Fertilizing Tips
If you want your lawn to be vibrant and healthy, fertilizing is absolutely necessary. However, there are some things that you need to consider before you begin! We have provided some answers to questions that typically get asked when it comes to fertilizing.
What kind of fertilizer should I pick? The most important nutrients that your grass needs come from Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Look for fertilizers that are complete with each of these elements. Different fertilizers carry more or less of these elements. Here is some information about each of them so you know which fertilizer is best for your lawn!
Nitrogen -- Nitrogen is the most important of all these elements. It brings a healthy green look to your grass and also helps it grow. If your lawn grows slowly and is of a yellowish color, it is lacking nitrogen. While Nitrogen is extremely important for the growth and color of your yard, it is possible for grass to accumulate too much of this element. If too much Nitrogen is used, grass will begin to grow very quickly, causing thatch to build up. This will lead to disease.
Phosphorus -- Phosphorus is especially good for beginner lawns. It helps grass roots form correctly and continue to grow. If your lawn is already established, then you will need very little or no phosphorus.
Potassium -- Potassium strengthens your lawn to withstand droughts and disease. It also allows your grass to process the nitrogen it receives more easily. Unlike Nitrogen, it is almost impossible to supply a lawn with too much potassium.
What should I fertilize with? If you have a larger lawn, you can either use a rotary spreader or a pendulum spreader (depending on how large your yard is). Pendulum spreaders typically cover more feet than rotary spreaders. If you have a smaller lawn, you can use a drop spreader.
When should I water after fertilizing? Typically it is best to water right after fertilizing, but anywhere in the first 24 hours is best. Picking the best garden hose to water your lawn is equally important. Choose one that is non-toxic or classified as a drinking safe water hose so that bad chemicals are not being transferred from the hose to your lawn.
How often should I fertilize? There are certain times that you should and should not fertilize your lawn. While it also depends on what kind of grass you grow, here are some general guidelines on when to fertilize your lawn:
Spring -- Most people believe that they have to fertilize their lawn at the very beginning of spring season. This is not always the case. If you distributed slow-release fertilizer in your lawn last fall, then this will last until the end of spring season. Also, when early spring comes, cool season grass will automatically begin it’s own growth cycle to construct energy. Most of the time, it is the best idea to fertilize your lawn at the end of spring season (late May or early June).
Summer -- Because of the heat of summer, regular lawn mowing, and other stresses put on your yard, it will be time to fertilize again by the end of the summer. However, it does not need as much, only enough to sustain through fall.
Fall -- Fertilize again in the late fall season. This will help sustain your yard through winter and early spring.
We hope you learned a little more about fertilizing! Comment below with questions or ideas of your own.