When and How to Fertilize Your Lawn?

Fertilizer is the main ingredient in maintain and growing a healthy, green lawn. Unfortunately, many home growers do not bother fertilizing as they do not know when and how to fertilize their lawns. They have no clue regarding what products they can use. However, this is problematic because if you do not apply the lawn fertilizer correctly, it could do harm than good!

So, this article will guide you regarding the correct way of fertilizing a lawn. So, let’s see when and how to fertilize a lawn!

 

Apply Fertilizers on New Grass: When and How

If you are beginning with a new lawn from plugs, sod, or seeds, starter fertilizers will help the grass to have the perfect beginning. Unlike an established lawn, new grass takes advantage of extra phosphorus that is an essential nutrient for supporting deep, strong roots. Some states just allow phosphorus-rich lawn fertilizers on new lawns.

On a fertilizer product, phosphorus takes the middle digit in the ration ‘N-P-K’. Usually, this digit is “0” in common lawn fertilizers. It is best to go with fertilizers having the 22-23-4 ration, which is a perfect ratio of N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus), and K (Potassium). Also, go for other significant lawn nutrients like iron to get a deep green hue.

Also, always follow the guidelines for the perfect time to sow grass seeds for your grass type and region. Then, you should fertilize accordingly. Apply fertilizers using a usual lawn spread before you start planting using plugs or seeds. If you are using sod, then fertilize your lawn after your sod gets settled.

With new lawn areas, you should avoid using weed fertilizers or crabgrass fertilizers within the first four weeks before the planting time. Once seeded, wait for the grass to establish and mow your lawn thrice.

 

Apply Fertilizers on Established Lawns: When and How

To have your present lawn looking the best round the year, select a fertilizer plan that meets all the seasonal requirements. It is great to follow a four-part yearly lawn fertilizer plan to enjoy the best results!

 

Early Spring

Weed seeds begin to germinate between the months of February and April as the temperature goes warm. To prevent weeds, it is best to go with a fertilizer featuring 30-0-4. Fertilizers help to halt new weeds before the roots get established and stop fresh weeds for around five months.

It is crucial to consider the timing. Make sure you apply fertilizers before weed or crabgrass seed germinates. This usually happens when the temperature of soil goes down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply fertilizers using a spreader to growing turf for effective results. Give the lawn 0.5 inch of water from irrigation or rainwater within 2 weeks.

Along with controlling weeds, fertilizers also deliver nitrogen and iron for instant greening and extended feeding for about three months. Before you apply fertilizer, always read the instructions mentioned on the label for your particular grass type. You should not apply fertilizers within 2 months of overseeding. Before you treat new sod, wait until the next year.

 

Late Spring

Current weeds become active between the months of April and June. Weed and feed fertilizers and broadleaf weed killers both combine nutrients for feeding the actively thriving lawn.

Always check weed and feed labels for your particular grass type. Read the guidelines carefully. These fertilizers are effective for small and young weeds. For effective results, always apply the fertilizer early in the day and when there is no possibility of raining for about two days.

If you are planning to overseed, evade the fertilizers for a month before. Once overseed, wait until the third mowing happens. For plugging, sprigging, or sodding, you should wait for a month before you fertilize so that new grass could grow!

 

Summer

Proper feeding assists in strengthening lawns from drought and heat between the months of June and August. Keep the lawn resilient and beautiful using a 30-0-4 lawn fertilizer. These fertilizers keep feeding for about three months. The lawn receives significant nutrients, such as iron for deep color and for lush, thick green grass. Check the instructions on the label for your particular grass type before you apply fertilizer.

 

Late Summer – LateFall

Grass slows down between the months of August and November. At this time, broad leaf weeds begin active growth once again. With fertilizers featuring the 22-0-14 ratio, one can feed southern or northern lawn nutrients essential to their winter preparation and spring greenery. Also, they kill broadleaf weeds. Always allow 6-to-8-week time between fertilizing and the first expected frost.

When you go for a fertilizer product, always check the instructions mentioned on the label for your particular grass type. In case, you are overseeding, you need to wait until next year for weed and feed fertilizing. Instead, go to the 30-0-4 fertilizer for the concluding feeding.

 

How to Spread Lawn Fertilizers for Effective Results

When you apply the fertilizer, follow the best practices for safety. It is best to mow the lawn a day or two before to enjoy effective results. After that, set the spreader to the recommended setting mentioned on the label.

• For a drop spreader, begin with two strips across the ends of a lawn. After that, keep working from side to side and overlap every swath slightly.
• For a broadcast spreader, keep working outside and then, towards inside. Now, keep overlapping.

Switch off the hopper on stopping for preventing a fertilizer pile. Once finished, sweep off excess fertilizer from hard surfaces, like driveways and sidewalks for avoiding fertilizer runoff and iron stains.

So, you know now how and when to fertilize your lawn. It is important to fertilize your lawn if you want to enjoy a healthy lawn. By following all of these lawn fertilizing tips, your lawn grass will stay healthy and beautiful for a few months. It is recommended to use a fertilizer that is perfect for your grass type and meets other fertilizing requirements of your lawn.