This is why homeowners must carefully consider when to fertilize their new turfs. Do not apply fertilizer on an abnormally hot day, not even in the morning. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? Lightly rake the seed into the soil surface, then firm the soil with a tamper, roller, or garden tractor tires. Amend the existing soil, and either reseed or lay new sod. They also determine if there are amendments that need to be added before planting. The best time to fertilize grass is when the ground warms up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. With that being said, what are the best nutrients for new sod and how can you get them? As stated above water twice a day for the first nine days after installationonce in the morning and then again in the evening. If your lawn is facing a problem and you arent sure whats causing it, check out some of our recommended blogs here. Regular fertilizer contains a mix of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus at a 1-2-1 ratio. The triple fertilizer not only feeds your lawn with nitrogen and potassium but also kills weeds like dandelions and oxalis and keeps away fire ants for up to six months after application. Check out some of the recommended heights for bermuda grass below. We recommend theNew Lawn Starter BoxfromLawnifi, the best fertilizer for new berrmuda grass sod. Our professional lawn care technicians have been keeping lawns all across the south looking their best for generations, and we can help your yard, too. Do not cover new bermuda grass seed with straw. Find the right grass for your location and needs with our Sod Selector tool. At this time, the roots continue to anchor into the ground, and cutting may lead to long-term damage. There are a number of reasons. Can be applied every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Moreover, over-fertilizing can actually leach more nutrients from the soil, leaving a deficiency of nutrients when your new turf is finally ready to be replenished. Measure the square footage of the new grass youre trying to grow in order to determine how much fertilizer you need to purchase. Let ABC take care of your yard, so you and the butterflies can simply relax and enjoy the view! ), Disadvantages of Mulching Grass (Best Way to Mulch). However, during the fall, you should mow slightly higher. When to use it. If you start mowing and pieces of your new lawn start coming up, you either have your mower set too low, or your sod has not put down sufficient roots. You seeded new grass into problem areas and waited for it to grow. Continue to spot-check the perimeter and seams for dry spots. Dont Miss: How Do I Fill In Bare Spots In My Lawn. Wait until the weather cools back down to a normal temperature. For example, in areas with soil that tends to be alkaline, lime may need to be added to balance the pH level (which affects how well the grass absorbs nutrients). So, when do you add starter fertilizer to your new turf? You can start feeding your new Zoysia grass sod with nitrogen-laden fertilizer approximately one and a half months after installation. If youre still conducting research OR youve finished establishing your new sod, check out the two articles below and dont forget tosubscribe to Sod University, our free educational newsletter we send out on lawn and garden. Continue watering your bermuda sod throughout this time frame. From fertilizer to disease control, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to ensure you have the best looking lawn on the block. At this point, the roots of the sod will have had a chance to grow and establish themselves, and they will be able to better absorb the fertilizer. The best times to fertilize are in spring and late summer. Spread the starter fertilizer before you add Bermuda grass seeds using a broadcast or drop spreader. Therefore- its okay (and perhaps- important) to apply starter fertilizer on new sod. Because Bermuda grass is in fact a perennial form of grass, it does not typically require re-seeding. Sod Solutions works with private breeders and university researchers across the globe to find and bring to market the best grasses with the best genetics on the planet. Apply Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermuda Grass with your spreader. Specifically, the grass should start to turn green and require mowing at least twice before its time to fertilize for the spring. Follow our post to get to know the best stage for enriching your new meadow! Taking the right action steps in new sod care promises to pay long-term dividends. When tomato plants begin to flower and bear fruit, fertilize them every 2-3 weeks, depending on plant productivity. Adding starter fertilizer to the soil and tilling it in beforehand releases the nutrients, making them immediately accessible to the seed or sod. But youre probably going to want to. Bermuda grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, tackifier, and a protectant are all included. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lawnifi 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer Program. On day 9 after watering, pull up a portion of the sod and see if you can find fresh white roots beginning to attach to your soil. Fertilizing the field at an inopportune time could harm the development of your greensward. Provide supplemental, targeted hand-watering with a hoseespecially throughout the first 14 days. This will help improve drainage and reduce compaction. If you don't use Total Lawn Food, be sure to check to ensure the fertilizer is approved for use on Bermuda, Zoysia or Fescue. If you are like most homeowners, you have entered into the now what? stage. We only include brands we use and trust. In midsummer, Bermuda grass could use another application of fertilizer. After the initial fertilization, you should continue fertilizing your St. Augustine turf at two-month intervals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lawnifi 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer Program. Yes, you should fertilize new sod, as its beneficial for root establishment. Pro-tip: You shouldn't be using starter fertilizer once seeds germinate into the first shoots of grass. Seed in midspring to midsummer. The impact of these types of soil on your lawn? Well, after your lawn is installed, its no longer a baby, so you