When Does Bermuda Grass Green Up in Georgia

Typical Green-Up Timeline

In Middle Georgia, bermuda grass typically begins showing green color in mid-March and reaches full green-up by mid-April. Soil temperature is the trigger — bermuda starts growing when soil temps consistently stay above 60 to 65 degrees at the 4-inch depth. Air temperature alone is not reliable because warm days followed by cold nights can stall green-up for weeks.

• Check soil temperature at 4-inch depth rather than relying on air temperature.
• South-facing slopes and areas near pavement green up first due to retained heat.
• Shaded areas green up 2 to 3 weeks later than full-sun areas.

Factors That Speed Up or Delay Green-Up

Several factors affect bermuda green-up timing. Sun exposure is the biggest one — full-sun lawns green up weeks earlier than shaded areas. Soil type matters too. Sandy soils warm faster than heavy clay. A healthy lawn with good thatch management and proper fall nutrition greens up faster than a neglected one. Overseeded ryegrass can actually delay bermuda green-up by competing for sunlight and nutrients.

What to Do While Waiting

Resist the urge to force green-up with early fertilization. Bermuda cannot use nitrogen while still dormant, and early application feeds weeds. Focus on pre-emergent application, cleaning up debris, and sharpening mower blades. Once you see consistent green growth across the lawn — not just a few patches — that is your signal to start the spring fertilization program.

When to Worry About Slow Green-Up

If your neighbors’ bermuda lawns are fully green and yours is still brown in late April, there may be an issue. Spring dead spot, winterkill from extreme cold, or grub damage can all prevent green-up in affected areas. These spots need diagnosis and targeted treatment rather than more fertilizer.