Keep Your TifTuf Healthy Without Over-Fertilising
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is a low-input, fast-growing turf variety that doesn't require excessive fertilising to maintain a healthy, attractive lawn. In fact, when it comes to fertilising TifTuf, less is often more.
Applying the right amount of lawn fertiliser will encourage healthy growth and colour, while too much nitrogen can cause excessive growth and unwanted thatch build-up.
How Much Fertiliser Does TifTuf Need?
TifTuf has relatively low nutrient requirements compared with many lawn varieties.
For established TifTuf, Lawn Solutions Australia recommends applying no more than 1.4kg of actual nitrogen per 100m² per calendar year.
Staying within the recommended nitrogen levels helps maintain healthy growth without encouraging excessive thatch.
Granular Fertiliser
For a simple TifTuf fertilising schedule, a quality slow-release granular lawn fertiliser can be applied twice a year – once in spring and again in autumn.
Lawn Solutions Australia recommends its Premium Fertiliser at approximately 2.5kg per 100m² per application.
Spring feeding supports your lawn as it enters active growth, while an autumn application helps maintain turf health heading towards the cooler months.
Liquid Fertiliser
A liquid fertiliser can also provide TifTuf with nutrients throughout the year.
Lawn Solutions Australia recommends Exceed Liquid Fertiliser up to four times per year – spring, summer, autumn and winter – at 194ml per 100m² per application when used as part of the recommended fertilising program.
Always consider the total amount of nitrogen being applied from both granular and liquid products.
Avoid Over-Fertilising TifTuf
More fertiliser doesn't necessarily mean a better lawn.
Too much nitrogen can cause rapid leaf growth and excessive thatch, increasing mowing requirements and potentially creating additional lawn maintenance.
TifTuf is naturally a strong performer with low nutrient requirements, so there's generally no need to continually push growth with heavy fertiliser applications.
Is Your TifTuf Growing Too Fast?
If your TifTuf is growing faster than you can comfortably mow it, a suitable plant growth regulator (PGR) may help reduce vertical growth while encouraging denser lateral growth.
PGRs are generally most effective during the warmer months when TifTuf is actively growing.
Keep Your TifTuf Looking Its Best
The key to fertilising TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is providing the lawn with the nutrients it needs without overdoing it.
Combine appropriate fertilising with regular mowing, correct watering and good lawn care practices to keep your TifTuf dense, healthy and looking its best.
For local advice on TifTuf lawn care in Albury Wodonga, talk to the team at Murray Turf.
