Don’t get lost in the Bermuda Triangle searching for the best lawn fertilizer. We’re here to make it simple. We carefully compared lawn foods from Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart and found the best fertilizers for Bermudagrass. Our fertilizer reviews and buying guide help you find the best fertilizer for your Bermuda lawn.
Our Top Picks
Top 3 Spring/Summer Fertilizers for Bermudagrass – Reviews
1. The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer with Humic DG – Best Granular
Do you want a lush, deep green lawn that doesn’t succumb to pests, bad weather, or diseases? Then, try our favorite Bermudagrass fertilizer for spring through summer, The Andersons PGF Complete with Humic DG. It’s a professional-grade fertilizer for homeowners who are serious about lawn care.
What sets it apart from the pack? It helps Bermudagrass reach its full potential with premium perks, including:
- Ideal NPK ratio for most lawns, including Bermudagrass
- Super-fine particles that are easy to spread evenly
- Humic DG, an organic material that enhances soil so your grass can take in more food and water
- Micronutrients (like iron) for deep greening
The formula improves the grass’s appearance and overall health. After applying, you can see results in as little as a week, but it can take up to a month to see a transformation. Its slow-release nitrogen continues feeding lawns for up to 8 weeks.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 40 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Improves color ✓ Increases resilience ✓ Deepens roots ✓ Contains organic material ✓ Easy to apply evenly | ✗ Some states ban phosphate fertilizers ✗ It can take up to a month to revitalize your lawn |
Where to buy
2. Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 – Best Liquid
If you want a fast-acting formula made with natural feed-grade ingredients, try Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8. It’s our favorite liquid for fertilizing Bermuda lawns from spring through summer. Your lawn will love its balanced nutrients, and you’ll love its ease of use. It comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle.
Like The Andersons PGF Complete, it has the ideal NPK ratio for most lawns. It also contains organic materials, like seaweed and fish. The formula promotes healthy green lawns that can withstand weather and outcompete weeds. You’ll start to see results in as little as a few days.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 12,800 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 2 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Liquid
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 1 gallon
- Time release: Quick
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Improves color ✓ Increases resilience ✓ Deepens roots ✓ Contains organic material ✓ Ready-to-use | ✗ Some states ban phosphate fertilizers ✗ Requires more applications than granular products ✗ Liquid fertilizer is more likely to cause fertilizer burn |
Where to buy
3. Down to Earth Organic Bio-Turf 8-3-5 Fertilizer – Best Organic Fertilizer
We recommend Down to Earth Organic Bio-Turf 8-3-5 Fertilizer for homeowners who prefer a natural approach to lawn care. It’s the best fertilizer for Bermudagrass that’s OMI-listed for organic use. Applying it in the spring increases the grass’s growth rate and resilience.
The nitrogen-rich formula feeds lawns for up to 8 weeks, promoting vibrant green grass with deep roots and a strong immune system. It’s also a great fertilizer for nitrogen-hungry vegetables like corn and tomatoes.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 3,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 8-3-5
- Package size: 25 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Organic (OMRI Listed) ✓ Safe for children and pets ✓ Improves color ✓ Increases resilience ✓ Deepens roots | ✗ Some states ban phosphate fertilizers ✗ Expensive |
Where to buy
Top 2 Fall Fertilizers for Bermudagrass – Reviews
1. Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer – Best Granular
Our favorite fall fertilizer for Bermudagrass is Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer. Bermuda has a low tolerance to cold, making it highly susceptible to winter damage and diseases. Jonathan Green’s high-potassium, low-nitrogen formula helps grass build the strength it needs to withstand winter, so it quickly greens come spring.
In addition to preparing Bermuda for the winter, it helps it recover from summer damage, such as extreme heat waves and droughts. The long-lasting formula feeds lawns for up to 3 months and is safe for newly seeded grass.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 15,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 3 months
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 10-0-20
- Package size: 45 lbs.
