Bermudagrass Seasonal Maintenance – Fall 2012

Bermudagrass – Care and Maintenance – Fall 2012

Video Notes:

Step 1 – Fertilization. We recommend something with a 1-0-2 ratio. In other words, 1 part nitrogen, 0 parts phosphorus, and 2 parts potassium….like an 8-0-16 for example. Obviously the 1-0-2 ratio is meant as a starting point. A local expert can better give you specific needs for your area. If you have trouble finding a fertilizer with that ratio, a fertilizer with a 1-0-1 ratio will also be acceptable.

Step 2 – Adjust Your Watering Schedule – Bermuda’s are very drought tolerant turfgrasses and when the temperatures drop they wont need as much irrigation do adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Too much watering can lead to a lawn disease.

Step 3 – Weed Control – You will notice that as the weather begins to turn cooler, summer weeds will begin to die off and winter weed varieties will begin to spring up. Weeds can be an issue for some lawns and not so much others. For those without weed problems, don’t worry about this next step, which is to apply a pre-emergent herbicide for prevention of winter weeds. This will get the weeds before they rear their ugly heads.

Optional Step 4 – Insect and Disease Control – If they haven’t been an issue for you, you don’t really need to do anything…just monitor and take action with insecticide or fungicide if they become a problem. The good news is bermudagrasses are fast spreaders and will recover from damage very quickly.

Step 5 – Mowing Height – Raise the mowing height in the colder months just a bit to help promote deeper root growth. If you are near the 2-inch mark…leave it there. You really don’t want the grass over 2 inches in height.