Bermuda Grass Care Guide
Warm-SeasonEverything you need to know about growing and maintaining Bermuda Grass — from mowing heights to fertilizer timing.
Key Stats
Ideal Soil Temp
65–85°F
Germination Temp
65–85°F
Mowing Height
0.5–2″
Dormancy Thresholds
<55°F
Mowing Schedule
| First Cut | Spring | Summer | Fall | Last Cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1″ | 1–1.5″ | 0.5–1″ | 1.5″ | 1.5″ |
Thrives when mowed low and often. Reel mow at 0.5–1" for best results.
Seasonal Care Program
Based on the Warm-Season Program. Timing is driven by soil temperature triggers and spacing intervals.
Round 1 — Early Spring Pre-Emergent
Soil temp 55°F rising- Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil reaches 55°F to prevent summer annual weeds.
Round 2 — Spring Green-Up
Soil temp 65°F rising- Low-N / High-K Stress Fertilizer
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer as warm-season turf exits dormancy.
- Pre-Emergent (2nd Application)
Second split-app of pre-emergent for extended weed prevention.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional)
Bio-stimulant to jumpstart soil biology as soil temps rise.
Round 3 — Early Summer
28–42 days after previous round- High-Nitrogen Fertilizer
Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer during peak warm-season growth.
- Grub Preventative
Apply preventative grub control (e.g. GrubEx / chlorantraniliprole) before grubs hatch. Critical for warm-season lawns where grubs can cause severe damage.
- Post-Emergent Broadleaf Herbicide(optional)
Spot-treat or blanket-spray broadleaf weeds while they are actively growing. Use warm-season safe formulations (avoid 2,4-D on St. Augustine).
- Bio-Stimulant(optional)
Bio-stimulant for root depth and nutrient uptake.
- Moisture Manager(optional)
Optional wetting agent to improve water distribution during heat.
Round 4 — Mid Summer
28–42 days after previous round- High-Nitrogen Fertilizer
Continue high-nitrogen feeding during warm-season peak growth.
- Surface Insect Control(optional)
Apply a surface insecticide (e.g. bifenthrin) to control armyworms, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and other surface-feeding pests.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional)
Bio-stimulant for sustained soil health.
Round 5 — Late Summer
28–42 days after previous round- High-Nitrogen Fertilizer
Final high-nitrogen application before growth slows in fall.
- Surface Insect Control(optional)
Monitor for late-season armyworm and chinch bug activity. Apply surface insecticide if damage is present.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional)
Bio-stimulant to prepare turf for seasonal transition.
Round 6 — Fall Transition
Soil temp 70°F falling- Low-N / High-K Stress Fertilizer
Switch to low-nitrogen, high-potassium to harden turf for winter dormancy.
- Pre-Emergent (Fall)
Fall pre-emergent to prevent cool-season annual weeds (poa annua).
- Post-Emergent Broadleaf Herbicide(optional)
Fall is an effective time for broadleaf weed control in warm-season lawns. Target weeds as they prepare for winter.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional)
Bio-stimulant to support root carbohydrate storage.
Round 7 — Late Fall / Dormancy
Soil temp 55°F falling- Bio-Stimulant(optional)
Light bio-stimulant application to maintain soil biology through winter dormancy. No nitrogen fertilizer needed.
Best States for Bermuda Grass
Other Grass Types
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