- Time release: Slow release
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Helps grass recover from summer damage ✓ Prevents winter damage ✓ Speeds up spring green up ✓ Feeds grass up to 3 months | ✗ Not good for phosphorus deficient soil |
Where to buy
2. Simple Lawn Solutions 0-0-25 – Best Liquid
Some soil has enough nitrogen to sustain Bermuda lawns in the fall. If your lawn already has enough nitrogen, adding more can weaken it. All it needs is a healthy helping of potash, which Simple Lawn Solutions 0-0-25 provides. It’s the ideal fall fertilizer for Bermudagrass growing in nitrogen-rich soil.
This high-potassium liquid lawn food helps grass endure and recover from stress. It feeds lawns potassium for up to 4 weeks, but contains no nitrogen. The ready-to-use spray bottle it comes in connects to a garden hose for easy application.
Does my lawn need nitrogen in the fall? Clay and loam soils are less likely to need nitrogen in the fall than sand, but you can test your soil to be sure.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 12,800 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 4 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Liquid
- N-P-K: 0-0-25
- Package size: 1 gallon
- Time release: Quick
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Helps grass recover from summer damage ✓ Prevents winter damage ✓ Ready-to-use | ✗ Not good for phosphorus deficient soil ✗ Not good for nitrogen deficient soil |
Where to buy
Top 2 Specialty Fertilizers
1. Preen One LawnCare Weed & Feed – Best Weed & Feed
The best weed and feed for Bermudagrass is Preen One LawnCare Weed & Feed. The high-nitrogen formula feeds lawns for up to 8 weeks, improving grass’s color, density, and resilience. Additionally, it kills over 250 broadleaf weeds and controls crabgrass. Its herbicides prevent crabgrass from sprouting and can kill it up to 4 weeks after germination.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- Herbicides: Contact, Systemic, Pre-emergent, Post Emergent
- N-P-K: 24-0-6
- Package size: 18 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Improves color ✓ Increases resilience ✓ Kills over 250 lawn weeds ✓ Controls crabgrass | ✗ Over-fertilizing can burn grass ✗ Using too often can damage soil ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
2. Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass – Best Seed and Feed
Is your lawn withered from pets, foot traffic, or bad weather? The best seed and feed for Bermudagrass is Pennington Smart Seed. Its combination of Bermudagrass seed and fertilizer helps homeowners fill those bare patches. And if your lawn’s thinning, overseeding with it will make your grass thicker.
Spring or early summer is the best time to spread it. You should see your new grass sprouting in as little as 10 to 14 days. Along with the Bermudagrass seed, the mixture includes cool-season grass for faster results than planting Bermuda alone.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 6 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 1-0-0
- Package size: 8.75 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Repairs patchy lawns ✓ Thickens grass ✓ Helps Bermudagrass crowd out weeds ✓ Works quickly | ✗ Not a stand alone fertilizer ✗ Only works during Bermuda’s growing season |
Where to buy
Buyer’s Guide
To choose the best lawn fertilizer for Bermudagrass lawns, please consider the following:
NPK Ratio
The NPK ratio tells you how much NPK a fertilizer contains. NPK are the three main nutrients grass needs to thrive:
- Nitrogen (N) encourages faster growth and gives grass its deep green color. Grass needs more nitrogen than any other nutrients, so it’s typically the highest number in an NPK ratio.
- Phosphorus (P) inspires healthy root systems. New lawns need a healthy dose to plant strong roots, but established lawns only need a little. Some states have banned phosphate fertilizers because they can pollute waterways. But they’re permitted in all southern states.
- Potassium (K) is good for the overall health of the lawn. It fortifies grass’s defense against weeds, insects, inclement weather, and diseases. For more information, check out our article: “What Does Potassium Do for Your Lawn?”
What’s the best NPK ratio for Bermuda? You need a soil test to know the best ratio for your soil, but 3-1-2 and 4-1-2 fertilizers are typically the best for Bermuda.
