsletter we send out on lawn and garden. The best time to feed new sod with fertilizer is about four-six weeks post-installation. If you apply starter fertilizer after you've planted grass seed: Use the fertilizer spreader and apply it over the soil. Learn how to care for new sod below. Continue monitoring for dry spots. Starter fertilizer is specifically formulated for use on new sod whose root systems arent yet established. The lawn is supposed to be kept perpetually wet and walking may leave behind depressions besides damaging the still-sensitive grass. So last year you decided to do something about it. But do not feed the Bermuda grass with just any fertilizer. If your yard has heavy clay soil, like many areas of Texas, its prone to much faster compaction than other soil types. 4. Lightly water after application to help it set. (Best Time to Aerate ), Spike VS Plug Aerator (Which is Best for You? The goal here is to help the new sod roots grow into the new soil as much as possible. Soak upon installation as water is needed to keep your grass from drying out. When you mow, be sure to set your mower to the highest setting so that you are only removing the tops of the leaf blades. We do not specifically market to children under 13. Apply fertilizers in early spring and late summer or fall when grass is actively growing. No one likes having a patchy lawn. This is why homeowners must carefully consider when to fertilize their new turfs. PGF Complete is the PERFECT fertilizer for spring, summer, and fall lawns. Fertilizing a dormant Bermuda grass lawn with a quick-release fertilizer will feed the weeds, and they will eventually take over the grass. Clear out dandelion, chickweed, common broadleaf weeds & clover as well. This is the "sweet spot" but it also can be planted during the summer months if LOTS of water is available. Choose a calm day in early fall, then reapply later in fall . Learn to take the best possible care of your lawn and garden by subscribing to our weekly Sod University newsletter or by referring to our installation, establishment and maintenance guides. Finally, you should fertilize your new sod one last . Seed in the spring or summer. Seasonal boxes differ as temperatures and soil conditions change throughout the yearyour lawn needs certain nutrients at different times. For those who prefer traditional granular fertilizer applications, check outLawnifi Foundation, a granular fertilizer that can be used throughout the different seasons all year long. The impact of these types of soil on your lawn? If you don't use Total Lawn Food, be sure to check to ensure the fertilizer is approved for use on Bermuda, Zoysia or Fescue. Newly laid sod is stressed out after being harvested, transported and installed in its new environment. Do not worry! You dont want the watering to outpace the fertilizing as that could negatively impact the lawns growth cycle. However, during the fall, you should mow slightly higher. Maintain was formulated to enhance overall turfgrass growth and hardiness. As well as knowing how often to apply fertilizer, its also key to know when to apply the fertilizer. PGF Complete lawn fertilizer. Because you know that babies have special needs. After you have applied the fertilizer, water it in well. Follow the directions for best results. Obviously, this can vary quite a bit by region, so another way to tell when you begin is to pay attention to your lawn. Finally, youll want to avoid fertilizing your new Bermuda grass lawn in early spring, as theres still the possibility of frosting, resulting in turf damage. Fertilizing too soon is unnecessary and wasteful since the sod can't access it. Then water in the fertilizer. Also, watering in the morning limits water evaporation situations that will burn your green. In fall, apply a third round. Selecting a suitable time for planting plays a key role in creating a fuller and healthier lawn. Late spring (March to April) and early summer (June to July) are perfect seasons for fertilizing because of the warm temperatures. Bermuda Lawn Care Tips 2021. Note: If youve laid sod in the winter, you shouldnt start on these steps until it comes out of dormancy. You have to know whats best to use. You can give your grass a bit of extra help by applying slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in 45- to 60-day intervals throughout the season. This step takes place on the day of installation. How Do You Fertilize Citrus Trees? In this blog article, Ive discussed whether fertilization of new sod is advisable, how long you should wait before feeding new sod, what are the best seasons for fertilization of newly-installed sod, and whether the use of starter fertilizer on new sod is advisable. Hand water these areas thoroughly. Heat and dryness are your enemies when fertilizing your lawn. If your grass goes dormant in the cooler months, it wont have much impact. However, new sod needs regular irrigation and fertilization in order to help it establish itself properly. Water 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed and soil surface moist. Most individual sod pieces will dry out along exposed edges or edges that are not tightly placed together. Specifically, the grass should start to turn green and require mowing at least twice before its time to fertilize for the spring. Take rainfall into consideration. It will also encourage deeper root growth, which is important for drought tolerance. Recommended Reading: How To Kill Spiders In Lawn. Continue watering your bermuda sod throughout this time frame. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Clovers In Your Grass. But, it can also be very detrimental to the health of your turf if undertaken at the wrong time or during the dormant season. In most parts of Texas, this happens early in the year, often before spring actually arrives according to the calendar. Also, the soil gains ample water absorption needed for the formation of new sod. One application will feed new sod for 8 - 12 weeks. If your turf is developing slower than its natural progress, the reason could be the soils pH level. One of the most important things you can do for a new sod is to fertilize it. Only apply on dry grass. After re-sodding, ensure to water the entire lawn regularly to boost your chances of achieving new growth. Besides fertilizing and watering new sod, you must avoid stepping on the lawn in the period that it grows roots. When is the best time to do this? Most early applications of any fertilizer can . Our professional lawn care technicians have been keeping lawns all across the south looking their best for generations, and we can help your yard, too. See the full disclosure in the privacy policy. The best time for Bermuda green to grow and thrive is, Besides, it is not recommended to fertilize in direct hot sunlight since it can. Hopefully, you now know when to fertilize new Bermuda grass lawns and how to grow a healthy lawn. Its a common misconception, especially among those who are new to lawn care. Whats even cooler is that all Lawnifi fertilizer products are powered by Catalyst TechnologyTM, which nano-sizes the nutrients so that the grass blades and roots dont have to spend a lot of time