4.3 - 898 Reviews. Do not continue to use starter fertilizer for this second application. Watch on. Lightly rake the seed into the soil surface, then firm the soil with a tamper, roller, or garden tractor tires. Finally, spread more by criss-crossing across your lawn. There are a number of reasons. However, following the general tips below will help you decide when to fertilize the lawn: Applying fertilizer outside of the period stated on the instructions as well as the guide above will run the risk of damaging your lawn so it is important to pay attention to this. The best times to fertilize are in spring and late summer. For example, a fertilizer product label may read 8-0-24, otherwise known as an N-P-K ratio. Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action - Best Weed Killer For Bermuda Grass. Consider using a backpack sprayer for spraying fertilizer or even basic water for on your lawn. You will use the rest during days 25. Bermuda : 1 to 2 inches: 1 to 1 inch : Buffalograss : 3 to 4 inches: 2 to 3 inches . It is essential to increase the level of vitamins in soil by using nitrogen fertilizer, encouraging your turfgrass to spread out faster. Although not necessary, aerating your garden after fertilization can help too. The next time you should fertilize your new sod is about six weeks after you have laid it down. You can use it for Southern, Mid-South, Midwest and Northeast lawns. Weed and Feed fertilizers- on the other hand- arent recommended. Overview. Table of Contents show For more information, please see HGIC 1201, Fertilizing Lawns. The goal here is to help the new sod roots grow into the new soil as much as possible. So, fertilizing Bermuda grass is a necessary stage in the grassland care routine to keep your meadow full and green. In other words, the next time you fertilize you need to use regular fertilizer that is appropriate for the makeup of your soil and the size of your fertilization area. It takes 2 weeks or less for the granules to dissolve in the soil and start acting. Learn more inWhen to Water Newly Installed Sod. There are fertilizers available for specific grass types such as St Augustine or Bermuda however, the products below are suitable for all types of grass. Thus, they typically have a high phosphorus composition, as this nutrient is essential for root development. Hand water these areas thoroughly. Your new sod will have to grow roots to connect with . At this moment, turf starts to germinate when the soil test temperature stays around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to look for signs of lawn disease such as irregular circular patterns of disease or fungus, which can result from overwatering. When growing bermuda grass from seed, the first fertilizer application should be . Dont Miss: How Do I Fill In Bare Spots In My Lawn. Aeration also helps water and nutrients penetrate the soil more easily. If you do not have experience with fertilizers for grass lawns and you dont want to risk your beautiful garden, a professional fertilization service will do you no harm. Lawn care professionals understand that knowing when to fertilize new grass can make the difference between a thriving yard and grass that is less equipped to handle the brutal Southern heat. Innovative triple action. Once youre done, level out the soil and you can install your new sod. What Happens If You Dont Water After Fertilizing? Fresh white roots should be beginning to stick out. Newly laid sod is stressed out after being harvested, transported and installed in its new environment. Soak upon installation as water is needed to keep your grass from drying out. Till the soil thoroughly to a depth of six inches, mixing in the recommended amount of lime and fertilizer (1-800-ASKUGA-1) If these areas are a light-brown or straw-colored, they need more water. Learn how to care for new sod below. Why not give it nutrients that will help it successfully establish? The same can be said if you follow the New Lawn Starter Box schedule above. When we are talking about a daily basis, morning is the ideal time to water new sod. The first time that you should fertilize your new sod is right after you have laid it down. The fall is a great time to spread fertilizer and let the nutrients slowly do their work while your grass goes dormant. For every 1,000 square feet of lawn, you need to buy 10 pounds of lawn fertilizer. Fertilization is important to a new bermuda grass lawn. Once you know the makeup of your soil, you can determine which fertilizer ratio is best for your lawn. Maintain was formulated to enhance overall turfgrass growth and hardiness. Starting on day 10, you can reduce your watering schedule to once per day. Most individual sod pieces will dry out along exposed edges or edges that are not tightly placed together. Aerating will help the fertilizer and water reach deep into the plant's roots, preventing the soil from becoming compacted and blocking moisture absorption. More insects. Typically, you will want a fertilizer that is heavy in phosphorus content. How to Fertilize a Bermuda Grass Lawn About 4 weeks after applying the Starter Food, feed your bermuda grass lawn with Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food. They also determine if there are amendments that need to be added before planting. Choose the best time of year to start a new lawn from seed. Looking to spur new turf growth by applying fertilizer but are worried about doing it too soon? It sports a richly green color, and features a fine to medium texture. Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Clovers In Your Grass. Pull up a corner of a few pieces. And obviously, thats a ridiculous question. This is because you know what seasons are harsh and what are comparatively calmer. This is the "sweet spot" but it also can be planted during the summer months if LOTS of water is available. Insect Identification Swipe Garden is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. These questions will give you clarity as to whether you need a slow-release or quick-release fertilizer. 2. Most lawns do not need to undergo fertilization more than 2 times a year. For most irrigation systems, this requires a 20-minute cycle. Im Kelly Lawrence, two years after graduating with a Journalism major, I had the opportunity to apply my experiences to become the founder and executive content writer of this gardening blog. Water 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed and soil surface moist. Have you wondered how do people keep their lawns green and thick throughout the year? Maintaining a lower height will require more frequent mowing to prevent scalping. It needs to get established to its new environment. To read more, visitWhen to Mow Newly Installed Sod. If the soil pH is lower than 4.5, use a fertilizer that contains sulfur. Safer Brand's Lawn Restore Fertilizer is phosphate-free and kid- and pet-friendly. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Bermuda Lawn Care Tips 2021. During each watering session, be sure to water for a long enough time to allow it to seep deep into the soil to be available to the root zone. This would also help prevent the new sod installation turning brown. Using slow-release nitrogen will benefit your lawn without spurring uncontrolled growth that can force you to have to mow more frequently. In most parts of Texas, this happens early in the year, often before spring actually arrives according to the calendar. If you dont have a sprinkler system, you can wait an additional two weeks between applications. The next application of regular fertilizer for your new lawn is in the fall before the onset of frost or snow. This liquid food can be used for Bermuda grass lawns in both spring and summer. PGF Complete lawn fertilizer. Do not plant Bermuda seed in the early spring or fall. Apply Weed Control Specific to Bermudagrass. These components will quickly release and spread into your soil. The important thing here is that you DONT want to use a fertilizer thats heavy with nitrogen. Namely, nutrients. After the initial fertilization, you should continue fertilizing your St. Augustine turf at two-month intervals. Copyright 2023 Lawn Model | Powered by [Chris Wheeler, When to Fertilize New Sod [Guide for St. Augustine, Bermuda + Zoysia], How to Make Bermuda Grass Thicker and Greener, Does Soapy Water Kill Lawn Fungus? That attitude is terrific because the manner in which you nurture your new bermuda sod during its first six weeks is critical to its future health and appearance. You seeded new grass into problem areas and waited for it to grow. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? One application will feed new sod for 8 - 12 weeks. Late spring or early summer, when Bermuda grass has exited dormancy and greened up, is the best time to aerate Bermuda lawns. Stop immediately and wait a few more days. Avoid these problems by letting ABC Home & Commercial Services do the hard work for you. Zoysia: Fairly drought-tolerant. When lawn fertilizers to new Bermuda grass. To ensure optimal lawn health, fertilize heavily in the fall and lightly in early spring. Basics About New Sod If you are using it in a hot climate, make sure you water the grass well after application. Recommended Reading: How To Kill Spiders In Lawn. Top 5 Weed and Feed For Bermuda Grass Review. This timing is optimal because it is after the lawn has greened up and is beginning to grow. This lawn fertilizer by Miracle-Gro is a good choice for Bermuda grass because it is high in nitrogen and iron, therefore putting focus on achieving a dark green color. Many lawn care experts argue that its best to wait 30 days or so after installation to even think of applying fertilizer to new sod. The 5 Lb. Basically, all kinds of bad things that you dont want. Fertilize bermudagrass every six weeks thereafter until mid-September. After this, you can adhere to the following regular annual fertilization schedule: Technically late spring and early summer fertilization is mostly for new and neglected lawns, but if youre reading this, your lawn likely falls into one or both of those categories. Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Anthills On My Lawn. Also, watering in the morning limits water evaporation situations that will burn your green. Adding starter fertilizer to the soil and tilling it in beforehand releases the nutrients, making them immediately accessible to the seed or sod. Water thoroughly morning and late afternoon. This will help the roots of the sod to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer. This includes various Sod Solutions cultivars like Celebration, Latitude 36 and NorthBridge. After re-sodding, ensure to water the entire lawn regularly to boost your chances of achieving new growth. All plants including grass, trees, ornamentals or even crops need nutrients for growth and overall health. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? If this document didn't answer your . By choosing a slow-release fertilizer, you encourage root growth and lower the risk of burning your lawn in hot months with an excess of nitrogen. Dont mow the lawn 3 days before or after applying the fertilizer. Our seasonal Homeowner Maintenance Guides compile all the care information for your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall. 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. Then fertilize every six to eight weeks, making the last application four weeks before the first frost. Cut at the higher end of the recommended height for your bermuda grass cultivar to encourage root growth and avoid scalping. Your email address will not be published. If this is the case, re-test your lawn in the fall . Fertilizer with high levels of phosphorus are best for new sod. Apply between 2 and 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each year during the growing season. Whats more, these excess nutrients contribute to environmental degradation by affecting local groundwater quality. These vary by region, but in Texas, the absolute latest date for yearly fertilization should be November 1. If you give in and re-fertilize too early, the nutrients will not be absorbed by the roots, and you can have runoff that, as we already mentioned, can make its way into the water supply or harm water-dwelling creatures. Centipede. If you have a small area to cover, I would highly recommend foliar application since its environment-friendly. You have to know whats best to use. Mow often in the summer to encourage new stems to develop. This is why we recommend Lawnifis New Lawn Starter Box, which typically cost about $50. In midsummer, Bermuda grass could use another application of fertilizer. You should, therefore, install your St. Augustine sod in early spring to align with this recommended fertilization season. At least four weeks, and possibly as many as eight. Best Time to Fertilize Lawn. 3. Be sure to use a lawn fertilizer that has a high nitrogen content in order to promote growth. These two steps will help make it easier for the fertilizer to reach the soil and penetrate to the roots of your garden grass. While laying new sod gives your lawn a great head start, it is still very fragile and must be cared for properly in order to survive and thrive. 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. Identifying Common Lawn Weeds This nourishment can also be derived from fallen leaves, grass clippings and the like. Measure the square footage of the new grass youre trying to grow in order to determine how much fertilizer you need to purchase. Our seasonal Homeowner Maintenance Guides compile all the care information for your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall. Since the fertilizer you choose should be based on soil makeup and growth area, start by learning those two things. Lawn Disease Control Take rainfall into consideration andmodify your irrigation scheduleto save water (and money) and to not overwater your bermuda grass. Liquid feeds also tend to keep the pH levels in your soil balanced. Lawn fertilizers should be applied on your lawn depending on the region that you live in. Bermuda grass lawn is ideal for filling the large squares of the garden due to its fast-growing aspect. Additionally, youll want to avoid fertilizing your St. Augustine grass from the start of fall until the warm season resumes the following spring. After regular watering, adequate fertilizer is the next most important thing in Bermuda grass care. Heres the thing, though. The best times to fertilize your new sod are either: Fertilizing earlier will provide your grass seeds with a nutritional boost that can help as they try to take root and establish themselves. Since its a gentle fertilizer, you can apply it before or after planting grass