Warm-Season Lawn Care Guide

Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede, and bahia grasses thrive in heat and go dormant in winter. Their care calendar is essentially the reverse of cool-season turf.

Spring Greenup (Soil 65°F+)

The warm-season growing season begins when soil temperatures reach 65°F sustained. This triggers greenup from winter dormancy. Apply the first fertilizer application at this point — a balanced fertilizer at 0.5-1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft.

Peak Growth (Soil 75°F+)

Warm-season grasses hit peak growth when soil exceeds 75°F and air exceeds 80°F. This is when they can handle higher nitrogen rates. Bermuda can take 3-6 lbs N/year, while centipede should never exceed 1-2 lbs total (with strong decline warnings above that).

Weed Control

Warm-season herbicide options differ significantly from cool-season. Never use triclopyr on bermuda. Celsius WG is the premium warm-season broadleaf control. Atrazine is budget-friendly for centipede and St. Augustine.

Fall Dormancy Prep

As soil temperatures drop below 65°F, stop nitrogen applications. Apply a potassium-heavy fertilizer (0-0-50) to harden the grass for winter. Lower mowing height gradually.

Winter Overseeding (Optional)

In zones 7-9, bermuda lawns can be overseeded with perennial ryegrass for green winter color. Seed when bermuda goes dormant (soil below 60°F) but soil is still above 45°F for ryegrass germination.