Overseed Lawns That Have Extensive Turf Damage Or Loss
Some damage is too extensive to be fixed with just an application of fertilizer. For those areas, uniformly distribute the desired seed mixture in two directions, making sure the seed is in contact with the soil. Seed-to-soil contact can be enhanced by core aerating before spreading seed. The recommended species for overseeding are perennial ryegrass , fine fescue and tall fescue . The seeding rates are as follows:
- perennial ryegrass: 2-4 kg/100 m2
- fine fescue: 1-3 kg/100 m2
- tall fescue: 2-3 kg/100 m2
Rolling newly seeded areas also helps. Water the seeded areas frequently to ensure good germination. The ideal time for overseeding is also mid-August to mid-September.
Best 8 Tips When To Fertilize The Lawn: Fertilising Lawn
Posted On
May 26, 2021
When to fertilize the lawn: Healthy lawns are aggregates of proper elements. The appropriate amount of water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and oxygen are needed for healthy lawns and gardens, the roots of the plants also need different kinds of nutrients. As a human, we need to take vitamins or supplements for getting better health, for lawns it goes the same. For this reason, people include fertilizers into their routine for gardening, which provides the necessary nutrients for most of the lawns.
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How To Find Soil Temperatures
I use a combination of 2 tools to determine soil temps in my lawn. For starters, I check out Greencastonline. This is a great website where you can put in your zip code and get the latest soil temp averages in your region. I usually look for the 24 hour average.
The other tool I use is a soil thermometer. I simply stick this down about 3 and check on it daily when I know its getting to be the time to take action.
Its important to realize though, these thermometers do spike during the heat of the day and cool during the night. This is where you have to play detective. I dont rely solely on the soil thermometer, nor do I rely solely on Green Cast Online. I gather information from both and use that determine when its time to get things started.
Youd be surprised at how we all live in little micro climates. For example, I live at the base of a mountain and can have very different weather than a couple miles down the road. I like knowing that I can take soil temps in my own yard and compare it to soil temps reported in other areas.
The last thing Ill say as it relates to timing is always error on the side of too early. Meaning, youre better off applying pre emergent herbicides, or fertilizer, or any other application too early than too late. Most products take some time to get into the soil and hang around for awhile once there.
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Lawn Fertilization In Spring
Springtime is a really important time to fertilize your lawn, but the kind of grass you have determines when exactly in the spring to apply it.
If you have cool-season grass, it will begin to wake up in the spring and enter its growth cycle. Wait until the late spring, so somewhere between late May and the beginning of June, to fertilize the lawn. This is about the time that the root system has built up enough energy to start growing, and then the plant will need an immediate source of nutrition to start growing.
For warm-season grasses, there is no harm in adding additional nutrients to the soil, but you should have already applied the fertilizer. Weâll talk more about that later in this piece.
How To Apply Fertilizer To Cool
Don’t fertilize a dry lawn. Instead, wait until the day after a rain, when the soil is moist. It’s also best to time your application so there’s at least a few days before the next rain so your fertilizer doesn’t get washed away before it gets absorbed into the soil. Calculate how much fertilizer you’ll need for your lawn. Use a spreader or broadcaster, walking your lawn in a regular pattern to scatter the fertilizer as evenly as possible.
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Your Last Two Fertilizer Applications Should Take Place In The Fall
Fertilizing your lawn in fall helps restore damage that was caused by the stress of summer heat, promotes nutrient storage for use in the winter, and supports healthy root growth, which creates a healthier lawn in spring. It is best to plan for two fertilizer applications between late August and November. Leverage winters severe weather to help get rid of weeds by also scheduling a weed control application in the fall.
If you have questions about your lawn fertilization schedule or weed control applications, contact the lawn care experts at LawnMatters.
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How Do You Use Winter Fertilizer And When Do You Apply It
Apply fall/winter fertilizer like you would any other lawn food. Once youve chosen a winter fertilizer, the bag will tell you how much area it will cover. This will vary depending on the fertilizer analysis and the size of the bag. Its always a good idea to split the application rate in half, applying it in two applications at right angles. This will prevent missing spots. And as always, its best to water-in the fertilizer, so apply it before a scheduled irrigation cycle or rain event.
The best time to apply a winter fertilizer depends somewhat on where you live. In general, try your best to apply it between September 1 and October 15. The farther north you live, the earlier you should apply it.
