Choose the Right Fertilizer
Selecting the appropriate fertilizer is key to achieving a verdant lawn. Warm-season grasses thrive with specific nutritional formulas:
Bermudagrass Fertilization
Nitrogen Application:
- Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet after the lawn fully greens, usually from early April to May. Consider Vinedresser’s lawn treatment options.
- Continue with regular nitrogen applications: 1 pound in May, June, and July/August.
Fall Potash Application:
- Apply 1 pound of potash (K2O) per 1,000 square feet approximately four to six weeks before the expected frost. This can be done using 1.5 pounds of muriate of potash (KCl, 0-0-60) or 2 pounds of potassium sulfate (0-0-50).
Annual Nitrogen Requirement:
- Total of 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. For more comprehensive lawn care, Vinedresser provides lawn fertilization services.
Centipede grass Fertilization
Lime Caution:
- Lime is generally unnecessary for Centipede grass unless recommended by a soil test.
Consult Vinedresser Lawn and Landscape’s lawn care experts for personalized advice.
Nitrogen Application:
- Do not apply nitrogen before mid-May. Start with 1 pound per 1,000 square feet in mid-May.
- For additional fertilization, apply another 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in mid-August if needed.
Iron Deficiency:
- If the grass appears yellow, treat it with ferrous sulfate (2 ounces in 5 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet) or a chelated iron source. The grass should green up within 24 hours.
For ongoing maintenance, Vinedresser Landscaping’s lawn maintenance services can help.
Fall Potassium Application:
- Apply 1 pound of potassium (K2O) per 1,000 square feet four to six weeks before the first expected frost using 1.5 pounds of muriate of potash or 2 pounds of potassium sulfate.
Annual Nitrogen Schedule:
- Apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen in May, June, and July/August.
- Total annual nitrogen: 1-2 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
St. Augustine grass Fertilization
Initial Nitrogen Application:
- Apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in May or two weeks after the grass greens up, whichever is later.
Fertilizer Choice:
- Use a complete turf-grade fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 (e.g., 12-4-8 or 16-4-8).
Iron Deficiency:
- Yellow grass should be treated with ferrous sulfate (2 ounces in 5 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet) or a chelated iron source as needed.
Regular Nitrogen Schedule:
- Apply 0.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in June and August and 1 pound in July.
Total Nitrogen per Year:
- 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, distributed over the growing season.
Zoysia grass Fertilization
Initial Nitrogen Application:
- Apply 0.5 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet about three weeks after the lawn greens up.
Fertilizer Selection:
- Use a complete turf-grade fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 (such as 12-4-8 or 16-4-8). If unavailable, use another complete analysis fertilizer.
Annual Nitrogen Limit:
- Do not exceed 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year.
For more on maintaining Zoysia grass, explore Vinedresser Lawn and Landscape’s lawn care services.
Subsequent Nitrogen Applications:
- Apply 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in late June or early July and repeat in mid-August.
Potassium Application:
- Administer 1 pound of potassium (K2O) per 1,000 square feet using 1.6 pounds of muriate of potash, 2 pounds of potassium sulfate, or 5 pounds of sul-po-mag.
Annual Application Schedule:
- Apply 1 pound of nitrogen in May, June, and July/August.
- Total annual nitrogen: 3 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet per year.
Special Considerations for Centipede grass
Avoid High Phosphorus:
- Do not use Milorganite or similar products as Centipede grass requires very little phosphorus.
Soil Acidity and Fertilizers:
- Thrives in acidic soil (pH between 5.5 and 6.5). Ammonium sulfate should be used as it is acidic and won’t raise soil pH.
Potassium Sources:
- Sulfate of Potash (SOP): Suitable due to low chloride content.
- Muriate of Potash (MOP): Not recommended due to high chloride content.
Our Fertilizer Recommendations
Centipede and St. Augustine Fertilizer (15-0-15):
- May/June & July/August: 0.5 lb per N per 1,000 sq ft per treatment.
- Nitrogen: 15% total, with 5.6% slowly available nitrogen.
- Phosphorus: 0% (suitable for Centipedegrass).
- Potash: 15% for stress tolerance and root development.
- Sulfur: 16.2% to maintain acidic soil conditions.
- Micronutrients: Boron, Manganese, Zinc.
For more details, explore Vinedresser’s lawn fertilization services.
Bermuda and Zoysia Fertilizer (22-0-12):
- May/June & July/August: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft per treatment.
- Nitrogen: 22% total, including quick-release and slowly available forms.
- Potash: 12%, derived from potassium sulfate.
- Sulfur: 10.1% for plant growth and soil health.
Fall Fertilizer (0-0-22):
- September & October.
- Soluble Potash: 22% for root strength and disease resistance.
- Magnesium: 10.5% for chlorophyll production.
- Sulfur: 21% for amino acid synthesis.
- No nitrogen to avoid unwanted growth and focus on energy conservation.
Learn more about this from Vinedresser Landscaping’s lawn treatment services.
Expert Care for Your Lawn
At Vinedresser Lawn & Landscape, we’re passionate about helping you achieve the perfect lawn. By following these expert tips on fertilizing warm-season grasses, you’re setting your lawn up for success. However, every lawn is unique; sometimes, you need a personalized touch.
Contact Us For More Advice or to Get on Our Schedule
If you’re looking for tailored advice or need professional lawn care services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Fill out our estimate request form or give us a call. Let us help you transform your lawn into a lush, healthy landscape you can be proud of. Remember, a great lawn is not just seen; it’s experienced!
