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How To Fertilize Your Lawn

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How Much Should I Water My Lawn After Fertilizing

How To Fertilize Your Lawn | The Home Depot

How much fertilizer you need is directly impacted by your watering schedule. The more you water your lawn, the more fertilizer it will need. As the grass grows, it uses more nutrients. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you should fertilize your lawn about every six weeks. You dont want the watering to outpace the fertilizing as that could negatively impact the lawns growth cycle. If you dont have a sprinkler system, you can wait an additional two weeks between applications. Also, be sure to carefully read the fertilizer label to learn whether you should water the lawn before or after applying the product. Granulated fertilizers need moisture to break down after application, while other fertilizers require you to soak the lawn beforehand.

My Take On Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are becoming more popular with lawn owners because of the idea that they are more environmentally friendly. Quality organic fertilizers will contain meal-based nutrients or some may contain poultry litter. A complete natural organic lawn food will have low NPK numbers, most always below 10. Its best to apply these fertilizers during the warmer growing months, from May through September, depending where you live. Organics help feed your lawn by stimulating microbial activity in your soil, creating a healthier medium in which your grass can grow.

They are safer to use and will not harm your lawn like some conventional fertilizers will, especially during the hot summer months. They work a bit slower, however, so youll need to be patient.

Youll also discover they are much more expensive. All that said, give them a try!

What Fertilizer To Use In The Fall

The answer here depends on local ordinances or state laws. Some states do not allow the use of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus . Even though phosphorus is critical for root growth during seed and sod establishment and in the fall to assist in root redevelopment, many soils naturally contain phosphorus so its not necessary to apply more.

If you live in a phosphorus-free community, use fertilizers containing readily available nitrogen sources and a fertilizer higher in potassium . This will properly feed your lawn going into winter. Good numbers would be 24-0-12 or 21-0-21.

If you live in a municipality or state where fertilizers containing phosphorus are allowed, this can add another layer of plant health protection to prepare your lawn for a harsh winter. A good example would be 24-5-10 or 20-5-20. A lawn starter fertilizer, such as a 14-14-14 or 12-24-12 would also work.

Liquid or soluble fertilizers containing similar NPK ratios can also be used. However, understand that recommended application rates of sprayable lawn fertilizers will deliver fewer nutrients per application compared to granular products. But, using a hose-end sprayer to apply a fall fertilizer is still an acceptable method of application. You may have to apply two applications a couple of weeks apart to realize its full benefit.

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Understand Fertilizer And Its Role As Plant Food

Before spreading the fertilizer on your lawn, its important to understand what youre doing. The reason why its essential is because not all fertilizer is the same.

This is why its not a good idea to just pick out the cheapest bag in the store or get something that fits your budget. If you do this, you may end up with fertilizer that doesnt help your garden grow. The problem with this is that you wont know what went wrong.

So, to start from the beginning, plants need certain factors to grow. These include sunlight, water, soil and fertilizer. Technically, fertilizer is just a booster. It basically contains a bit more of the nutrients found in soil.

So what are these elements? The most important are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Youll see these elements in your fertilizer bags labeled as N, P and K. In addition, there are other elements included in smaller amounts. But, the three are the main ingredients.

The reason these three are the most important is that plants need a lot of them to grow. Your task is to figure out the composition and balance of these nutrients thats ideal for your lawn.

Best Times To Fertilize A Lawn

Tips on fertilizing your yard

The right time to fertilize your lawn is influenced by the type of grass you have. Much of the country has either cool-season or warm-season grass, with some areas combining the two types for a more versatile lawn. Its important to identify your grass type and plan your lawn care schedule around its needs. Below is a quick overview of which seasons are best for fertilization based on your lawn type.

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Why Fertilize Your Lawn In Fall The Best Fall Month And Time Of Day To Fertilize

Summer heat is stressful on our lawns. Falls cooler temperatures provide the perfect setting for lawn to regain strength.

Fall is the best and most important time to fertilize your lawn because:

  • Falls morning dew delivers moisture to help turf absorb the fertilizer.
  • The grass has a chance to build stamina before a chilly winter.
  • Supporting root growth in fall leads to a healthier, greener lawn in spring.

While fall is naturally good for feeding our lawn, you can deliver an extra oomph by fertilizing as best as you can, too.

How Often Should You Fertilize Your Lawn And When To Do It

How often should you fertilize your lawn for the best results? Here’s the answer

If youve ever asked yourself how often should you fertilize your lawn, youre not alone. In fact, many keen gardeners and landscapers alike ponder this how much is too much and is it possible to over-fertilize your lawn? While fertilizer contains many beneficial nutrients for your grass, applying too much can actually do more harm than good. Not to mention this habit can get expensive. But, apply too little and your grass wont have the best chance of growth, so striking a balance between the two is important.

Here, we will look into how often you should apply fertilizer as well as when to do it to get the best results. We will consider the consequences of using too much, as well as the best method of application. That means you can rest assured that your grass is getting exactly what it needs to thrive. So, how often should you fertilize your lawn? Heres the answer.