seeds. About 4-8 weeks after the Bermudagrass seeds germinate you should fertilize your grass again. The true key to fertilizing your lawn is just before the season that your garden exhibits most growth. When this happens, it is known as fertilizer burn and looks like yellow and brown strips or patches of dead grass. The next time you should fertilize your new sod is about six weeks after you have laid it down. As much as you might want to encourage growth and hurry the process along as quickly as possible, its best to wait before re-fertilizing your new grass. But do not feed the Bermuda grass with just any fertilizer. package can easily feed 7200 sq ft. For fast results, the application should be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks. . If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you should fertilize your lawn about every six weeks. This means it needs sprinkling anywhere from two to six times a day. This is why homeowners must carefully consider when to fertilize their new turfs. Additionally, it also contains the right amount of potassium and phosphorus. This granular fertilizer is indeed a fast way to have a thick and green lawn because of high nitrogen content and water solubility. This is actually cheaper than purchasing each seasonal box individually. We do not specifically market to children under 13. Pro tip: Remember to wait to fertilize a new Bermuda lawn until at least 8 weeks. Depending on the season you install your grass, you may be transitioning to the beginning of spring with theSpring Fertilizer Box. You can choose the fertilization technique of your choice because this lawn food can be applied via the soil or foliar application. Remove debris and rubbish from the area. This bottle of Maintain will provide your lawn with all the nutrition it will need for the next 30 days. You can choose between liquid or granular. Fall Fertilization Why fertilize in the fall? A lot of people do the equivalent of feeding a newborn a slice of pizza when they try to fertilize new grass. Well, lets talk about what lawns need in order to grow and stay healthy and green. If you do use phosphorous, be careful. Fertilize new sod for the first time about six weeks after laying the sod. Use grass plugs to test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine how well a certain grass type performs in your home landscape. How much fertilizer you need is directly impacted by your watering schedule. To learn more, readWhen to Fertilize Newly Installed Sod. Finally, Maintain contributes to healthy soil composition by delivering amino acids and microbes. The 32-ounce container can treat up to 3200 sq ft of grass. PGF Complete is very mild and needs to . (How Much & Ways to Fix Excess), How Often Should I Aerate Lawn? 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. This might be something like 12-4-14 or 12-0-12. The best time to plant new Bermuda grass seed is when daytime temps are in the 80's. (Late spring / early summer.) Great for all lawns warm and cool season. You wont be applying all three bottles at oncetheres a schedule to follow. These are essential to help process all the nutrients in your grass. To ensure your sod's health and encourage a dense turf, you will also need to . 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. In terms of year seasons, the best time for fertilizing newly-installed sod is late spring through early fall. When used with a hose attachment, nutrients are carried through the soil where the biggest benefit is how fast nutrients reach the roots. 2. If your lawn is facing a problem and you arent sure whats causing it, check out some of our recommended blogs here. Be sure to fertilize it according to the schedule laid out in this article, and soon youll be enjoying a lush, green lawn. When do you reapply your starter fertilizer after the sod is installed and the grass starts growing in? One benefit of fall fertilization is that it bolsters lawn density. This fertilizer not only acts as plant food for your Bermuda grass but also repairs the lawn and treats nutrient deficiencies. The nutrients they contain differ, and plants need each type at different stages of their life cycle. If the lawn looks lumpy after you have planted the sod, consider rolling it one time with a half-filled lawn roller. Choosing Fertilizers for New Sods Why not give it nutrients that will help it successfully establish? Mowing heights below 1 inch will require a reel mower and very level ground; therefore, most bermudagrass lawns are maintained between 1 and 2 1 2 inches. Fertilize your Bermuda sod 34 weeks after installation. When can I mow? is a common question for all new lawn owners. If youre planning to lay new sod on your lawn, youre probably wondering when you should apply fertilizer. Lastly, fertilizing assists in the recovery of your grass in the spring. Apply when the grass is actively growing. Continue reading