What is the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass?

Taking care of tropical lawns is easy and economical. However, with a few obstructions in the way like drought and heatwaves, there might be the need for re-seeding or fertilizing the Bermuda grass. In this article, we will explore the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass.

Bermuda thrives on a lot of nitrogen which gives it the bright, green blades. Each blade converts sunlight into energy through photosynthesis and this energy is utilized to promote robust growth.

Most lawns don’t have nutrient-rich soil to support the growth of Bermuda grass. To enjoy a beautiful lawn, the grass must get rid of the weeds first that may hinder growth. The next step is to fertilize the grass regularly to compensate for the nutrient-deficient soil.

To enjoy a beautiful lawn, Bermuda grass needs to be fertilized regularly and get rid of weeds that may be hampering its growth. There are many organic and synthetic fertilizers available in the market. Each one works differently and affects the environment in different ways. Choosing between them is purely a personal choice.

Organic fertilizers are typically made from plant or animal-based matter that nourishes the grass and improves the fertility of the soil. It’s full of essential microbes and comes without the risk of over-fertilizing or running off to nearby water sources.

Synthetic fertilizers often result in faster growth due to the addition of convenient synthetic chemicals. However, these don’t leave out the weed growth and therefore create the need to apply harsh herbicides to limit weed growth.

Table of Contents

Each fertilizer is one of a kind and brings different features to the table. They offer uniqueness in the formula and application methods and assure a resulting, beautiful lawn. Here’s a compiled list of the 8 best picks for the best fertilizers for Bermuda grass. Let’s take a look.

Simple Lawn Solutions Concentrated Grass Fertilizer 6-0-0

Nitrogen-focused and ready to use, this one’s specially designed to rejuvenate a tired grass lawn. Infused with liquid iron and micronutrients, this fertilizer gives your lawn a boost of nitrogen and extra support against heat.

For optimum absorption of this fertilizer, water your lawn within 24 hours of application. It’s an easy-to-use, liquid feed that rejuvenates your lawn.

Pros

Offers a specialized blend of micronutrients and macronutrients for lawn growth
It’s versatile and can be applied to all types of grasses
It can be applied regularly throughout the winter

Cons

It’s designed specifically for grass growth and not for treating diseases, weed infestation, or pest control.

Scotts Southern Turf Builder Lawn Food 26-2-13

Specially formulated for Bermuda grass, it’s a blend of 26-2-13 to protect the turf against heat and drought. To add to its features, it encourages healthy and strong root growth and vibrancy of grass color.

It can be applied to both wet or dry lawns without affecting performance and results. Start with the outside parameter and work inwards, scattering it evenly across all areas.

Pros

Repairs grass damage caused by the intense heat
Retains moisture in the turf and encourages strong root growth
Can be applied to dry or wet lawns

Cons

Not designed for an already heavily fertilized soil

Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermuda Grass 1-0-0

Designed well to support the peculiar needs of the Bermuda grass. It’s a combination of seed and slow-release feed. Each seed is wrapped in an outer, protective layer that keeps it from being washed away from disease or pests. Can be applied liberally to the affected area while making sure that the seeds are in direct contact with the soil. Just water deeply and thoroughly for best results.

Pros

Specially designed combination of mulch, seed, and fertilizer
For fast germination, it contains patented seed technology

Cons

Better designed for spot treating and not to use for large scale products

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Fertilizer 24-25-4

This option combines an equal ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus with an adequate amount of potassium to allow healthy absorption. Best used on newly-laid sod or yellow areas because it’s designed especially for this purpose. To get better results, you need Scotts seed spreader depending on the size of the plot and the holding option you prefer.

Next, the treated areas should be watered more than the other areas. This attention to detail and additional investment will yield healthy results and a lush, green lawn. Water the lawn throughout before using the fertilizer. Start from the perimeter and work your way inwards, paying special attention to dry patches.

Pros

Highly beneficial for new sods and damaged areas
Contains just the right proportions of nutrients for success in a nutrient-deficient soil

Cons

Must be consistently watered initially to ensure good growth

The Andersons Professional Fertilizer 16-4-8

As a homeowner, if you’re looking for professional-grade results for your lawns without the heavy price tag, this one’s the go-to option. The slow-release covers ultra-fine particles for twice the coverage area than any other option. With the addition of humic and fulvic acids, this option is more effective and leads to efficient nutrient absorption and processing.

Pros

Ultrafine pellets for better coverage
Slow-release of nutrients for a better lawn

Cons

Contains lower levels of nitrogen. Hence, not recommended for severely damaged lawns

Doc’s Super Juice All in One Soluble Supplement Lawn Fertilizer 14-2-4

This option includes iron and other micronutrients that are highly beneficial for grass growing and give a profusion of green in less time. It’s highly beneficial for less desirable soil and a bag can take care of a full acre of lawn. When it’s applied to the grass, the iron is absorbed quickly through the roots and the results are pretty evident in a small period.

Just combine this fertilizer with the recommended amount of water and spray all over the lawn. Repeat every 1-3 weeks in spring and every 3-6 weeks in summer.

Pros

It’s iron-rich and can fertilize the soil
The nutrients are immediately absorbed by the roots

Cons

Only produces best results in Bermuda grass

Pennington Smart Seed Bermuda Grass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix

Ideal for lawns in more temperate climates with a minimum of 8 hours of sun every day. It’s a highly effective combination of seeds and fertilizers and results in vigorous growth, minimizing weeds and dandelions. Gives the Bermuda grass a much earlier color as it comes into full form and takes over. The best way to apply it is to spread evenly to the area that needs to be fertilized and water daily to keep the area moist.

Pros

Companion seed gives early color in spring
Ideal for warm climate

Cons

Requires generous watering for the first couple of weeks

Petra Tools Liquid Lawn Fertilizer 16-4-8

This maximum strength liquid fertilizer offers a two-pronged approach to improve the nitrogen levels in Bermuda grass. Provides an instant hit of Nitrogen to ‘green up’ the grass and increase the growth rate. After the initial period, there’s a slow release of Nitrogen for sustainable growth. It provides robust growth to the lawn, enhances health, and encourages strong root formation.

It’s safe to repeat every 14 days until the vibrancy of color and density is achieved.

Pros

Works well in the extreme heat of southern summer as well as the northern climate
Safe for kid and pet activity
Makes turf look luscious and green

Cons

Comes at a slightly higher price point than other options

When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass?

With the changing weather patterns across geographical areas, establishing the right schedule for fertilizing is difficult. Therefore, it’s important to build a personalized strategy and a consistent fertilizing schedule based on the weather patterns in your area. Despite the changing weather conditions, here’s a seasonal schedule to fertilize Bermuda grass that can allow supporting the health and growth of the lawn in different ways:

Spring

Start with a gentle effort for maximum results. Applying high amounts of nitrogen right after winter can have fatal consequences. So it’s best to start with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to not shock the roots with a heavy supply after a very low supply through winter.

Summer

A soil test can help determine if the soil requires more nitrogen support during the summer. At this time of the year, a moderate supply of Nitrogen is adequate. A high amount is preferred in lawns with sandy or clayey soil. Adding iron to this feed promotes vibrant green color and stimulates root growth.

Fall

Nitrogen application is best during the summer. During the fall season, it may trigger new growth that might not survive under the cold weather conditions. Add an adequate supply of nitrogen and potassium before entering winter so the lawn can absorb it before the cold season begins.

No matter what the soil or weather condition is, there’s always the right fertilizer that gives Bermuda grass a lush and green look and keeps it safe for kids and pets. Test your soil and choose the fertilizer best suited to the weather and soil condition of your lawn.