Taking care of a lawn is more than just mowing it when it looks shaggy. If you’re working with Bermuda, Zoysia, or Centipede grass, you know they each have their quirks, and treating them right can make all the difference between a patchy yard and a show-stopping lawn. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to boost your curb appeal or someone managing a business property, having a good maintenance schedule is key. Let’s dive into what your lawn needs through the seasons so you can keep it looking its best.
Know Your Grass
First things first. Let’s get familiar with these three grass types:
Bermuda Grass: This is your go-to for tough, sun-loving lawns. It grows fast, tolerates heavy use, and is great for areas that get lots of sun. It’s popular for athletic fields and sunny residential properties but needs frequent care to keep it from looking wild.
Zoysia Grass: If you love the look of a thick, luxurious lawn that doesn’t require constant mowing, Zoysia is your friend. It grows slower than Bermuda, can handle partial shade, and is pretty drought-tolerant.
Centipede Grass: This one’s for the low-maintenance crowd. Centipede grows slowly, doesn’t need much fertilizer, and thrives in acidic soil. It’s perfect for people who want a nice lawn without a ton of work.
Now that we know what we’re working with, let’s talk about how to keep these grasses thriving year-round.
Spring (March–May)
Spring is when the magic starts. Your lawn is waking up from dormancy, and how you care for it now sets the tone for the rest of the year.
For Bermuda:
Mow it low! Scalping (cutting it down to about ¾–1 inch) in early spring helps remove the old, dormant grass and gets sunlight to the soil.
Once the grass starts turning green, it’s time for fertilizer. Look for something high in nitrogen to kick-start growth.
Don’t forget pre-emergent herbicides to stop summer weeds before they start.
For Zoysia:
Start mowing when the grass hits about 2 inches. Keep it trimmed to 1.5–2 inches for the season.
Aerate the soil in late spring to loosen things up and give the roots room to grow.
Fertilize when the grass starts greening up—Zoysia likes a balanced fertilizer for steady growth.
For Centipede:
Go easy on this one. Mow at 1.5–2 inches, but no scalping—it doesn’t recover as well as Bermuda.
Fertilize lightly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once it greens up. Too much fertilizer can actually harm Centipede grass.
If weeds are popping up, hand-pulling is usually your safest bet.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime time for warm-season grasses, so you’ll be spending more time mowing and watering to keep things looking sharp.
For Bermuda:
You’ll want to mow frequently—1–2 times a week is common since this grass grows like crazy in the summer. Keep it at 1–1.5 inches.
Fertilize monthly with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to keep that vibrant green color.
Aim for about 1–1.5 inches of water a week, whether that’s from rainfall or your sprinkler system.
For Zoysia:
Zoysia grows slower, so mowing once a week is usually fine. Keep it at 1.5–2 inches tall.
A mid-summer fertilization may be needed, but don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer can cause thatch buildup.
Water about 1 inch per week. Zoysia is drought-tolerant, but a little extra water during dry spells keeps it lush.
For Centipede:
Mow as needed to keep it at 1.5–2 inches, but you won’t be cutting as often as Bermuda.
Fertilizer isn’t a big deal here—maybe a light application mid-summer if your lawn looks like it needs a boost.
Overwatering can lead to issues like root rot, so stick with light, infrequent watering.
Fall (September–November)
As the growing season slows down, your focus shifts to prepping your lawn for the winter months.
For Bermuda:
Gradually raise your mower height to about 2 inches to protect the grass during cooler weather.
Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer in early fall to strengthen the roots for winter.
Want some winter green? Overseed with ryegrass in early fall.
For Zoysia:
Keep mowing but reduce the frequency as growth slows. Maintain the height at 1.5–2 inches.
Use a winterizer fertilizer to give the grass a nutrient boost before dormancy.
Spot-treat any weeds—don’t let them take over while the grass is dormant.
For Centipede:
Keep the height consistent and mow less often.
Avoid fertilizing late in the season—Centipede doesn’t need much help as it heads into dormancy.
If you notice a layer of thatch, early fall is the time to dethatch.
Winter (December–February)
During winter, these grasses go dormant, so there’s not much to do—but what you don’t do is just as important.
For Bermuda and Zoysia: Keep the lawn clean by removing leaves and debris. This helps prevent mold and pests. A post-emergent herbicide can tackle winter weeds like Poa annua.
For Centipede: Try to avoid heavy foot traffic during dormancy—it can lead to compaction. If weeds pop up, use spot treatments sparingly.
Tips to Make Lawn Care Easier
Test Your Soil: Grass can’t thrive in poor soil. Test it once a year to check pH and nutrient levels. Adjust as needed for your grass type—Centipede likes acidic soil, while Bermuda and Zoysia prefer something closer to neutral.
Stay Sharp: Keep your mower blades sharp for clean cuts that reduce stress on the grass.
Work Smarter, Not Harder: If you’re short on time, consider hiring a lawn care service, especially during the busiest seasons.
Real-Life Stories
A neighbor once told me they skipped scalping their Bermuda lawn one spring, thinking it wasn’t necessary. By mid-summer, their lawn was patchy and overrun with weeds. Lesson learned—they scalped the following year and were blown away by the results.
A friend of mine planted Centipede grass because they were tired of constant mowing. They love how it stays low-maintenance while still looking lush, even with minimal fertilizer.
Taking care of Bermuda, Zoysia, or Centipede grass isn’t rocket science, but having a plan makes a big difference. Stick to a schedule, pay attention to what your lawn needs, and don’t sweat the small stuff. With a little consistency, your lawn will look amazing, whether it’s at home or in front of your business.
Need help creating the perfect lawn? Contact us and team up with the best lawn care experts within the Trussville area for professional maintenance services designed for Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede grass!
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