Greetings, homeowners of the transition zone! If you're looking for a lush, vibrant bermudagrass lawn that makes your neighbors green with envy, you've come to the right place. Maintaining a healthy lawn year-round requires a tailored approach that aligns with the changing seasons. To help you become the envy of the neighborhood, we've put together a seasonal lawn care calendar specifically for bermudagrass lawns in the transition zone.
BERMUDA CARE PLAN FOR HOMEOWNERS IN THE TRANSITION ZONE
Spring
As the temperatures rise and nature awakens from its winter slumber, it's prime time to kickstart your lawn care routine. Here's what an average homeowner in the transition zone should plan for when caring for bermuda in the spring:
Early Spring (March - April)
Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen pre-emergent herbicide. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient prodiamine. Read the label and apply a 6-month rate.
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen broadleaf herbicide. At this time of year, a 3-way formulation is recommended. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Mowing: Scalp your lawn at the first cut of the season. Gradually allow your turfgrass to grow out to a canopy height of 1 inch and maintain this height. Do not cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade of your turfgrass.
Fertilization: Apply a starter fertilizer (ratio 3:4:2 such as an 18-24-12 granular fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass.
Grub Control: Apply a systemic insecticide labeled for white grubs. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient imidacloprid. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Late Spring (May)
Post-Emergent Herbicide Spot Treatment: Select and apply your chosen broadspectrum weed killer. At this time of year, we prefer Q4 herbicide as it contains active ingredients targeting broadleaf weeds, many grassy weeds, and, most importantly, sedges.
Mowing: Allow your turfgrass to grow out to a canopy height of 1.5 inches and maintain this height. Do not cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade of your turfgrass.
Watering: Turn on and test your irrigation equipment.
Overseeding: Repair any bare patches by overseeding with bermudagrass seed.
Summer
Ah, the season of barbecues and outdoor gatherings. To keep your bermudagrass looking its best during the heat of summer, focus on the following:
Early Summer (June - July)
Post-Emergent Herbicide Spot Treatment: Select and apply your chosen broadspectrum weed killer. At this time of year, we prefer Q4 herbicide as it contains active ingredients targeting broadleaf weeds, many grassy weeds, and, most importantly, sedges.
Mowing: Allow your turfgrass to grow out to a canopy height of 2.5 inches and maintain this height. Do not cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade of your turfgrass. The added canopy height is recommended to insulate your soils from exposure and to preserve water.
Watering: Ensure your lawn receives 1/2 inch of water every 7 days. Monitor weekly rainfall totals and supplement rainfall with irrigation. Adopt a deep but infrequent watering philosophy to get the most from your lawn.
Fertilization: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer (ratio 1:0:0, such as a 28-0-0 granular fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/4 - 1/2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass every 2 weeks.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and treat them promptly.
Aeration: Consider aerating your lawn to improve airflow and water absorption. For residential lawns, mechanical core aeration is recommended every three years, while inputs with aeration-like effects should be completed annually.
Late Summer (August)
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen broadleaf herbicide. At this time of year, a 3-way formulation is recommended to address breakthrough broadleaf weeds as you near the end of your pre-emergent herbicide application's lifespan. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Mowing: Maintain your canopy at a 2.5 - 3 inch height
Watering: Ensure your lawn receives 1/2 inch of water every 7 days, adjusting run times upward by as much as 50% for sandy or quickly drying soils.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (ratio 1:1:1, such as 13-13-13 granular fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/2 pounds of nitrogen (N) per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass.
Grub Control: Apply a systemic insecticide labeled for white grubs. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient imidacloprid. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Fall
As the temperatures start to cool down, your lawn will appreciate some extra TLC. Here's how to care for your bermudagrass in the fall:
Early Fall (September - October)
Mowing: Maintain your canopy at a 2.5 - 3 inch height
Watering: Ensure your lawn receives 3/4 inch of water every 7 days, adjusting run times upward by as much as 50% for sandy or quickly drying soils. Water inputs now will help your lawn rebound from the stresses of an Oklahoma summer.
Fertilization: Apply a zero or low nitrogen, high potash fertilizer (ratio 1:0:5, such as a 5-0-25 granular fertilizer). Read the label and apply appropriately, targeting 1/2 pounds of potash (K) per 1,000 square feet of turfgrass.
Dethatching: A relatively uncommon need in our area, this is the window for mechanical dethatching.
Late Fall (November)
Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen pre-emergent herbicide. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient simazine. Read the label and apply a 3 - 4 month rate.
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen herbicide. At this time of year, we prefer Negate to address Poa Annua as well as any germinated broadleaf weeds. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
Mowing: Maintain your canopy at a minimum of 3 inches to insulate your turfgrass' stolons and crowns against exposure based death. Give your lawn a final mow after dormancy for a clean appearance
Watering: Winterize your irrigation equipment.
Test Soil: Conduct a comprehensive soil test to identify the nutritional needs for the next growing season. A comprehensive soil test will also indicate soil-borne issues (pH, CEC, nutritional build-up or deficiency) that can be amended during the dormant season.
Winter
While your lawn may seem dormant in the winter, a little preparation now can go a long way when spring arrives:
Early Winter (December)
Equipment Maintenance: Service your lawn equipment to ensure it's ready for the next season.
Change oil
Lube chassis
Replace blades
Winterize fuel system
Tree Trimming: Remove branches growing or reaching down to within 8ft of your lawn surface. Consult with an arborist for appropriate pruning windows and methods for your specific tree varieties.
Late Winter (January - February)
Planning: Start planning your lawn care strategy for the upcoming growing season
Pre-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen pre-emergent herbicide. At this time of year, we prefer products with the active ingredient prodiamine. Read the label and apply a 6-month rate.
Post-Emergent Herbicide: Select and apply your chosen broadleaf herbicide. At this time of year, a 3-way formulation is recommended. Read the label and apply it appropriately.
By adhering to this seasonal lawn care schedule designed for Bermudagrass lawns in the transition zone, you will be on track to becoming proficient in lawn maintenance. Consistency is crucial for sustaining a vibrant and lush lawn. Therefore, put on your gardening gloves and prepare to enhance your lawn into a work of art that will impress everyone!
Happy lawn care, homeowners! 🌱
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