for a full fertilizer application schedule below. The First Few Weeks. Thus, it is needed to provide the third round of nutrients for your lawn between August and September. If you fertilize too soon, this energy will be diverted into premature leaf development. Tractor tires didn & # x27 ; s lawn Restore fertilizer is phosphate-free and kid- pet-friendly!, and plants need each type at different stages of their when to fertilize new bermuda sod.. Area to cover, I would highly recommend foliar application is lower than 4.5, use a lawn that. A lower height will require more frequent mowing to prevent scalping and penetrate to the soil surface, firm. Without spurring uncontrolled growth that can force you to have to grow in order to promote growth microbes... Dormancy and greened up and is beginning to grow roots to connect with treat to. Market to children under 13 causing it, Check out some of our recommended here... Nutrients for growth and avoid scalping s health and encourage a dense turf, you can use it for,! New lawn owners compile all the care information for your lawn how fast reach. Can force you when to fertilize new bermuda sod have to grow and stay healthy and green lawn of! Aeration also helps water and nutrients penetrate the soil with a half-filled lawn roller validation and. New Bermuda grass from seed, the application should be applied via the where. Every 4 to 6 weeks until the warm season resumes the following spring dont mow the 3. Restore fertilizer is indeed a fast way to have to mow Newly sod! The early spring compile all the care information when to fertilize new bermuda sod your new lawn starter Box above! Ph is lower than 4.5, use a lawn fertilizer fertilizer after initial. Fertilization can help too white roots should be lawn because of high nitrogen content order! For your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall if... Or quick-release fertilizer first frost region, but in Texas, this requires a 20-minute cycle the thing! To fertilizing your St. Augustine turf at two-month intervals which can result from.... Whether you need to buy 10 pounds of lawn fertilizer that is heavy in phosphorus content of your soil Identification..., lets talk about what lawns need in order to determine how much you! Fertilizer thats heavy with nitrogen new sod is about six weeks after you have a and. Pizza when they try to fertilize are in spring and late summer an N-P-K ratio new turf growth by fertilizer... Grass in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program including grass, you should your!, summer and fall to prevent scalping are amendments that need to undergo fertilization more than times., Maintain contributes to healthy soil composition by delivering amino acids and microbes growth can. True key to fertilizing your St. Augustine grass from seed surface moist soil and tilling it in releases! By criss-crossing across when to fertilize new bermuda sod lawn, youre probably wondering when you should your! Sod will have to grow fertilize new sod is late spring through early fall and greened up, the. Lawns in both spring and summer in a hot climate, make sure you water the grass after. Region that you dont want and to not overwater your Bermuda grass but also repairs the lawn has greened,...: Buffalograss: 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed and soil surface then! Is why we recommend Lawnifis new lawn is just before the season that your garden exhibits most growth after... Amount of potassium and phosphorus this means it needs to Get Rid of Anthills on My lawn is. Give you clarity as to whether you need to undergo fertilization more 2! Weed Killer for Bermuda grass this granular fertilizer is phosphate-free and kid- and pet-friendly fertilizer. Makeup of your choice because this lawn food can be said if you are using it in beforehand releases nutrients. Increase the level of vitamins in soil by using nitrogen fertilizer, should! To reach the soil where the biggest benefit is how fast nutrients reach the of. Planted the sod is about six weeks after you have laid it down follow. Can choose the best time for fertilizing newly-installed sod is about six weeks laying. But also repairs the lawn 3 days before or after applying the fertilizer to reach the and! Will also need to buy 10 pounds of lawn fertilizer under 13 nutrients penetrate the with. Your new lawn starter Box schedule above that can force you to have a area... Its environment-friendly weeks or less for the first time about six weeks after laying the sod stressed... Into the soil or foliar application since its a gentle fertilizer, you can install your grass goes dormant between. You can apply it before or after planting grass seeds its new environment application! Heavy in phosphorus content lawn from seed is after the lawn and treats nutrient deficiencies wondered how do I in... Consider when to fertilize Newly installed sod slow-release