Fertilization Timing for North Texas Lawns - A Complete Guide

Proper fertilization timing is the difference between thriving grass and wasted money. Here's when to feed each grass type.

Grass only uses nutrients during active growth. Feed during dormancy and you waste money while polluting waterways.

Bermuda Grass

4-6 lbs nitrogen/year

• ✓

  Late March/April: 1 lb when 50% green

• ✓

  Late May/June: 1 lb (slow-release for summer)

• ✓

  Late July/August: 1 lb

• ✓

  Early September (optional): ½-1 lb

DON'T feed before green-up or after September.

St. Augustine

2-4 lbs nitrogen/year

• ✓

  Mid/Late April: ½-1 lb (wait until frost danger passes)

• ✓

  June: ½-1 lb (slow-release)

• ✓

  August: ½-1 lb (last feeding)

DON'T feed before warm soil (increases disease) or after August.

Zoysia

2-4 lbs nitrogen/year

• ✓

  Late April/Early May: ½-1 lb (greens up later than Bermuda)

• ✓

  Mid-June/Early July: ½-1 lb

• ✓

  Late August (optional): ½ lb

Tall Fescue (Cool-Season)

3-4 lbs nitrogen/year

• ✓

  Early September: 1 lb (MOST IMPORTANT)

• ✓

  Late October/Early November: 1 lb

• ✓

  Late February/Early March: ½ lb (light only)

• ✓

  Late April/Early May (optional): ½ lb if needed

OPPOSITE from warm-season grasses - heavy feeding in FALL.

Numbers like 15-5-10 = N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium)

Nitrogen promotes growth and green color

Phosphorus develops roots

Potassium improves stress tolerance

For North Texas: Use 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio (like 15-5-10).

• ✓

  Apply to dry grass, water in with ½ inch

• ✓

  Calibrate spreader properly

• ✓

  Avoid heavy rain within 24 hours

• ✓

  Don't exceed 1 lb nitrogen per application

Professional fertilization programs? Call (940) 435-4727 or get your custom plan.