The goal is to have at least one month of active grass growing weather remaining before winter takes its grip. Applying too late can keep your grass too lush and potentially cause winter kill or snow mold issues in early spring. You want your grass to stop growing and harden off before the ground freezes. Following these guidelines will help prevent the need to repair your lawn from winter-related issues next spring.
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Grasses And Lawn Mixtures
Two classes of grasses, warm-season and cool-season types, have been bred to grow into uniform, easily groomed lawns. Warm season grasses, such as zoysia and Bermuda grass , are planted one grass per plot and are fertilized in spring. Cool-season grasses are planted in mixtures, so there are grasses for sun, shade and texture. A common cool-season mixture includes Kentucky bluegrass , perennial ryegrass , and fescue .
What Happens If You Dont Fertilize Your Lawn
Over time, this can deplete the nutrients your grass needs, but fertilizing can replace those nutrients and let your grass grow strong and healthy. If you dont fertilize and the soil in your lawn does not provide enough nutrients, weak turf growth opens up room for weeds and pests that can damage your lawn.
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Diy Products Are Often Subpar
The products that you could buy at the store for fertilizing your lawn in fall or early winter are subpar to the commercial-grade products that a professional has access to. When it comes to such a valuable service, wouldnt you rather just get your lawn off on the best foot possible? Yes, you are starting the season later than others. But getting in that last professional round of fertilization with a professional and then transitioning right into their spring program makes a lot more sense than trying to save a few bucks with poor quality products that probably arent going to do much good for your lawn.
The same goes for limestone products. Contrary to what you may think, not all lime is created equal. Its important that you choose the right limestone product in order to get the best results. But chances are, you might have no idea what product is best for your lawn.
Aerating Your Lawn In Winter
During the fall, your lawn is preparing for winter, which means its enhancing its roots. Aerating will help your lawn increase root growth, allow it to breathe and minimize thatch build up. Minimizing build up is important because thatch makes your lawn susceptible to diseases and insects and reduces its tolerance to drought. Aerating your lawn will help contribute to a fuller and thicker lawn in the spring, giving you more time to enjoy a greener lawn throughout the summer.
Core aerators remove small plugs of soil allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate through to the roots. When these are more available to grass plants, your lawn will naturally be greener and healthier. Before you begin to aerate, make sure the soil is moist, but not wet. Its best to wait until the day after a rain shower or watering your lawn. Once youve aerated your lawn, leave the soil plugs on the lawn and let them decompose naturally.
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How To Use Winter Fertilizer
Most winter fertilizers are applied after the last mow of the fall season, when your lawn is done growing and preparing for dormancy. At this time, your lawn can take in the fertilizers provided nitrogen and store it for later use.
Prime application is usually around November, though people living in some northern states may need to apply the fertilizer a bit earlier due to the weather getting colder earlier. Waiting too long may cause your grass to succumb to mold and ice issues in the winter, while applying too early may prevent your lawn from reaching its full potential.
Keep Your Lawn Weeded And Water
Speaking of weeds, fall is no time to let up on weed control. Pay particular attention to perennial weeds for example, dandelion . Also focus on weeds that go to seed in fall for example, common ragweed .
And it may sound odd, but winter presents a lawn with desert-like conditions in the northern part of the United States. Sure, there may be plenty of snow. But even on days that the snow melts, the ground is frozen so deep that no moisture can get down to the roots of the grass. Making sure that your grass is adequately watered in fall, before the ground freezes, will help get it through winter’s drought.
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Best Time To Fertilize Your Lawn
Spring means more daylight and warmer temperatures. After a cold winter, this is the weather your grass is craving. If youre unsure of exactly when to lay down your first feeding, you can base it off of the temperature. Ideally, the ground should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on where you live, March to April is the best time to fertilize your lawn. Its also best if your yard is watered a few days before you want to apply the fertilizer, whether thats from rain or a sprinkler.
Fertilizer provides your grass with extra nutrients that help to prevent crabgrass and allow it to grow green and thick. To ensure youre laying the feed correctly, start around the perimeter of your lawn. Then, you can start filling in the middle. Similar to mowing your yard, you should go back and forth in straight lines. And you should always use a lawn spreader instead of your hands to complete the job.
Now that you know that spring is the best time to fertilize your lawn, here are some other helpful tips that will keep your grass thriving.
Fertilizer Application Rates For Home Lawns
Different grasses need different amounts of fertilizer to be applied in different seasons.
It is critical to check the fertilizer label to determine how much nitrogen is present in the bag. Less fertilizer will need to be administered when using nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
The three digits printed on the fertilizer bag, the NPK, can be used to calculate the amount of nitrogen. You should apply one pound of nitrogen for every one thousand square feet of grass. However, during vigorous growth, you may need to raise the quantity of nitrogen between two and three pounds for every one thousand square feet of lawn.