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Why Fertilize The Lawn In Fall

Like the rest of us, your lawn gets tired by the time summer ends.

Your lawn has struggled through a long, hot relentless summer. Its endured excessive heat, humidity and drought. Its been trampled by kids, dogs and overuse. Weeds, insects and diseases have taken their toll. Your lawn is hungry and tired. It wants a good meal before it settles in for a long, well-deserved winter slumber.

So why fertilize your lawn in the fall?

  • This is your lawns last chance to thicken up, restoring turf density back to its early summer form.
  • Fall fertilizer helps regenerate roots lost by hot, humid or dry summer weather.
  • Fall fertilizing fortifies your lawn so it can better combat severe winter conditions that lie ahead.
  • A good feeding fills up your lawns gas tank before going dormant. That way it has plenty of energy stored for a healthy start next spring.

How To Fertilize Your Lawn: Four Standard Methods

WHEN and HOW to FERTILIZE your lawn

If you prefer to DIY, you wont need a landscaper to fertilize your lawn. Depending on the size of your property and the method of fertilizing you plan to deploy, allow for 26 hours to complete the project. Here are the four most common methods for fertilizing a lawn.

  • Broadcast or rotary spreaderThis method is most commonly used to fertilize large lawns. Place the spreader in your driveway or on a tarp or other surface to easily collect spills and slowly fill it with fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer evenly to your lawn, starting at the outer edges and then working your way inward. You can either use a crisscrossing pattern or apply it in parallel strips, overlapping slightly to make sure all areas are covered.
  • Drop spreaderThis method is suitable for smaller lawns and allows optimal control over fertilizer distribution. Fill the hopper with fertilizer and distribute it in parallel lines by walking back and forth.
  • SprayOnly works with liquid fertilizers. To apply liquid fertilizer, fill the canister with fertilizer and attach the canister to the end of a garden hose. Steadily and evenly walk back and forth on your lawn, spraying the fertilizer on either side of you.
  • Its OK to seek advice on how to fertilize your lawneither from store employees or a member of a garden cooperative. Theyll be able to help answer questions about which fertilizer is best for your yard based on your pH content and the type of grassand how to apply it.

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    When Is The Best Time To Fertilize

    Besides the season when you fertilize, the time of the day is also important. Fertilize in the morning when it is still cool and the grass is slightly damp from the dew but not wet. The grass must be dry enough when you apply the fertilizer that the granules will fall between the blades of grass and onto the soil and won’t cling to the blades, otherwise it can lead to fertilizer burn.

    Keep an eye on the weather forecast, because the fertilizer should be watered in within a day or two of application. Fertilize before it rains, ideally a slow and steady rainfall and not an intense rainstorm, which will wash the fertilizer away and it will end up in storm drains and streams and pollute waterways. The alternative to rain is to water the lawn with at least a quarter inch of water after the fertilizer application.

    Image by Chris Winsor

    How Much And Which Fertilizer To Use

    Lawn fertilizers fall into three categories: granular slow-release, liquid water-soluble, organic, and synthetic. In most cases, granular slow-release fertilizer is the best to use because it slowly feeds and releases nitrogen into the grass over a period of months.

    For the amount of fertilizer to use, the rule of thumb is to apply no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn in a single feeding. How this translates into the exact fertilizer amount depends on the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer. If you use a fertilizer with a high percentage of nitrogen, such as 30-0-4, you will need less fertilizer than when using a 24-0-5 fertilizer. Always follow the directions on the fertilizer label.

    The only way to know for sure how much fertilizer your lawn needs is to do a soil test in a specialized laboratory . Everything else is mere guesswork and overdoing the fertilizer can be more detrimental to the lawn than using no fertilizer at all. While you can fix an overfertilized lawn, in the absence of a soil test, being a minimalist is the safest approach to avoid problems in the first place.

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    Are Lawn Fertilizers Safe To Use

    The majority of lawn fertilizers are safe to use, but if you have pets that like to eat grass, it is worth checking the packaging when you buy for any contraindications, and keeping the pets off the lawn until it has had a good post-feed soaking to ensure the fertilizer has moved off the grass and down into the soil.

    How Often To Fertilize Lawn

    Lawn Fertilizer

    Over-fertilizing is a thing. If once a year is right for your lawn, stick with that and dont get carried away. Fertilizer can be a valuable tool to keep a lawn healthy, dense and looking great, but it can also create environmental concerns if not used responsibly. Follow the label instructions on your fertilizer as each product has unique specifications and needs.

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    Types Of Fertilizer To Use On Lawns

    Here are the basic types of fertilizer to use on lawns:

    Slow-release You dont have to use slow release fertilizers as often, but they are usually more expensive.

    Fast-release You get quick results with a fast-release fertilizer, but you have to apply them in smaller amounts and more frequently. You can burn your lawn with a fast-release fertilizer if you use too much.

