Lawn Fertilizing Tips

Fertilizer is an essential part to a health lawn from implantation and growth to the maintenance of healthy lawn season after season. Fertilizer can literally make the grass greener on your side of the fence while contributing to the overall health of the soil. Fertilization is recommended up to five times a year for optimum benefits.

Fertilizer has three main components; nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This is represented in the formula N-P-K which is noticeable on most fertilizer packaging. These are the components that become vital to any plant growth throughout the period of its life.

Each of the components of fertilizer has a different role in fertilizing the lawn. Nitrogen is the primary nutrient for growth of the grass, creating the green color and providing nutrients to the plant. Nitrogen is essential in the process of photosynthesis which we are aware is essential in any plant. Phosphorus is required for adequate roots to grow and is often found in higher concentrations in fertilizers meant for preparing the soil for plants, or the beginning process of planting. Potassium is required for the production of sugars and starches in the grasses and plants. Potassium also helps protect the plant from disease while increasing the versatility of the plant to various conditions. Other nutrients in fertilizers are calcium, sulphur, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. All of these nutrients combine to specific requirements of the growth and development of the plants and grasses.

There are many different types of fertilizers with different concentrations of the components. To determine which fertilizer is best for your lawn it is important to conduct a soil test prior to treating. The results of this test will reveal which fertilizer should be applied to the lawn.

The lawn should be fed when it is most active. For many grasses this is during the spring and summer months – as most grass tends to become dormant during the cooler seasons such as winter. Fall fertilizing is growing in popularity as it prepares the grass for the dormant stage of winter while providing nutrients and stimulating growth for the spring. During the fall and winter energy is stored within the plants for regrowth in the spring. It is important that this energy be provided – if not in the environment, in the form of fertilizer.

Proper amounts of fertilizer are vital in the success of the plant. It is important to fertilize without using excessive amounts because doing so could kill the grass. Over fertilizing creates stimulated blade growth rather than root growth and can result in the death of the plant. Leaf and tissue burning may also occur from over fertilizing – in this case too much fertilizer is often given in a single application. Plants may recover, with damage to the outside and the root. While fertilizing it is best to read the packaging and be aware of the needs of the lawn.

Fertilizers most often come in two forms; quick release and slow release. Slow release formulas will last longer and require fewer applications. Quick release will be rapidly absorbed by the plant matter and soil and require more applications. Quick release fertilizer will last an average of three to four weeks. Slow release fertilizer lasts up to three times longer depending on rainfall. Preference of application is the only main difference in the two. How often would you like to fertilize the lawn?

Fertilizers are an important tool in maintaining a healthy lawn. Fertilizers are important because they are the supplements for the healthy lawn and essential to creating green and flourishing lawns!

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