Spring Bermuda Grass Care in San Antonio: What Your Lawn Needs Right Now
Macario Brothers Lawn Care • April 2026 • San Antonio, TX
Bermuda grass in San Antonio typically breaks dormancy in March and is fully active by mid-April. Your spring care checklist should include confirming that pre-emergent was applied, waiting until 50% green-up to fertilize, starting regular mowing at 1.5 to 2 inches, holding off on irrigation until fully active, and scheduling core aeration for late spring.
Bermuda grass is one of the best warm-season grasses for the Texas heat, but it responds best when spring care is done in the right sequence and at the right time. Here is what we recommend based on years of caring for Bermuda lawns across the San Antonio area.
Your Complete Spring Bermuda Care Checklist
Pre-Emergent Weed Prevention
Apply pre-emergent herbicide in late February or early March before soil temperatures reach the 55°F germination threshold. San Antonio reaches this threshold earlier than most of the country. Missed the window? Products containing dithiopyr can still provide early post-emergent control before crabgrass has tillered.
Fertilization: Feed It When It's Ready
Wait until your lawn is at least 50% green before the first fertilizer application — typically mid to late March in San Antonio. Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer at about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. Apply every 6 to 8 weeks through the season, with the last application in September.
Mowing at the Right Height
Mow Bermuda at 1.5 to 2 inches to encourage dense lateral growth that crowds out weeds. For the first mow, lower the height by half an inch to remove dead winter material, then raise to your maintenance height. During peak summer growth, mow every 5 to 7 days to stay within the one-third rule.
Watering: Hold Off Until Needed
San Antonio typically receives enough spring rainfall to support Bermuda during green-up without supplemental irrigation. Wait until the lawn is fully green and daytime temperatures are consistently above 85°F. Then water deeply and infrequently — about 1 inch per week in one or two long sessions.
Core Aeration: Open Up Compacted Soil
San Antonio soils are often heavy clay, especially on the south and east sides of the city. Core aeration in late spring through early summer (May through June) punches holes through the compacted layer, creating channels for air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone while Bermuda fills in holes quickly.
The Single Biggest Spring Mistake with Bermuda Grass
Fertilizing too early is the most common spring mistake with Bermuda in San Antonio. Those warm February and March days make it tempting, but applying fertilizer before the grass is actively growing wastes product and feeds the weeds that are already growing while your Bermuda is still coming out of dormancy. Always wait until at least 50% green-up.
Why Timing Matters in San Antonio Specifically
March
Bermuda breaks dormancy and begins green-up. Apply pre-emergent if not already done. Hold off on fertilizer and irrigation.
Mid–Late March
Lawn reaches 50% green-up. First fertilizer application appropriate. Begin mowing at maintenance height of 1.5 to 2 inches.
May–June
Ideal window for core aeration. Grass is growing aggressively and fills in holes quickly. Begin irrigation once temperatures consistently exceed 85°F.
September
Last fertilizer application of the season. Gives Bermuda time to harden off before winter dormancy. No fertilizer after this date.
Professional Spring Lawn Services in San Antonio
Macario Brothers Lawn Care provides residential and commercial lawn care throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
Fertilization & Weed Control
Seasonal programs tailored to Bermuda grass growth cycles in San Antonio.
Mowing Services
Regular mowing at the correct height to keep your Bermuda dense, healthy, and weed-resistant.
Core Aeration
Professional aeration to break up San Antonio's heavy clay soils and improve nutrient penetration.
Seasonal Cleanups
Spring and fall cleanups to prepare your lawn for the season ahead.
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