    Weed and feed Try to identify your weeds before using a weed and feed product and make sure your weed is listed on the product label. Take special care around trees, shrubs, and garden plants.

    Organic materials such as compost and manure The essential nutrients arent as concentrated in these types of materials, so you have to use a lot. Compost or dry manure before applying it to the lawn, and be aware that some manures, particularly horse manure, may contain weed seeds.

    Liquid fertilizers These arent recommended because they are hard to apply evenly and require frequent applications.

    Fertilizing At The Wrong Time

    “Many homeowners don’t follow a lawn fertilizer schedule. They fertilize when they think their lawn needs it, when they have time or when the stuff is on sale.

    Here’s when to fertilize lawn: If your lawn fertilizer schedule is once per year, apply it around Labor Day. Thats when your lawn is the hungriest and when it will respond best to the nutrients it receives. Fertilizing at this time will help replenish food reserves after a long, stressful year of growing and before the harshness of winter sets in.

    If your lawn fertilizer schedule is twice per year, apply the second application about the middle of October. This acts like a second helping of much-needed food going into winter. A third application can be added in mid to late spring and can be combined with your crabgrass preventer. A fourth application, if you feel the need, can be added mid-summer. Watch the weather when applying midsummer fertilizers. Fertilizing during hot, humid weather can harm your lawn. An exception would be using an organic fertilizer. They are much more lawn friendly during the dog days of summer.

    In the spring, apply just enough fertilizer to help green up your lawn. About half the normal amount will do. Even without fertilizer, your lawn naturally grows quickly as soon as temperatures become consistently higher. Have you ever noticed that grass grows fastest in the late spring and early summer? Why promote even more growth at this time by fertilizing?

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    When To Put Fertilizer On Lawns

    All lawns need fertilizer in early spring when the grass begins to green up. Your fertilization schedule for the rest of the season depends on the type of grass in your lawn, the type of fertilizer you use, and your climate. Most lawn seed is a mixture of several different types of grasses, and both spring and fall fertilization are appropriate.

    The label on a bag of lawn fertilizer will recommend a schedule based on the type of fertilizer it contains. The label is your best guide to how often to apply the product and how much to use. As long as you dont overdo it and avoid fertilizing in the hottest part of summer, your lawn should thrive.

    When To Fertilize Your Lawn

    How To Fertilize Your Lawn – Step-by-Step

    What time of year is best to fertilize your lawn depends on what type of grass you have, cool-season or warm-season. This is because the best time to fertilize is the period when the grass in question is growing most actively, and this period is different for cool-season grasses than it is for warm-season grasses. Nonetheless, there’s no one “right” fertilizer schedule. Different people have success doing it in slightly different ways. All that can be suggested is a typical schedule favored by many.

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    When To Fertilize Lawn

    Knowing when to fertilize your lawn depends on how often you plan to apply it. If you fertilize once a year, do it around Labor Day thats when lawns absorb the most nutrients. For biannual fertilizing, add a second application the middle of October.

    There are exceptions to this timeline depending on climate and soil types, so adjust if your lawn is not retaining enough nutrients. In the spring, if you feel the need, spread a little fertilizer to help the greening process.

    Why Lawn Fertilization Is Important

    Lawn fertilizers are made of the three major nutrients nitrogen , phosphorous , and potassium in various combinations and concentrations. Because nitrogen is the key nutrient for leaf growth, the ratio of nitrogen in lawn fertilizer is always the highest. Phosphorus is important for root growth, and potassium helps with water and nutrient absorption, but their numbers are always lower because most soils already contain enough or most of those two nutrients.

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    Examples To Understand Fertilizer Application Rates

    Lets look at an example to figure out how we answer how much of this stuff do I put down, to get me 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet?:

    If you have a balanced fertilizer with numbers 10-10-10, that means that bag of fertilizer contains 10% Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus, and 10% Potassium. Thats right, those numbers on the bag of fertilizer are percentages of macro nutrients N, P, K.

    Check out this link for a full explanation of N P K.

    But for now, all you need to know is Nitrogen is going to help us answer our question: How much of this stuff do I put down, to get me 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet?

    It comes down to this simple equation:

    Preferred pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet / Percent of Nitrogen in the bag = Pounds per 1000 square feet of application.

    We know that our preferred pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet is 1.

    We know that the numbers 10-10-10 are referring to percentages, therefor this bag contains 10% nitrogen .

    In this case the numbers look like this:

    1 pound / .10 = 10

    In this example we need to put down 10 pounds of product per 1000 square feet and that satisfies our 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square foot rule.

    Lets look at another example: In this case lets take a bag that is made up of 15-6-0. This means there is 15% nitrogen.

    1/.15= 6.6

    You need to apply 6.6 pounds of this product per 1000 square feet. Make it simple and just call it 6 pounds.

    Its finally time to open your bag of fertilizer and get ready to pour

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