Equal Proportions
Remember, when looking at NPK ratios, it’s all about the proportion. Ratios are equal if they have the same values when reduced. Think back to grammar school. A fraction is a ratio that compares two numbers, so 1/2, 2/4, and 4/8 are all equal. They all reduce to 1/2.
An NPK ratio compares 3 values (N, P, and K) but works the same as a fraction. Thus, an NPK of 16-4-8 is the same ratio of nutrients as 8-2-4 or 4-1-2.
Calculating Nutrients
To apply the right amount of fertilizer, figure out how much nutrients it contains.
Example: Say you buy a bag of fertilizer with the following specs:
- NPK ratio: 16-4-8
- Weight: 40 pounds
The NPK ratio tells us 16% of the fertilizer is nitrogen, 4% is phosphorous, and 8% is potassium.
How many pounds of Nitrogen (N) are in the fertilizer? Multiple 16% by 40 pounds to find the total amount of N.
.16 x 40 pounds=6.4 pounds of N
Soil Test
Your soil naturally contains some of each plant nutrient. However, soils vary a lot. Your soil might have a deficiency or excess of some nutrients. That’s why we recommend getting a soil test before you choose a fertilizer.
The soil test tells you:
- Nutrient levels: In addition to NPK, grass needs soil with small amounts of micronutrients.
- Soil pH: Sometimes amendments are needed to provide grass with a proper pH level.
- Organic matter: Organic material improves the soil, so grass roots can grow extensively and take in hearty helpings of food and water.
How do I get my soil tested? Each state has at least one university extension that provides soil testing services. Find your state’s extension on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s land-grant university directory.
Types of Fertilizer
To choose the best type of fertilizer for your Bermuda turfgrass, consider these comparisons:
- Slow-release vs. quick-release: Quick-release fertilizers immediately release all their nutrients for an instant growth boost. Slow-release fertilizers gradually release nutrients to feed the lawn for several weeks. It takes longer to see results with slow-release, but you won’t have to apply it as often, and your grass is less likely to burn.
- Liquid vs. granular: Liquid fertilizers are easier to apply because you use a sprayer, which is sometimes the spray bottle they come in. But they’re typically quick-release, so they don’t last as long. To apply granular fertilizers, you have to walk a fertilizer spreader across your lawn. But granules are more cost-effective and have long-lasting results.
- Organic vs. synthetic: Organic lawn fertilizers are usually more expensive than synthetic fertilizers. But they’re better for your soil’s health and safer for the environment. Over time, synthetics can degrade your soil’s natural nutrition levels, whereas organic material improves it.
Bermudagrass’s Needs
To green up your Bermudagrass, you must know what a Bermuda lawn needs:
Bermuda’s Growth Season
Bermudagrass’s primary growing season starts in late spring and continues through late summer. Growth slows in fall when temperatures cool off, then halts in winter when Bermuda lawns enter dormancy. In tropical climates (i.e., South Florida) that don’t get frost, Bermuda grows year-round and never goes dormant.
Bermuda is a warm-season grass popular in southern states such as Texas and Florida. It thrives during the summer because it loves heat and isn’t fond of freezing. It’s also drought tolerant and able to handle heavy foot traffic.
Yearly Nitrogen Needs
Bermudagrass generally needs 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet yearly. Sandy soils need the most nitrogen and clay needs the least. Loam falls in between.
You’ll find additional recommendations in the video below:
Seasonal Needs
The best way to fertilize Bermuda depends on the time of year. The table below shows the typical fertilization schedule for Bermudagrass.
| Season | Applications | Nutrients / 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Spring (Around April, after the last frost) | 1 | .5 – 1 lb. of Nitrogen |
| Summer (Around June, when grass growth speeds up) | 1 – 3 | 1 – 3 lb. of Nitrogen |
| Early fall (Around September, at least 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost) | 1 | 0 – .5 lb. of Nitrogen1 lb. of potassium |
Split each season’s recommended nutrients between all of the season’s fertilizer applications.
