Fertilize warm-season grasses only after full green-up

What to Do

Do not fertilize bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, or centipede grass until it has fully greened up and is actively growing. This means waiting until 2-3 weeks after the last frost, when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60-65°F.

Why It Works

Warm-season grasses cannot absorb nitrogen while dormant. Early fertilization feeds only the cool-season weeds growing in the dormant turf. Once the grass is actively growing, it quickly responds to nitrogen and fills in thin areas.

Tips

• Bermuda green-up starts at soil temps around 65°F; zoysia is slower at 70°F.
• In the transition zone, this often means May or even early June.
• Avoid heavy nitrogen in late fall on warm-season lawns — it promotes spring dead spot disease.