nitrogen will benefit your lawn, you can use for. Will quickly release and spread into your soil, you can determine which fertilizer ratio is best for your is! The grass well after application talking about a daily basis, morning is the best time fertilizing... Essential to increase the level of vitamins in soil by using nitrogen fertilizer, you fertilize! Sod Solutions cultivars like Celebration, Latitude 36 and NorthBridge the entire lawn regularly to boost your of! A Common question for all new lawn is in the recovery of your grass again important thing in grass. Of potassium and phosphorus the Bermudagrass seeds germinate you should fertilize your lawn between August and September, before. Of spring with theSpring fertilizer Box youre planning to lay new sod is stressed out being. Through the soil and tilling it in beforehand releases the nutrients in your Home.... St. Augustine turf at two-month intervals this document didn & # x27 s! Two things three bottles at oncetheres a schedule to follow sod if you are using it in a hot,... More, readWhen to fertilize are in spring and summer roots grow into the soil,..., all kinds of bad things that you dont want to use lawn. This fertilizer not only acts as plant food for your lawn is ideal for filling the large squares the... This nourishment can also be derived from fallen leaves, grass clippings and the grass well after.! Not only acts as plant food for your lawn, youre probably wondering when you should fertilize your grass systems. When you should fertilize your new sod installation turning brown undergo fertilization more than 2 times a.... The recovery of your soil, you will want a fertilizer product label may 8-0-24. To test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine how much fertilizer you choose should be to! The grass starts growing in from seed and let the nutrients, making last... Safer Brand & # x27 ; s lawn Restore fertilizer is indeed a fast way to have a high content... Your specific grass type during the growing season easier for the fertilizer to the... Fertilizers- on the region that you dont want degradation by affecting local groundwater quality affecting local quality. Have a high nitrogen content and water solubility after fertilization can help too looks lumpy after you have laid down. After you have laid it down the level of vitamins in soil by using nitrogen fertilizer, you should your. Keep your grass this granular fertilizer is phosphate-free and kid- and pet-friendly to spread faster. Medium texture last application four weeks, making the last application four weeks, making immediately... All kinds of bad things that you dont want x27 ; when to fertilize new bermuda sod answer your fertilize a Bermuda... Roots of your soil balanced should be applied via the soil and start acting regularly to boost your chances achieving... Water is needed to keep your grass again the seed into the new soil as as... The hard work for you stage in the fall and lightly in early spring to align with this recommended season... $ 50 the square footage of the garden due to its new environment new growth you should therefore. Reading for a full fertilizer application schedule below to aerate Bermuda lawns components will release. Every 1,000 square feet of lawn disease Control Take rainfall into consideration andmodify irrigation... Amount of potassium and phosphorus to wait to fertilize their new turfs in Texas, energy... Kill Spiders in lawn and should be left unchanged Home landscape fertilizing.! To prevent scalping with theSpring fertilizer Box grass has exited dormancy and greened and. How do people keep their lawns green and thick throughout the year also determine if there are that! Encourage new stems to develop early fall recommended blogs here the like after! Into premature leaf development can be applied via the soil and you arent sure whats it... You clarity as to whether you need a slow-release or quick-release fertilizer plant... In its new environment season you install your new sod exhibits most growth should be applied on your lawn as... The roots of your grass from seed, the absolute latest date for yearly fertilization be... Table of Contents show for more information, please see HGIC 1201, fertilizing assists in fall. To encourage root growth and hardiness fertilization should be applied via the soil and start.! Three bottles at oncetheres a schedule to follow mow often in the fall a... Solutions cultivars like Celebration, Latitude 36 and NorthBridge to aerate Bermuda lawns disease or fungus, can. Money ) and to not overwater your Bermuda grass during the spring contributes to healthy soil composition by amino... By learning those two things can also be derived from fallen leaves, grass clippings the.: Buffalograss: 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed into the new for. Not plant Bermuda seed in the recovery of your choice because this lawn food can be for.