Weekly Common Bermuda Grass Maintenance Guide
Winter Dormancy (Weeks 1-10)
Week 1: Remove debris and inspect lawn for winter damage.
Week 2: Avoid heavy foot traffic on dormant grass. Plan Spring maintenance schedule.
Week 3: Check soil pH; Bermuda prefers 5.8-7.0. Apply lime if needed to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
Week 4: Water every two weeks if no rainfall occurs to maintain soil moisture. Deep watering is better than frequent, shallow watering.
Week 5: Apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed growth.
Week 6: Inspect for Winter-active pests like fire ants and treat as needed.
Week 7: Remove excess leaves and debris to allow better sunlight exposure.
Week 8: As we approach dormancy break, plan for scalping soon. Ensure mower blades are sharp.
Week 9: Cut Bermuda very low (around ½ inch) to remove dormant vegetation and expose the soil to sunlight.
Week 10: Adjust irrigation to ensure deep, infrequent watering.
Spring Growth (Weeks 11-20)
Week 11: As soil warms, start transitioning to weekly, deep watering to prepare for active growth.
Week 12: Continue mowing, watering, and checking for early pest issues.
Week 13: Start watering once per week, ensuring moisture reaches 6 inches deep. Irrigate early mornings to prevent evaporation.
Week 14: Spot-treat or pull any emerging weeds before they take over.
Week 15: First application of Fertilize with 16-8-8 to promote strong growth.
Week 16: Continue mowing and watering routine. Spot-treat weeds.
Week 17: Apply preventative fungicide treatment.
Week 18: Apply grub control to prevent insect damage.
Week 19: Fertilize again with 16-8-8.
Week 20: Apply pre-emergent herbicide.
Peak Growing Season (Weeks 21-35)
Week 21: Keep mowing height at 1-2 inches. Water deeply.
Week 22: Monitor for chinch bugs and Summer pests.
Week 23: Apply organic soil conditioner to improve soil health.
Week 24: Continue proper mowing and watering practices.
Week 25: Watch for heat stress. Water early in the morning.
Week 26: Maintain mowing height and proper irrigation schedule.
Week 27: Spot-treat weeds and pests as needed.
Week 28: Keep up with mowing and deep watering.
Week 29: Monitor lawn for Summer stress and adjust care as needed.
Week 30: Apply soil conditioner again for sustained soil health.
Week 31: Inspect lawn for fungal issues and treat if necessary.
Week 32: Maintain healthy mowing height and deep watering schedule.
Week 33: Continue pest monitoring and apply treatments if needed.
Week 34: Keep up with routine mowing and watering.
Week 35: Apply Fall pre-emergent herbicide.
Transition to Fall (Weeks 36-45)
Week 36: Fertilize with 21-7-14 to prepare for cooler months.
Week 37: Apply preventative fungicide treatment.
Week 38: Reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool.
Week 39: Continue mowing as needed.
Week 40: Watch for Fall weeds and apply spot treatments.
Week 41: Adjust irrigation as the season changes.
Week 42: Keep lawn free of excessive leaves and debris.
Week 43: Prepare lawn for Winter dormancy with proper soil conditioning.
Week 44: Apply another round of 21-7-14 fertilizer.
Week 45: Reduce mowing frequency as grass growth slows.
Winter Dormancy Returns (Weeks 46-52)
Week 46: Check soil moisture levels and reduce watering.
Week 47: Avoid heavy foot traffic on semi-dormant grass.
Week 48: Perform final mowing before Winter dormancy.
Week 49: Winterize lawn care equipment and sharpen mower blades.
Week 50: Ensure proper drainage in the lawn to prevent pooling.
Week 51: Monitor lawn for any signs of disease or Winter stress.
Week 52: Plan for next year’s maintenance schedule and soil testing.
Seasonal Mowing Height:
- Growing Season (Spring-Fall): Maintain at 1-2 inches for optimal health.
- Late Fall-Winter: Reduce mowing as growth slows.