Lawn Fertilizing Summary: Timing, Rates, and Tips by Grass Type

Soil test (georgiasoiltest.com or 1-800-ASKUGA-1) is best. Without it, follow these rule-of-thumb schedules for common Georgia grasses.

Bermudagrass

• Start: 50% green OR soil >65°F.
• Every 6 weeks until mid-Sept.
• Winterizer optional mid-Sept; none after.

Centipedegrass

• Start: 50% green OR soil >65°F.
• Two apps: spring green-up + mid-summer.
• No fall fertilizer.
• 16-4-8 at 4 lbs/1000 sq ft or 15-0-15 at 5 lbs/1000 sq ft.
• Lime to pH 6.0 helps.

Fescue

• Cool-season: fertilize Sept–May (late Sept, Nov, Feb, Apr).
• No summer fertilizer—increases drought/disease susceptibility.
• If yellow in July, apply iron (Ironite), not nitrogen.

Zoysiagrass

• Start: 75–100% green OR soil >65°F.
• Every 7 weeks until mid-Sept.
• Winterizer optional mid-Sept; none after.

St. Augustinegrass

• Start: 50% green OR soil >65°F.
• Every 6 weeks until mid-Sept.
• None after mid-Sept.

Lime & Application

• 40 lbs/1000 sq ft fall or spring if not limed recently.
• Can apply with fertilizer on dry turf.
• Use cyclone or drop spreader; half rate in two perpendicular passes for even coverage.

Fertilizer spreader calibration