As winter settles in, Bermuda grass in North Texas enters a dormant phase, turning brown and slow-growing. But don’t be fooled — while your Bermuda grass may be resting, it still requires some care and attention to ensure it comes back strong and healthy in the spring. Proper winter and pre-spring lawn care can make all the difference when it comes to how your lawn thrives in the warmer months.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best winter and early spring care practices for Bermuda grass in North Texas, along with a few “Did you know?” facts that will help you become a lawn care expert!
Understand, though, that even if the grass blades aren’t active, the root system is still active. Until there is a hard freeze, the root system is not “dormant”.
1. Understand Bermuda Grass Dormancy
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, meaning it thrives during the hot summer months but goes dormant when temperatures drop below 50°F. This is a natural process for the grass, but it’s essential to know when dormancy sets in to avoid over-watering or unnecessary lawn care activities.
Did you know? Bermuda grass can stay dormant for several months during winter, but it typically begins to green up again in early spring when soil temperatures rise above 65°F.
2. Mowing and Lawn Maintenance Before Winter
Before the cold weather hits, there are a few essential tasks you should complete to help your Bermuda grass survive the winter months.
- Mow your lawn one last time: Bermuda grass should be mowed at a height of 1 to 2 inches before it enters dormancy. This helps prevent excessive thatch buildup and allows for better air circulation.
- Clean up your lawn: Remove fallen leaves, branches, or any debris that may block sunlight from reaching the grass. A clean lawn will help the Bermuda grass maintain healthier roots and prevent fungal growth during winter.
- Aerate if needed: If your soil is compacted, consider aerating your lawn before winter. Aeration helps water, air, and nutrients penetrate deeper into the soil, encouraging stronger root development.
Did you know? Bermuda grass is known for its dense, vigorous growth, but it’s also susceptible to thatch buildup when mowed too high or not maintained properly. Thatch can trap moisture, promoting fungal diseases in the spring.
3. Watering During Dormancy
While Bermuda grass slows down and becomes dormant in the winter, it still needs water, albeit in smaller amounts. During the colder months, you can reduce watering frequency significantly. Watering once or twice a month, depending on weather conditions, is usually sufficient to prevent the roots from drying out completely.
Did you know? Overwatering Bermuda grass in the winter can lead to root rot and other diseases. It’s crucial to avoid watering on days when temperatures are near freezing, as frozen soil won’t absorb moisture efficiently.
4. Winter Fertilization – When to Apply
Fertilizing Bermuda grass in the winter is generally unnecessary. Since the grass is dormant, it won’t be able to take up nutrients efficiently. However, applying a slow-release fertilizer in late winter or early spring, just before the grass begins to green up, can give it a healthy start when it wakes up from dormancy.
When applying fertilizer, opt for a balanced formula with equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), or use one specifically formulated for Bermuda grass. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can stimulate excessive growth in the early spring and promote disease.
Did you know? Fertilizing Bermuda grass too early in the spring can encourage weak, rapid growth that is susceptible to frost damage. Wait until the soil temperature is consistently above 65°F before applying any spring fertilizer.
5. Weed Control: Preventing Winter Weeds
Winter weeds such as henbit, chickweed, and dandelions can take advantage of Bermuda grass’s dormancy. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in late fall can help control these pesky winter weeds. However, be cautious with the timing — applying it too early can prevent your Bermuda grass from greening up in the spring.
If you didn’t apply a pre-emergent in the fall, you can manually remove weeds as they appear in the winter and early spring. Just be sure not to disturb your Bermuda grass too much during its dormancy.
Did you know? Winter weeds are often more prevalent in Bermuda lawns that have poor soil health or those that are not properly maintained in the fall. Preventing their growth starts with strong fall lawn care practices.
6. Preparing for Spring Green-Up
As the days grow longer and temperatures start to rise, Bermuda grass will begin to wake up from its dormant state. In late winter or early spring, you can begin preparing your lawn for the spring green-up.
- Rake up any remaining debris: Clear any dead grass or leaves that have accumulated over the winter. This will allow sunlight to reach the new growth.
- Aerate the soil: If you didn’t aerate in the fall, now is a good time to do it. Aeration in early spring helps relieve compaction and creates space for your grass to spread and grow.
- Increase watering gradually: As temperatures rise, start watering more frequently to support the new growth of your Bermuda grass. But be sure to avoid over-watering — Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant once it’s fully established.
Did you know? Bermuda grass can grow up to 1 to 2 inches per week in the summer months if properly fertilized and watered. However, the spring green-up process can take 2 to 3 weeks after it begins.
Conclusion
Caring for Bermuda grass in North Texas during the winter and pre-spring months is about preparing it for the warm growing season ahead. By understanding the grass’s dormancy cycle, reducing watering, applying fertilizer at the right time, and addressing weeds early, you can ensure a lush, green lawn when spring arrives. Following these winter and pre-spring care tips will not only help your Bermuda grass survive but also thrive throughout the year.
By keeping your lawn healthy and well-maintained now, you’ll enjoy a lush, vibrant Bermuda grass lawn that can withstand the heat and humidity that North Texas summers bring.
Don’t let winter weeds steal the spotlight!
Contact American Lawnscape today to learn more about our winter weed control program. Our experienced technicians will assess your lawn and recommend the most effective solution to keep those pesky winter weeds at bay.
Any Questions?
As always, please reach out with any questions pertaining to your yard. You can reply or call/text (214-308-1322). We appreciate getting to work with you and appreciate your partnership.
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