These are general guidelines that vary by climate and soil condition. Get precise recommendations with a soil test and local insight. Many state universities have Cooperative Extension Offices that help you with both.
Soil pH
Bermudagrass sometimes needs soil amendments to adjust the soil pH. It thrives in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. If a soil test shows your soil’s pH is higher than this range, you can lower it by adding sulfur. If a test shows your soil’s pH is lower than this range, raise it by adding agricultural lime.
Additional Lawn Care
Regular fertilization is an important part of keeping your lawn thick and healthy. But there’s a lot more maintenance needed for healthy green lawns. Here are a few lawn care tips:
- Mow the lawn at a height of 1 to 2 inches for common Bermuda or ½ to 1½ inches for hybrid Bermuda varieties.
- Water the lawn only when it shows signs of drought stress, typically every 5 to 10 days.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides in spring to control crabgrass and other summer lawn weeds. We found the best pre-emergent pesticides for lawns.
- Remove thatch from the lawn with a verticutter (aka power rake) in spring if the thatch layer is thicker than ½ inch.
- Look out for symptoms of common Bermudagrass pests, such as grubs, armyworms, and Bermudagrass mites. Treat infestations ASAP.
Cost of Fertilizer
Most retail fertilizer packages cost $25 to $70 and cover 2,500 to 10,500 square feet.
| Average Cost | $45 |
| Typical Price Range | $25 – $70 |
| Extreme Low | $8 |
| Extreme High | $100 |
Organic Vs. Synthetic: Although organic fertilizers are best for your soil’s long-term health, synthetics are better for your budget. The average package of fertilizer, organic or synthetic, costs about $45. But organic fertilizer packages typically cover less ground, making them more costly.
| Organic Fertilizers | Synthetic Fertilizers | |
| Average Cost | $45 | $45 |
| Average Cost / 1,000 sq. ft. | $17 | $12 |
| Typical Price Range | $30 – $65 | $25 – $70 |
| Typical Coverage (sq. ft.) | 2,500 – 5,000 | 3,500 – 12,500 |
A way to save money while reaping the benefits of organic lawn food is to make your own natural fertilizer.
FAQ about Fertilizing Bermudagrass
How do I make my Bermudagrass thicker and greener?
You can make Bermudagrass thicker and greener with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Nitrogen makes grass green and helps it grow faster.
Other ways to encourage lush Bermudagrass growth include:
- Overseeding to fill in thin and bare patches
- Aerating the lawn to fix compacted soil
- Mowing the grass lower and more frequently than usual to encourage lateral growth
- Watering the lawn after you mow
- Weed control with pre-emergent herbicide in spring
How can I make Bermudagrass spread faster?
Just as it encourages faster upward growth, nitrogen fertilizer will encourage your Bermudagrass to spread faster. Regularly apply nitrogen fertilizer during your grass’s growing season (late spring through summer).
You can further speed spreading by cutting the grass very low — 1 inch or shorter — and very often, about twice per week.
How do I keep Bermudagrass out of my flower beds?
To keep Bermuda out of your flower beds we suggest:
- Creating a Bermudagrass weed barrier using plastic or metal edging at least 10 inches tall.
- Installing a grass buffer zone between your lawn and garden.
- Using selective pre-emergent herbicides in your garden beds.
- Investing in eco-friendly solutions such as smothering Bermudagrass with cardboard or landscape fabric.
- Removing Bermudagrass from your flower beds. You can hand-pull weeds or use post-emergent herbicides.
When to Call a Lawn Treatment Pro
Does all this lawn maintenance sound like too much work? Luckily, LawnStarter links you to qualified lawn treatment pros with affordable prices. We work with pros who perform over 30 outdoor services, including lawn mowing, fertilization, and landscaping.
It only takes a moment to get a free online quote, and you can use our user-friendly app to manage your services.
LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
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