How to Fertilize Your Lawn to Make it as Green as Possible
Without a doubt, a lawn that has been taken care of increases the curb appeal of your home. The feeling of the lush grass is also great especially if the lawn is properly taken care of. The health of your lawn is truly reflected in how well you are able to care for it. One of the keys attributes to your lawn is how often you fertilize it. It is a known fact that a fertilized lawn promotes stronger grass growth which helps in fighting off pests while making your lawn vibrant the whole year. The lawn will truly be a treasure if you learn how to take care of it.
In this article, we'll help you tank every detail about fertilization first figuring the time to best apply it. Additionally, there are best practices, classes of fertilizers, and application timing to ensure maxim growth. Finally, because lawn care is a broad topic, we'll touch on some of the more common questions stemming from it.
Why It is Essential to Fertilize Your Lawn
The nutrients of growing grass usually comes from the underlying soil and is accentuated by the use of fertilizers. The system also benefits from auxiliary nutrients within the soil which improves drought resistance while simultaneously aiding the underlying soil. The process of fertilization enhances the system making it resistant to pests and diseases. It is known that soil tends to verge on losing nutrients over time as a result of mowing, watering, breaking down, which is counter productive to the health of the lawn. Thus, fertilization is the best step to take to ensure the vitality of your lawn.
When Should You Add Fertilizer to Your Lawn?
Spring
When giving Spring Fertilizer, it is important to wait until the grass grows green. Giving the fertilizer when the grass is brown will cause the nutrients to not be taken in properly. For the fertilizer to work, the grass must be golden brown at the 1st and 2nd mow stage.
Fall
During Fall, the addition of fertilizer will ease the impact of Winter on the grass. Adding Winter fertilizer at this time, will add to the strength of the roots in advance, so that the grass with fescue and bluegrass can survive through Winter without much trouble.
Summer
If the Winter is harsh, it is important to sprinkle some Winter fertilizer, as it will help in strengthening the roots. However, in the case of fescue and bluegrass, giving Summer Fertilizer comes in handy without much effort, as it is helpful in strengthening the grass. Heavy fertilizer is not recommended in this case, as it may end up burning the grass and cause it stress.
Types of Fertilizers to Use
The various types of fertilizers have to be applied with extra care, as these may cause a lot of damage to the lawn.
Controlled Release Granular Fertilizers
If your lawn is already excising, granular fertilizers that are slow to release are a great option. They are able to slowly release nutrients into the grass for a prolonged period of time, sustaining your lawn's nutrition throughout the growing period. Every gardeners knows that slow-release fertilizers are ged to popular use for the duration of the summer months.
Starter Fertilizers for New Lawns
If you have recently put down sod or seed, then starter fertilizers are a must-have. They are made with the intention of helping the new seedlings root down firmly and grow. For new lawns, a starter fertilizer ought to be used for the initial two years to produce the best thick grass.
Organic Fertilizers
If you would rather not use chemicals, option for organic fertilizers such as compost, animal waste, or organic lawn feeds, to foster the soil. Although organic fertilizers take much longer to yield positive results, they are safer for the environment and for your pets.
Water-Soluble Fertilizers
These are the first line of defense for lawns that are showing severe signs of nutrient deficiencies. They dissolves quickly and are easily absorbed by the grass. Although these fertilizers are effective, they do not last long in soil or water. These fertilizers must be used with a sense of caution.
How to Apply Fertilizer to Your Lawn
Use a Spreader
A spreader is a great tool to use to make fertilizer application easier. A spreader helps cover a lawn meticulously in half the time! A spreader is great if you have a lawn in the front yard and one in the back. Fertilizer application is easy with this useful tool. A broadcaster spreader helps cover a wide or bigger area faster. A drop spreader helps in smaller or precise areas. However precise works better in smaller areas. Just read the instructions on the spreader to sync with the fertilizer used.
How to Apply the Fertilizer
The thermostat setting and broadcaster drop settings must also adhere to the same rules. Do not apply more than the instructions suggest. A back and forth technique works best with the spreader. Walk in straight line and turn to the other direction and go in the other straight line. Watering must be done post spreading fertilizer.
Water After Fertilizing
The fertilizer used must also indicate the amount of water to use. This applies to every step above.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Fertilizing
A better spreader does not equal a better spreader setting. Lawn care and the environment is a bigger picture. Balance is key. Everything suggest is better in moderation.
Applying Fertilizer Too Late Or Too Soon
Fertilizing a lawn properly requires attention to detail. When the grass is dormant absorbing the nutrients becomes absorption is prroor which generates wasted nutrients.
Misuse Of Fertilizer
Fertilizers vary significantly, and each type is engineered to accomplish a particular goals. For instance, zoysia grass is full merida and needs totally differing nutrients as compared to Kentucky bluegrass.
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FAQs
What is the best way to fertilize your lawn?
The best method to fertilize a lawn is to first determine the type of grass. After the grass type is determined, the correct fertilizer should be selected, and then the lawn should be evenly watered after application. It is advisable to do fertilizing in the fall and spring so the grass will be growing during that time.
When should you apply fertilizer to your lawn?
Fertilizer should be applied during the peak of the grass growing season which is in spring and early fall. Make sure to use a starter fertilizer for newly seeded lawns as it helps develop a robust root structure.
Should you fertilize before or after rain?
Fertilization is best done before rainfall, because the rainfall aids in the absorption of the nutrients in the fertilizer to the soil, which in turn translates to more nutrients uptake. If heavy rains are in the forecast, however, it is best to apply fertilizer when there is forecasted light rain or showers to avoid it being washed away,
Is it okay to fertilize your lawn?
Yes, I can fertilize the lawn. It is a necessary action to take in promoting the growth of healthy and dense grass. Make sure you pay attention to the right fertilizer, the right time of the year to use it, and what the instruction say to get the best outcome.
Is October too late to fertilize a lawn?
As for a lawn with cool-season grass, October is not too late for fertilization. In fact, applying the first steps of fertilization in early fall, prepares the grass for winter and strengthens its roots. If the grass is of the warm-season type, it is likely that there is no reason to fertilize it in October.
What is the most common mistake seen when treating lawns?
Over fertilization is the most common mistake that is made when treating a lawn. Withholding the use of fertilizer can lead to burnt grass, excessive nutrient imbalances, and even damage to the soil.