breaking the nutrients down in the soil in order to absorb them. Well, after your lawn is installed, its no longer a baby, so you need to switch to more appropriate food.. How To Make Bermuda Grass Lawns Grow Faster? Thats great for established plants, but not so wonderful for seedlings. In this post, well discuss when to fertilize new turf, the difference between lawn starter fertilizer and regular fertilizer, how often to apply starter fertilizer and the answer to the question: When should I fertilize my lawn after seeding? By cutting the grass twice per week with a height of approximately 0.8 inches, you will boost your lawn spread laterally, resulting in a fuller pasture. During one of the waterings between day 2 and day 5, apply the remainder of the 1st application of Lawnifi Grow from yourNew Lawn Starter Box. With a deeply-rooted turf, your lawn will likely maintain its lush appearance for a long time. Use a Scotts spreader to apply Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass according to package instructions. Plus, there are many ways that you can make a mistake, which will put you right back at square one. Apply the second bottle of Lawnifi Grow at a full rate. Fertilizing the field at an inopportune time could harm the development of your greensward. Using Bermuda grass seed to fill in your garden also results in the thickness of your turf. Pro-tip: You shouldn't be using starter fertilizer once seeds germinate into the first shoots of grass. This liquid food can be used for Bermuda grass lawns in both spring and summer. You must run a lawnmower across your lawn before lawn fertilizing is performed. The First Few Weeks. For more information, readWhen to Water Newly Installed Sod. Mulch leaves in the fall to provide nutrients for the grass and help prevent thatch buildup. As a new sod fertilizer, the New Lawn Starter Box provides it with the right amount of phosphorus and other nutrients your grass roots need to establish and thrive. Do not plant Bermuda seed in the early spring or fall. Safer Brand's Lawn Restore fertilizer is another organic option that's good for your soil as well as your Bermudagrass. It features a 16-4-8 NPK ratio which is a bit more nitrogen than recommended by most experts. When used with a hose attachment, nutrients are carried through the soil where the biggest benefit is how fast nutrients reach the roots. To ensure optimal lawn health, fertilize heavily in the fall and lightly in early spring. 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. Continue to fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, stopping when the grass naturally slows its growth in early fall. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Apply between 2 and 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each year during the growing season. The Grow formula provides essential nutrients to the plants in a form that is readily available for healthy lawn establishment. Because it can actually damage your lawn if you use it later. When applying fertilizer to new sod, you should use a broadcast spreader. Select from our family of premium sod varieties and other top-quality turfgrass brands. Applying nitrogen every 6 to 8 weeks can keep your field at its best throughout the season. This will help improve drainage and reduce compaction. LawnModel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Applying fertilizers at thewrong time or too early can burn the Bermuda grass. If this is present, apply a systemic fungicide likeHeritage G. This will be the first mow on your newly sodded bermuda grass lawn. To read more, visitWhen to Mow Newly Installed Sod. Many also contain quick-release nitrogen to assist in germination and the development of the seed. Be sure to look for signs of lawn disease such as irregular circular patterns of disease or fungus, which can result from overwatering. This method also avoids the potential for burn on new sod and the delicate roots of sprouting seed. PGF Complete is very mild and needs to . Many people think of fertilization as something that happens after plants are already in the groundor after turf is installed. And obviously, thats a ridiculous question. How to Fertilize your Bermuda lawn, Liquid Lawn fertilizer, Iron Supplement , Bermuda lawn tips! It's true that this grass, also known as Barbados Bermuda grass, is fast growing, but it needs a lot of sunlight to stay healthy. Additionally, check whether you have brown or yellow spots on your grass blades, as this is one of the common symptoms of a nitrogen burn. Check the seed package for spreader settings. If you do use phosphorous, be careful. Centipede. Nitrogen and iron are responsible for keeping your grass green, which can be usefulbut your newly installed lawn needs more than just nitrogen and iron right now. You can use the same complete fertilizer as you have been using, or switch to a fertilizer with little or no phosphorus but a higher rate of potassium. So, the N-P-K ratio youll be looking should be even like a 15-15-15 or an 8-8-8. But it will be soon damaged by the freezing temperatures, and you will end up with no grass in the coming spring. Fertilizing Tifway Bermuda. Mixtures of 20-5-10 (nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium) are a good combination for a healthy green. The best time to fertilize grass is when the ground warms up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Most lawns do not need to undergo fertilization more than 2 times a year. There is the idea of too much of a good thing, and that definitely applies when it comes to fertilizing your lawn! If the ground has compacted again, perform a second aeration in October. This will help speed up new growth to replace the nitrogen-burnt grass. To correct the over-fertilization of your recently-established sod, thoroughly water the lawn for consecutive days to wash out the excess salts. Although not necessary, aerating your garden after fertilization can help too. Applying fertilizer in the winter will increase the chance of polluting waterways by excessive run-off of the nutrients into nearby streams. If you have a small area to cover, I would highly recommend foliar application since its environment-friendly. After doing this, proceed to fill in the middle. Of course you wouldnt. Cover the Bermuda grass seed. Please note that the table only lists the multi-purpose fertilizers. Table of Contents show However, if the fall you should use a specific fall fertilizer that is slightly higher in phosphorous and potassium, as it will promote better root growth. This grass seed is designed to flourish in harsh situations such as blistering heat, sloping land, and dry, high-traffic locations. We have the answer for you. Because Bermuda grass is in fact a perennial form of grass, it does not typically require re-seeding. Check out some of the recommended heights for bermuda grass below. Thus, it is needed to provide the third round of nutrients for your lawn between August and September. 2. Timing is a critical aspect of the process of fertilizing the garden. Fertilize sod a minimum of two times per year, once in spring and again in early fall. Learn more inWhen to Water Newly Installed Sod.