need to switch to more appropriate food.. With some exceptions, your lawn likely only needs to be fertilized one to three times per year. Phosphorous levels can easily build up too much in soil, resulting in runoff that ends up in surface waters. You can use the same complete fertilizer as you have been using, or switch to a fertilizer with little or no phosphorus but a higher rate of potassium. But do not feed the Bermuda grass with just any fertilizer. Also, be sure to carefully read the fertilizer label to learn whether you should water the lawn before or after applying the product. This will help the roots of the sod to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer. This bottle of Maintain will provide your lawn with all the nutrition it will need for the next 30 days. If this is the case, replace the affected sod areas by raking and pulling them out, then proceed to re-sod the area. If you apply starter fertilizer after you've planted grass seed: Use the fertilizer spreader and apply it over the soil. In other words, the next time you fertilize you need to use regular fertilizer that is appropriate for the makeup of your soil and the size of your fertilization area. From fertilizer to disease control, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to ensure you have the best looking lawn on the block. This combination is also known to be most beneficial for cool season turf, so depending on your variety of Bermuda, this fertilizer may be more or less beneficial. EARLY-FALL: fertilize your Bermuda grass lawn again in late August early September. Regular Fertilizer, How Ofter to Apply Starter Fertilizer on New Grass, Determine the Type and Amount of Fertilizer for your New Grass, When to Fertilize your Lawn after Seeding, Get Professional Help to Keep your Lawn Looking Great, impact of these types of soil on your lawn, choosing an eco-friendly fertilizer for your lawn. You May Like: What Is The Smallest Riding Lawn Mower. Heres how to do it: 1. Since its a gentle fertilizer, you can apply it before or after planting grass seeds. But in case you notice that your grass is dying, turning brown, or growing in patches, then you may want to add more fertilizer. Apply organic matter to your lawn as needed. Even without hot temperatures, applying chemical fertilizers . Once the grass is established, you can fertilize it following these guidelines: If you have followed the steps above, your new sod should be well on its way to a healthy start. To read more, visitWhen to Mow Newly Installed Sod. If the soil is compacted to a depth of over 2.5 inches, work it loose and deeply. Once you know the makeup of your soil, you can determine which fertilizer ratio is best for your lawn. Many lawn care experts argue that its best to wait 30 days or so after installation to even think of applying fertilizer to new sod. Finally, spread more by criss-crossing across your lawn. This will give the sod a boost of nutrients that it needs in order to get started. Make the last application of nitrogen fertilizer no later than eight weeks before the first frost. The best times to fertilize your new sod are either: Fertilizing earlier will provide your grass seeds with a nutritional boost that can help as they try to take root and establish themselves. Due to its three main functions, I find Scotts Turf Builder fertilizer is excellent for zoysia grass. Apply the second bottle of Lawnifi Grow at a full rate. Newly laid sod is stressed out after being harvested, transported and installed in its new environment. Fertilizer with high levels of phosphorus are best for new sod. Most lawn care companies recommend that you apply lawn fertilizer in the spring, between February and April. Miracle-Gro produces among the best fertilizers for plants and vegetables, but did you know that they have designed fertilizers for grass and lawn as well? To ensure optimal lawn health, fertilize heavily in the fall and lightly in early spring. In addition, for better performance, it is also recommended to apply some fertilizer with calcium, magnesium and sulfur. How To Make Bermuda Grass Lawns Grow Faster? Lastly, fertilizing assists in the recovery of your grass in the spring. With NPK of 30-0-6, it is designed for all types of lawn grass, including Bermuda grass. For more information, readWhen to Water Newly Installed Sod. 4. How Do You Fertilize Citrus Trees? Bermuda grass will show quick results (within days) and thrive when fed with this fertilizer, which has a NPK ratio of 30-0-6. Thus, it is needed to provide the third round of nutrients for your lawn between August and September. That attitude is terrific because the manner in which you nurture your new bermuda sod during its first six weeks is critical to its future health and appearance. The best time to plant bermuda grass is during the late spring after the threat of frost has passed and daily high temperatures are consistently in the 80s. Water once/wk for 15-25 minutes. Thats great for established plants, but not so wonderful for seedlings. Most lawns do not need to undergo fertilization more than 2 times a year. Starter fertilizer is specifically formulated for use on new sod whose root systems arent yet established. Besides, it is not recommended to fertilize in direct hot sunlight since it can burn the pasture. Be sure that none of the fertilizer goes deeper than four inches. Fresh white roots should be beginning to stick out. Its a common misconception, especially among those who are new to lawn care. Fertilizing too soon is unnecessary and wasteful since the sod can't access it. Bermuda grass should be mowed at a height of 1-2 inches in the spring. You dont want the watering to outpace the fertilizing as that could negatively impact the lawns growth cycle. As much as you might want to encourage growth and hurry the process along as quickly as possible, its best to wait before re-fertilizing your new grass. In terms of year seasons, the best time for fertilizing newly-installed sod is late spring through early fall. However, you may want to use weed and feed for St. Augustine Grass to feed your sod and control weeds. Each of the guides lay out maintenance tips for spring, summer and fall. Because you know that babies have special needs. You will learn how much to water the sod, how soon to mow it, as well as when to. It also states the key