The Georgia Lawn Care Calendar: 2026 Bermudagrass Guide

Bermudagrass is a popular choice for Georgia lawns because it's tough, durable, and loves the heat. But even the strongest grass needs the right care at the right time to look its best. Bermudagrass doesn't respond well to one-size-fits-all lawn care—it thrives when each season's needs are handled properly.

At AgroPro, we base our recommendations on precise seasonal timing and turfgrass science—not guesswork. For a handy reference, you can check out the UGA Extension Bermudagrass Lawn Calendar to see what's ideal for each month. As part of our Georgia Lawn Care Calendar series, here's a simple, homeowner-friendly guide to caring for your Bermudagrass lawn from winter through fall.

Winter Dormancy | December – February

During winter, Bermudagrass enters dormancy as soil temperatures drop. Growth slows significantly, and the grass stores energy in its roots and underground stems. While lawns often turn brown, this is a normal and healthy part of the Bermudagrass life cycle. Care during these months focuses on protection rather than stimulation:

• Minimal mowing, only if needed, at 1–2 inches (common) or 1–1½ inches (hybrid)
• Supplemental irrigation only if rainfall is insufficient (up to 1 inch per week)
• Avoiding nitrogen fertilization entirely

Winter is also a great time to stay ahead of weeds. Certain cool-season weeds can still grow during colder months, so targeted weed control helps prevent problems later.

Spring Transition | March – April

As temperatures rise, Bermudagrass begins to wake up—but spring is the most sensitive time of the year for warm-season lawns. Fertilizing too early can encourage weeds and disrupt the lawn's natural transition. During early spring:

• Apply pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass and other annual weeds
• Resume mowing gradually as growth increases
• Wait to fertilize until the soil temperature is consistently 65°F and rising

Proper timing in spring sets the tone for the entire growing season.

Peak Growing Season | May – August

Late spring through summer is Bermudagrass's peak growing period. This is when your lawn should be thick, green, and actively growing. Summer lawn care includes:

• Regular mowing, removing no more than one-third of blade height
• Consistent irrigation totaling about 1 inch per week, including rainfall
• Fertilization spread across multiple applications to meet annual nitrogen needs
• Post-emergent weed control when turf is healthy and not drought-stressed
• Core aeration to relieve compaction and improve root growth
• Dethatching, if thatch exceeds ½ inch

Late Summer & Early Fall | September – October

 As daylight shortens and temperatures cool, Bermudagrass growth begins to slow. Maintenance should continue, but things should start to gradually taper. Focus areas include:

• Continued mowing and watering as needed
• Monitoring and spot-treating weeds
• Gradually reducing fertilizer applications
• Deciding whether overseeding with ryegrass aligns with long-term goals

Some homeowners choose to overseed with ryegrass for winter color, while others prefer to let the grass go dormant naturally, which allows for an easier spring transition.

Fall Preparation | October – November

Fall is all about preparation. What you do now impacts how well your lawn comes back in spring. Fall lawn care focuses on:

• Soil testing to evaluate nutrients and pH levels
• Applying lime if needed to correct pH levels
• Making final mowing adjustments
• Reducing watering as growth slows

Why Seasonal Lawn Care Works