Lawn Fertilizing
Lawn fertilizing is an important lawn care practice and is sometimes classified as "organic lawn care." Many people choose to fertilize their own lawns, while others will hire a lawn fertilizing technician to do the job.
Fertilizers come in many different types. Homeowners should choose fertilizers based on the type of grass they have and the conditions in which they are fertilizing.
For example, planting and fertilizing grass after dry weather conditions would require a different type of fertilizer than fertilizing grass that has been planted for a long period of time.
Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizers
Before choosing a fertilizer for your lawn, it's important to know which nutrients your lawn needs. The main three nutrients needed by all lawns are:
- nitrogen (N)
- phosphorus (P)
- potassium (K).
Nitrogen is the most-needed nutrient of the three. However, too much of any nutrient, especially nitrogen, can be damaging, so it's important to give your lawn adequate amounts of fertilizer.
Fertilizers are generally labeled by ratio of N to P to K (N:P:K). The best ratios will be those that are about 3:1:2 or 4:1:2, meaning three or four parts of nitrogen for every one part of phosphorus and two parts of potassium.
Nitrogen fertilizers are split into two categories:
- controlled-release
- fast-release.
Controlled-release fertilizers are generally recommended, as they allow for more uniform grass growth and are not as likely to burn grass. However, controlled-release fertilizers are not as effective on cold soil and are more expensive than fast-release fertilizers. Also, it may take awhile to see results with controlled-release fertilizers.
Fast-release fertilizers are cheaper and results can usually be seen right away. They also work well on cold soil. However, they are more likely to burn grass and may cause too much growth.
Other Types of Lawn Fertilizer
Specialty lawn fertilizers may be beneficial for certain lawns. Winterizer fertilizer, also known as potassium fertilizer, is often used for fall or spring application. It makes grass resistant to stress, such as stress from heat, cold or disease.
Some fertilizers also contain weed killers for specific types of weeds. The most popular include those that target dandelions and crabgrass.
Additionally, for lawns that have just had lawn seeder applied, lawn starter products and fertilizers may be recommended. These types of fertilizers are usually high in phosphorus.
Tips for Lawn Fertilizing
If fertilizing your lawn will be a do-it-yourself project, make sure you have all the equipment necessary. You'll need a fertilizer that's designed for your specific type of grass, a spreader, a garden hose or sprinklers and gardening gloves. Some people also prefer to fertilize wearing a dust mask. You'll also need something to sweep up any fertilizer that ends up on sidewalk or other surfaces.
Follow these tips for successful fertilizing:
- Always spread fertilizer in two different directions.
- Always water your lawn immediately after you fertilize.
- Do not ever use fertilizer on frozen ground.
- Fertilize four to five times per year depending on your lawn type and fertilizer instructions.
- Fertilize mostly in fall unless your particular grass type dictates otherwise.
- Rotary spreaders are more effective for speed and to avoid visible lines.
Resources
University of Minnesota (n.d.). The home lawn – Fertilizing. Retrieved January 15, 2008, from the University of Minnesota Web site: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/
components/DG0488e.html.
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