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Complete Bermuda and Warm Season Grass Care for Fall Season

  • Writer: Evergreen Lawn Care
    Evergreen Lawn Care
  • Nov 7
  • 5 min read

As the hot summer months fade and cooler evenings roll in, early fall becomes a critical period for maintaining the health and appearance of your Bermuda or other warm-season lawns. While these grasses naturally slow their growth as temperatures drop, what you do during this transition period can determine how well your lawn survives the winter and how quickly it greens up in spring.

Bermuda grass Care

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about early fall maintenance for Bermuda and other warm-season lawns — from fertilizing and weed control to mowing height, watering, and overseeding considerations.


Understanding Warm Season Grasses and Their Fall Transition

Warm season grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine thrive in the heat of summer. Their growth begins to slow once daytime temperatures dip below 80°F and nighttime temperatures consistently fall into the 60s.


This slowdown signals that your lawn is preparing for dormancy. During this period, your goal isn’t to promote vigorous green growth but to help the grass store nutrients and strengthen its roots for winter survival.


Step 1: Fertilizing Warm Season Lawns in Early Fall

Should You Fertilize Bermuda Grass in Fall?

Yes — but timing and product selection matter. Early fall (typically late August through mid-September, depending on your zone) is your last opportunity to feed Bermuda and other warm-season lawns before they go dormant. Applying fertilizer too late can encourage tender new growth that won’t withstand frost.


Best Type of Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass Care in Fall

Switch from a high-nitrogen summer fertilizer to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer to strengthen roots and improve stress tolerance. Potassium helps the grass endure winter cold and recover faster in spring.


Look for fertilizers with an N-P-K ratio like 4-0-10 or 5-10-30.

✅ Recommended Products from Amazon:

🕓 Timing Tip: Apply your fall fertilizer when the grass is still actively growing (soil temps above 60°F). This typically falls between late August and mid-September for zones 7–9.


Step 2: Weed Prevention with Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Why Apply Pre-Emergent in Fall?

Fall pre-emergent herbicide is essential for controlling winter weeds such as Poa annua (annual bluegrass), chickweed, and henbit. These weeds germinate when soil temperatures drop below 70°F — right when your Bermuda lawn is slowing down.


When to Apply

The best time to apply fall pre-emergent is when soil temperatures reach 70°F and are steadily declining for several days. This typically occurs in early to mid-September for most southern regions.


Best Pre-Emergent Products for Bermuda and Warm Season Lawns

✅ Recommended Products:

Important: Avoid overseeding right after applying pre-emergent, as it will prevent grass seeds from germinating.


Step 3: Overseeding Considerations for Bermuda Grass

Warm season lawns like Bermuda often go dormant and turn brown in winter. If you prefer a green lawn year-round, you can overseed with a cool-season ryegrass in early fall.


Should You Overseed Bermuda Grass in Fall?

It depends on your goals.

  • If you want green color all winter: overseed with annual or perennial ryegrass in early fall.

  • If you prefer less maintenance: skip overseeding and let your Bermuda go dormant naturally.


Steps to Overseed Bermuda Lawn

  1. Mow low (1 inch or less) to allow sunlight to reach the soil.

  2. Bag clippings and dethatch if necessary.

  3. Aerate to improve seed-to-soil contact.

  4. Apply ryegrass seed at 5–10 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.

  5. Water lightly and frequently until germination (usually 7–10 days).


✅ Suggested Seed Products:

Step 4: Adjusting Watering Schedule in Fall

As temperatures drop, your lawn’s water needs decrease significantly. Overwatering in cooler weather can promote fungal growth and shallow roots.

  • Early Fall: Gradually reduce watering from 3–4 times a week to 1–2 times per week.

  • Later Fall: Once Bermuda goes dormant, water only during prolonged dry spells.


Rule of Thumb: Warm-season grasses need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, until dormancy begins.


Step 5: Fall Mowing Height and Frequency

Proper mowing height in fall helps Bermuda and other warm-season grasses prepare for winter.

  • Bermuda Grass: Maintain at 1.5–2 inches during early fall.

  • Zoysia: Keep around 1.5 inches.

  • Centipede/St. Augustine: Slightly higher, around 2.5–3 inches.

Continue mowing as long as the grass is actively growing. Once growth stops, give your lawn a final short mow to reduce disease risks over winter.


Step 6: Watch for Lawn Diseases and Pests

Warm season grasses are vulnerable to fall fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot, especially during cool, humid weather.

✅ Recommended Fungicide:

Inspect your lawn regularly and treat at the first sign of discolored patches, slimy spots, or thinning grass.

Check out our complete guide to manage Lawn Fungus


Step 7: Leaf Management and Lawn Clean-Up

Fallen leaves block sunlight and trap moisture, which can lead to disease.

  • Use a mulching mower to chop leaves into fine pieces.

  • Rake or blow heavy leaf buildup off the lawn.

Keeping the lawn surface clear promotes healthy airflow and prevents mold growth.


Step 8: Additional Tips for Healthy Warm-Season Lawns

  • Soil Test: Conduct a soil test every fall to check pH and nutrient balance. Bermuda prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5).

  • Aeration: If your soil is compacted, aerate before applying fertilizer.

  • Avoid Nitrogen Late: Stop nitrogen feeding about 6 weeks before the first frost to prevent cold damage.


Summary: Fall Lawn Care Calendar for Bermuda and Warm Season Lawns

Task

Timing

Key Products

Fertilize (low-nitrogen, high-K)

Late Aug – Mid Sep

Scotts WinterGuard, Andersons PGF

Apply Pre-Emergent

Early Sep

Barricade, Scotts Halts

Overseed (optional)

Mid – Late Sep

Scotts or Pennington Ryegrass

Adjust Watering

Throughout Fall

Maintain 1”/week

Mow Lower

Until Dormancy

Keep at 1.5–2”

Apply Fungicide (if needed)

Sep – Oct

BioAdvanced, Scotts DiseaseEx


Final Thoughts

A successful warm-season lawn transition in early fall is about timing, balance, and prevention. By feeding the roots, controlling weeds, and adjusting your watering and mowing routines, you’ll set your Bermuda or warm-season grass up for a smooth dormancy and a vigorous spring green-up.

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