Warm Season Grasses

Warm season grasses in Oklahoma include bermuda, buffalograss and zoysia. Keep in mind these are general tips for zone 6-7. All watering and mowing recommendations are based on the average environmental conditions.

January

• This is a good time to test your soil. 

• Don't fertilize your warm season grasses.

• Don't apply pre-emergent weed killer.

• Apply post-emergent weed killer when temperatures are above 55⁰ F.

February

• Apply post-emergent weed killer when temperatures are above 55⁰ F. 

• De-thatch or aerate, if necessary.

• Apply pr-emergent weed control late in February.

March

• Apply pre-emergent weed control early in March if not applied in February.

• Dethatch or aerate, if necessary.

• Water 1/2 inch weekly, if needed. Keep in mind this is just a general recommendation. Watering will depend on environmental needs.

April

• Sodding or sprigging is all right late in April.

• Water 1/2 inch weekly, if needed. *

• Mow at about a 11/2" height.

May

• Begin seeding in late May.

• Establish or renovate lawn.

• Apply second application of pre-emergent grassy weed killer mid to late May to mature turf.

• Fertilize all warm season grasses with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. feet.

• Water 1 inch, if needed.

• Apply post-emergent grassy weed killer if needed.

• Keep mower at about a 1.5" mowing height.

• Apply post-emergent nutsedge control in early June.
• Fertilize bermuda with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. each month.  Fertilize zoysia and buffalograss with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. in July.
• Water 1 inch weekly, if needed.
• Keep mower at about a 2" mowing height.

August & September

• Fertilize bermuda with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. each month.  Fertilize buffalograss and zoysia with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. in early September.

• Water 1 inch weekly, if needed.

• Apply pre-emergent weed killer for winter annuals, if needed.

• Apply white grub control through mid September.

• Keep mower at about a 2" mowing height.

October & November

• Water 1/2 inch weekly, if needed.

• Treat broadleaf weeds with post-emergent in mid-late October.

• October & November are good times to get your soil tested.

• Keep mower at about a 2" mowing height.

Other Timely Tips

• Don't use weed killers on windy days.

• Don't apply weed killers or fertilizer before an expected rain.

• Don't allow runoff when watering.

• Remember: A thick, healthy lawn is better able to resist weed growth.