Springtime is fertilizing time for many homeowners. Or should we say, ‘lawn feeding’ time? Regardless of the term you use, fertilizing your lawn at the start of the growing season could be very helpful in maintaining a lush and beautiful lawn all year long. Fertilizer helps your grass rebound from a rough winter and build up strength for the dry and hot summer months.
Whether you are fertilizing on your own or hiring a lawn care company, pay attention to these five tips for spring fertilizing:
1. Just Say ‘No’ to Phosphorus
A fertilizer including phosphorus is not necessarily a bad idea, but phosphorus should be kept to a minimum. Phosphorus is necessary for healthy roots and good shoot growth, but it also contributes to algae growth in rivers and streams. When phosphorus from your fertilizer washes away in the rain, you could be contributing to algae growth elsewhere.
Fertilizers are labelled with a three-digit ratio for nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N:P:K). Look for a label with a phosphorus level of between 12% and 20%. That amount of phosphorus should be enough to keep your lawn healthy without unnecessarily contributing to algae growth.
2. Wait for Growth in Your Lawn
Many people make the mistake of fertilizing dormant Grass for sale hoping that doing so will encourage it to grow faster and fuller. In reality, you are just wasting fertilizer. In cooler climates, you will have to wait until you see the first signs of budding trees and flowers.
3. Don’t Use Quick Release Fertilizers
Quick release fertilizers can be tempting because they cost less and promise faster results. Unfortunately, these types of fertilizers do not penetrate or feed well. Many of them will wash completely away with the first rainstorm that blows through. You are better off investing a little more money in a high-quality fertilizer that will stick around long enough to do its job.
4. Use Fertilizers Sparingly
Another common mistake when feeding the lawn is using too much fertilizer, too often. Remember that your grass will grow on its own even if you do not fertilize. The point of adding fertilizer is to help it along and to provide the nutrients necessary for extra strength during the growing season. Most lawns need only to be fertilized once in the spring and once in the autumn.
5. Save Weed and Feed for Summer
Weed and feed products do not work very well no matter when you apply them. Nevertheless, if you apply them too early, they will actually end up being counterproductive by feeding and promoting weed growth. Your best defense against weeds is healthy grass that will choke the weeds out. So do yourself a favor and save the weed and feed for the hot summer months when the grass needs a little extra help.
Using fertilizers the right way can pay off very nicely. We urge all our customers to read the instructions that come with your fertilizer before applying it. If you have any questions, check with an expert.
The Author:
Rukeri Garden Grass
Photo. Skitterphoto