Additionally, various varieties of grass call for varying amounts of fertilizer to be applied.
For instance, for every one thousand square feet of lawn, bluegrass and ryegrass require around one pound of nitrogen. Whereas warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass need approximately three pounds of nitrogen per one thousand square feet of growing space.
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Fertilizer & Other Weed Control Solutions
At Sod Depot, we understand the importance of knowing how to maintain your lawn. The right fertilizer can make the difference in creating a healthy, thriving lawn, and that is why offer quality fertilizer well suited to the needs of the Floridian gardener so that you get the fertilizer that will give you your ideal lawn. We also offer a variety of other products to ensure that your yard looks its absolute best. If you would like to learn more about our fertilizer and other weed control solutions, please contact us today.
Can I Perform These Late Fall/early Winter Services Myself
If you find yourself already in the fall or winter and you have not been utilizing a professional lawn care program up until this point, you might be thinking about just taking a DIY approach for these services .
But this could end up doing more harm than good. Here are a few reasons why its better to leave late fall and early winter lawn care services to a pro.
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Fall Lawn Fertilizer Application Tips
- Read the bag. Even if you have used the same product before, check out the bag for specific timing and application tips. Materials change to keep up with things like formulation technologies or laws, so its important to review the label before applying.
- Wait for rain. Its best to apply fertilizer to moist soil, so wait for a soaking rain and apply fertilizer the next day. Try to time it so theres no rain for 24 to 48 hours after fertilizing, or you risk having your lawn food wash away before it absorbs into soil.
- Choose a spreader. Rotary spreaders work well if youre feeding a larger lawn area. For smaller lawns or areas where you need a more targeted application, choose a drop spreader . A handheld spreader is a good choice for tiny lawns.
- Clear the lawn. Remove any leaves or other debris that would keep fertilizer from dropping between grass blades.
- Walk slowly. No matter what kind of spreader you use, walk evenly and slowly for the most even application.
- Sweep excess. If fertilizer lands on hard surfaces , sweep or blow it onto the lawn. Some lawn products can stain hardscape.
Remove Fallen Tree Leaves Before Snowfall
If fallen leaves are not removed, the lawn will not get light and will eventually die. An alternative to leaf removal is pulverizing tree leaves with a mulching mower and letting them decompose on your lawn. Research has shown that a layer of tree leaves up to 15 cm deep can be mulched in a lawn without adversely affecting it. Mow dry leaves with a mulching mower with sharp mower blades.
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Picking The Right Fertilizer
Picking the right fertilizer depends on your lawn type and your end goal is. If you want to make your lawn greener and healthier, a product like The Andersons 16-0-8 Fertilizer with Humic DG is great for you. It contains methylene-urea that will give your lawn an even feed over eight to 10 weeks. Its also safe for pets.
When To Fertilize A Lawn In Summer
Remember to feed your lawn during the summer, too! Warm-season grasses grow a lot during the summer, meaning all those nutrients you put into the soil in the spring are being used up.
If you use cool-season grass, avoid feeding the lawn during the summer, but for warm-season grass, youâll want to make sure that you keep up with some fertilizing during the summer. Always make sure that your lawn has plenty of water, too, and that you stay on top of your various pest management methods.
Itâs important to make sure that your lawn is ready for the summer, but it doesnât mean itâs not also a good time to fertilize lawns again.
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Choose The Right Fertilizer Ratio
At this time of the year, your lawn needs a fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and potassium. An ideal fertilizer ratio should be 24-4-12. Nitrogen and potassium ratios are higher than phosphorus to enhance rooting, cold hardiness, wear tolerance, and disease resistance during the winter season ahead.
Be sure to use a slow-release fertilizer. It should be able to break down slowly to release small quantities of nutrients into the soil as required by the plant. Slow-release fertilizers can also last in the soil for the entire season.
When fertilizing your lawn, using 1 pound of fertilizer for every 1,000 square feet of lawn is recommended. Applying excess fertilizer can burn your lawn.
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The Ultimate Guide To Winter Fertilizer
When fall and peak growing season come to an end, its important to consider a final fertilizer application to prepare your lawn for the harsh winter months. This preventative measure can help your lawn survive the damaging effects of the cold and give it a leg up when spring arrives.
In this guide, we break down the benefits of winter fertilizers and tips on how to select the right one for your grass.
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