BERMUDA GRASS

Winter is a dormant period for bermudagrass, but proper maintenance during this time plays a major role in how the lawn performs the following spring. The primary focus in winter is preventing weeds, minimizing turf stress, and protecting the lawn from unnecessary damage while the grass is inactive. Since bermudagrass loses color and goes dormant in colder temperatures, winter annual weeds like poa annua, chickweed, and henbit can quickly invade if not controlled with fall and winter herbicide applications. This is also a good time to clean up leaves and debris, monitor for drainage issues, and avoid excessive traffic on frozen or saturated turf that can damage dormant grass. Fertilization is typically reduced or paused during winter dormancy, but maintaining good weed control and overall lawn cleanliness helps ensure bermudagrass wakes up healthier, thicker, and more uniform when temperatures begin warming in spring.

Spring is the most important growth period for bermudagrass as the lawn comes out of winter dormancy and begins actively spreading and thickening. The focus during this time is building aggressive growth, improving density, and preventing weeds from taking over before summer arrives. A second spring pre-emergent application is critical to extend crabgrass protection and other annual weeds before they germinate, while post-emergent weed control helps clean up any winter weeds still lingering in the turf. As soil temperatures warm, bermudagrass responds best to consistent fertilization with nitrogen to encourage rapid green-up, lateral spread, and recovery from winter stress. Spring is also the ideal time to begin preventative insect and disease protection, especially in lawns with a history of grub damage or fungal pressure. Proper mowing becomes increasingly important as well, with bermudagrass benefiting from lower mowing heights and frequent cutting to promote a dense, carpet-like lawn heading into summer.

Summer is peak growing season for bermudagrass, and the goal is maintaining strong growth while protecting the lawn from heat, drought stress, insects, and disease pressure. During this period, bermudagrass thrives with regular fertilization to sustain deep green color, encourage lateral spreading, and help the turf recover quickly from traffic and stress. Consistent mowing at the proper low height is essential to keep the lawn dense and healthy, while deep, infrequent watering promotes stronger root development and better drought tolerance. Summer is also when issues like armyworms, grubs, and fungal diseases can develop rapidly, especially during periods of heat and humidity, making preventative insect and fungicide applications an important part of a complete bermudagrass program. When properly maintained through the summer, bermudagrass fills in aggressively, crowds out weeds, and delivers the thick, durable lawn it is known for.

Fall is the time to help bermudagrass recover from summer stress while preparing the lawn for winter dormancy and a stronger spring green-up. As growth begins to slow and temperatures cool, the focus shifts toward strengthening the root system, improving overall turf health, and reducing winter weed pressure. Applying a potassium-rich fertilizer in the fall helps improve stress tolerance, winter hardiness, and spring recovery without pushing excessive top growth late in the season. This is also one of the most important times to control weeds, as cool-season weeds like poa annua, henbit, and chickweed begin germinating in fall and can become major problems by winter and early spring. A fall pre-emergent application is critical to prevent these weeds before they establish. Continued mowing and proper watering remain important through early fall, but should gradually taper off as bermudagrass enters dormancy. Proper fall care helps bermudagrass transition cleanly into winter while setting the stage for a faster, healthier green-up the following year.