Fertilizing Bermudagrass: Why Water Is Essential After Application

Don't Fertilize Without a Water Plan

A homeowner with a healthy bermudagrass lawn asked whether to lime and fertilize when no rain is forecast for days. The answer: fertilizer must be watered in to reach the root zone. Without irrigation or rain, nitrogen dissipates and money is wasted. If you're not irrigating regularly, bermudagrass can go eight weeks between fertilizations because it doesn't use nutrients rapidly when dry.

Best Practice

Either fertilize just before expected rain or be prepared to irrigate immediately after application. Otherwise, wait for a better window.