Fertilizer for Bermuda-What's Next?

15 years ago

A couple of weeks ago I did something normally I don't do. I put down a higher nitrogen fertilizer first instead of a balanced fertilizer (15-5-10) for the first application for this year. It was Vigoro 29-0-4. The results were not really what I wanted. Was looking to get a nicer green look to the grass. The grass is green but not a deep green like it normally is. What do you suggest I do next? Should I apply a higher nitrogen fertilizer than the one I just used after 30 or 45 days or go with a lower fertilizer.

Thanks,

Kurt

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

texas_weed
15 years ago
What part of TX? It is still pretty cool in most of TX and Bermuda will not go deep green until daytime highs are mid 80's and above with night lows above 60.

My guess is you need patience.
kyastanley
Original Author
15 years ago
Texas Weed, I am in North Texas, right outside of Fort Worth. Do you think I put out the first application of fertilizer too early?
Related Professionals
Tampa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bloomington Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Vineland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Rockford Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Hackettstown Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Boise Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Houston Landscape Contractors · Victoria Landscape Contractors · Grand Forks Landscape Contractors · Victoria Landscape Contractors · Dalton Home Builders · Bennington Home Builders · Bakersfield Home Builders · Stockton Home Builders · Hilo Home Builders
texas_weed
15 years ago
Probable so, but no harm done. I have moved to AZ, so I cannot say for sure, but I do still own the sod farm and lots of family in NTX up around Tioga and do know green up this year has been a little slow. I understand last night there was some frost in the area.

What I can tell you for certain is it was not the fertilizer you used, as it is nitrogen that makes the grass green. Also with you being in NTX you likely have the black gumbo soil which is naturally rich with potassium and phosphorous.

I honestly think it is, or rather has not warmed up enough for long enough to turn the Bermuda switch on yet. Just be patient and let Mother Nature do her thing as she has never failed yet.
kyastanley
Original Author
15 years ago
Texas Weed, which type of fertilizer would you recommend I use next for the next application? Not really looking to spend $50 on a Lesco bag of fertilizer. I was thinking of using something like a 35-0-5 in May and then maybe something richer in potash for the summer months on the third application. Thanks for the advice.

Kurt
dchall_san_antonio
15 years ago
kyastanley, TW wrote a guide called the Bermuda Bible. Search this forum or the Internet to find it. I'm sure he's happy to help but he was also happy to provide the bible so bermuda lovers/owners could help themselves when they don't need the personal touch.
texas_weed
15 years ago
kyastanley,

If I were you, I would do a soil test. NTX soils for the most part are black gumbo, with some areas being sandy loam. My bet is you have the black gumbo soil which is rich in P and K. If you do a soil test chances are you do not need anything other than nitrogen.

So my advice is just a straight nitrogen fertilizer for now until you get soil test results. Then if needed make the balanced application based on test results this fall in late October for your final application of the year. The balanced application can be either the first or last. Doesn't make a whole lot of difference IMO.