A new bermudagrass lawn care calendar released on May 8 provides a detailed month-by-month guide for maintaining healthy turf. The calendar includes recommendations for mowing, fertilizing, watering, aeration, dethatching, overseeding, and weed control to support bermudagrass throughout the year.
The guide emphasizes that late spring through summer is the peak growing season for bermudagrass. During this period, lawns require frequent mowing and regular fertilization to maintain thick and green turf. Proper timing of treatments such as pre-emergent herbicides and fungicides is also highlighted as critical for preventing weeds and disease.
The article explains that every lawn has unique needs based on soil conditions and local climate. For example, irrigation should be adjusted depending on rainfall or drought conditions in each region. The best times for various tasks are indicated using symbols: ▲ marks the optimal time while △ indicates an acceptable period.
Spring care involves removing dead tissue after winter dormancy, increasing mowing frequency as temperatures rise, applying fertilizer several weeks after full green-up (typically in late spring), monitoring for diseases like spring dead spot, dethatching if necessary in late spring or early summer, aerating at similar times if needed (after dethatching), and overseeding thin areas during late spring or early summer.
During summer months—June through August—bermudagrass grows rapidly and may need mowing twice per week. Fertilizer applications should follow soil test results with general guidance suggesting 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every four to six weeks. Irrigation needs increase during dry spells while pest management may include preventative grub control if there is a history of infestations.
In fall (September through November), growth slows down so chores decrease accordingly. A final fertilizer application may be recommended about six weeks before the first frost date; lime or sulfur can be added based on soil tests; leaf removal becomes important; pre-emergent herbicides help prevent winter weeds; mowing height should gradually be lowered ahead of winter dormancy; fungicide treatments may help prevent disease recurrence next spring; overseeding with ryegrass can keep lawns green into cooler months unless pre-emergents were applied.
Winter brings minimal activity since bermudagrass enters dormancy—fertilizing stops but occasional watering may be needed during prolonged dry periods when soil is not frozen. Post-emergent herbicides can target any persistent winter weeds if necessary.
The calendar concludes by recommending homeowners consider hiring professional lawn care services due to the high-maintenance nature of bermudagrass.