features of the fertilizer. Finally, Maintain contributes to healthy soil composition by delivering amino acids and microbes. Guidelines for newly installed Justice Fescue sod All new Fescue sod needs to be watered immediately during and after installation and set up to water 3 times per day (4 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m.), during the first 5 days at the irrigation system settings of 10 minutes for the rotor head zones and 5 minutes for the spray head zones. Adjusting the pH level is a preferable method to improve the soil quality and avoid damage to the meadows growth. For fall fertilizer formulation, adding potassium will help the meadow prevent disease and maintain enough strength to overcome wintertime. Choose a liquid, high nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer. Fertilize new sod for the first time about six weeks after laying the sod. When applying fertilizer to new sod, you should use a broadcast spreader. Liquid feeds also tend to keep the pH levels in your soil balanced. To read more, visit out blog onWhen to Mow Newly Installed Sod. However, if the fall you should use a specific fall fertilizer that is slightly higher in phosphorous and potassium, as it will promote better root growth. After re-sodding, ensure to water the entire lawn regularly to boost your chances of achieving new growth. Lawn fertilizers should be applied on your lawn depending on the region that you live in. Hand water these areas thoroughly. You can use, When applying fertilizer to new sod, you should use a broadcast spreader. Cover the area perimeter first and then fill the middle. You wont be applying all three bottles at oncetheres a schedule to follow. Most individual sod pieces will dry out along exposed edges or edges that are not tightly placed together. Plant Lawn At The Right Time By Bermuda Grass Seed. The first application of fertilizer to bermudagrass should be made in spring when the grass is 50% green OR when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees F. Visit www.georgiaweather.net to determine local soil temperature. This is actually cheaper than purchasing each seasonal box individually. andLiquid Lawnifis Most FAQs. The soil should be moist 34 inches deep. Being a warm-season turfgrass, the recommended fertilization season for Zoysia grass is from spring to early fall. This is when your lawn needs a fair amount of nitrogen, and demand cannot usually be met by environmental sources alone. As long as the temperatures are above 65F . Because it can actually damage your lawn if you use it later. All grass needs nutrients to improve growth and health, but the needs of new sod and established grass are slightly different. (How Much & Ways to Fix Excess), How Often Should I Aerate Lawn? Check the seed package for spreader settings. Avoid these problems by letting ABC Home & Commercial Services do the hard work for you. Selecting a suitable time for planting plays a key role in creating a fuller and healthier lawn. Although not necessary, aerating your garden after fertilization can help too. See the full disclosure in the privacy policy. Its not a bad time to apply nitrogen, but the more even the ratio of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (the three numbers indicated on the fertilizer package), the better. For both new and existing bermuda lawns, the fertilizer process is the same: Start by spreading it around the perimeter of your lawn at a steady walking pace. However, following the general tips below will help you decide when to fertilize the lawn: Applying fertilizer outside of the period stated on the instructions as well as the guide above will run the risk of damaging your lawn so it is important to pay attention to this. When we are talking about a daily basis, morning is the ideal time to water new sod. The First Few Weeks. Looking to spur new turf growth by applying fertilizer but are worried about doing it too soon? Generally, liquid fertilizers can sit on the barley for about a day. Of course you wouldnt. You can read more about overall care after installation inHow to Care for New Sod. 1. The formula for slow release is perfect, as it ensures that you only have to apply the drug once every two months. You can use it for Southern, Mid-South, Midwest and Northeast lawns. Centipede. The best time to plant new Bermuda grass seed is when daytime temps are in the 80's. (Late spring / early summer.) You can give your grass a bit of extra help by applying slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in 45- to 60-day intervals throughout the season. You can choose between liquid or granular. You should, therefore, install your St. Augustine sod in early spring to align with this recommended fertilization season. That gives them time to work into the soil before planting in mid-winter or early spring when temperatures are cool enough for seed germination but not so cold that dormancy sets in. Mow at the highest setting and only cut off the very tops of the leaf blades. So, fertilizing Bermuda grass is a necessary stage in the grassland care routine to keep your meadow full and green. Aeration also helps water and nutrients penetrate the soil more easily. We have downloadable maintenance guides that specify recommended heights forbermuda grass. Heat and dryness are your enemies when fertilizing your lawn. Be sure to fertilize it according to the schedule laid out in this article, and soon youll be enjoying a lush, green lawn. The best time of day to fertilize a lawn is morning because that's when the temperature is cooler and the grass is moist with dew. As previously mentioned, fertilizers that include more phosphorus content are your best option. For healthy turf and improved color, apply iron supplements in spring and fall. For best results, apply the fertilizer right beforeor immediately afterthe sod is installed. In week 4, transition to watering your Bermuda sod like an established lawn. Use grass plugs to test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine how well a certain grass type performs in your home landscape. Use half of the first bottle of liquid fertilizer in the Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box,Grow, on your already installed bermuda sod. This is the "sweet spot" but it also can be planted during the summer months if LOTS of water is available.