When To Fertilize Lawn In Ct

When And How To Fertilize Your Lawn

In some ways, lawns are a lot like people. Operating at the peak of beauty and performance requires a good diet and proper care. Lush, thick, green lawns depend on properly timed, properly balanced nutrition to look and grow their best. Understanding when and how to fertilize your lawn can help you and your grass stand out from the rest.

When Should I Do Fall Lawn Fertilization In New York

You need to be a bit of a weather forecaster or at least keep your eye on the forecast.

You should apply fall lawn fertilizer two to three weeks before the ground freezes. In general, here in the Northeast, shoot for mid-October.

Does the time of day matter? It does.

Try for morning or early evening. Fall fertilizer likes to keep things cool.

Start In The Early Spring

If you want to have a strong healthy lawn for the rest of 2021, you may want to start fertilizing it in the early spring. Your grass and other plants will be hungry in the spring because they didnt get enough food during the winter season. Fertilizing them will strengthen their roots, so they can grow well for the rest of the year. Our formula also feeds them with nutrients for improving strength and resistance against any conditions.

It is highly recommended for you to apply the fertilizer in the beginning of the spring season. We recommend a period between March and April. This is the time when your grass and other plants start to green up. At the beginning of their growth period, they should have enough nutrients for supporting their growth for the rest of the year.

Recommended Reading: How Do I Treat Lawn Fungus

Best Fertilizer For Cool

Nitrogen is probably all your lawn needs. N-P-K are the letters you’ll see on fertilizer labels and they stand for the key nutrients: Nitrogen , phosphorus , and potassium . Odds are your soil has plenty of phosphorus and potassium. In fact, in some states it isn’t even legal to buy lawn fertilizer with all those ingredients unless you have a soil test to prove you need them.

Excess phosphorous can cause major problems in waterways by encouraging algae, which throws off the balance of the ecosystem that keeps the water clear and fish and other aquatic life healthy. Dose your lawn with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer the fertilizer bag display of N-P-K should have a bigger number in the first place and either zeros or smaller numbers for the other two nutrients, like 32-0-10.

Leave The Fall Fertilizing To Neave

Neave lawn care service experts know all about fall fertilizing. And everything else your lawn needs: overseeding, aeration, organic lawn care, weed control, pest control. We do it all.

Your relationship with Neave Lawn Care begins with a free lawn care industry analysis. Well take a walk around your property to get a sense of exactly what your lawn needs.

Give us a call.

If youre in the Hudson Valley, call us at . If youre in Westchester County, call from Connecticut, dial . Or, fill out our contact form, and well contact you about setting up your free consultation.

You May Like: How To Rid Lawn Of Poa Annua

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.

Fertilization Of Trees And Shrubs: A Primer

Fertilization of Trees and Shrubs: A Primer

Dr. Jeffrey S. WardDepartment of Forestry and HorticultureThe Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station123 Huntington Street

Email:

The Essential Nutrients

Trees and shrubs, like all other plants, require 16 essential elements for proper growth. Three, carbon , hydrogen and oxygen , comprise more than 90 percent of plant tissue. The remaining 13 are divided into two groups, macro- and micronutrients. Three of the macronutrients, nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium , are called primary nutrients because they are required in relatively large amounts. Calcium , magnesium and sulfur are called secondary nutrients because they are necessary in lesser amounts. The remaining seven, known as micronutrients or trace elements, are iron , manganese , copper , zinc , boron , molybdenum and chlorine . These elements are needed in very small quantities. In fact, in excess, they can be toxic to plants.

On the other hand, trees and shrubs whose fallen leaves are removed completely each year may eventually require fertilization as the nutrient pool in the soil is depleted. About half the nutrients absorbed by woody plants each year are found in the foliage. Unless soil mineral decomposition and atmospheric deposition equal the requirements, a shortage of nutrients will result from regular removal of leaves with consequent decrease in plant growth and vigor.

How to sample your soil

Also Check: What Is The Highest Rated Riding Lawn Mower

When And How To Fertilize New Grass

If you’re starting a new lawn from seed, sod or plugs or you’re doing bare lawn spot repair a starter fertilizer helps grass get the perfect start. Unlike established lawns, new grass benefits from extra phosphorus, an essential plant nutrient that supports strong, deep roots. Some states only allow phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers on new grass, so check with your county extension office if you’re unsure.

On fertilizer products, phosphorus is the middle number in the N-P-K ratio usually “0” in normal lawn fertilizers. But with Pennington UltraGreen Starter Fertilizer 22-23-4, you get an ideal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plus other essential lawn nutrients, including iron for deep green color. This premium fertilizer blend starts feeding new grass immediately and keeps feeding it for up to three months.

Always follow guidelines for the best time to plant grass seed for your region and grass type, then fertilize accordingly. For seed or plugs, apply fertilizer with a regular lawn spreader before you plant. If you’re starting a lawn with sod, fertilize after your sod is in place.

With any new lawn area, avoid using crabgrass preventer fertilizers or weed & feed fertilizers within four weeks before planting time. After seeding, wait until your new grass gets established and you’ve mowed your lawn at least three times.

Weed & feed fertilizers kill tough weeds and feed your lawn.

Late Summer To Late Fall

Between August and November, grass slows down and prepares for the winter months. At the same time, broadleaf weeds start active growth again. With Pennington UltraGreen Winterizer Plus Weed & Feed Fertilizer 22-0-14, you can feed your northern or southern lawn nutrients essential to its winter prep and spring green-up and kill broadleaf weeds. As a general rule, allow six to eight weeks between fertilizing and your first expected frost.

As with all fertilizer products, check the label and follow instructions for your specific grass type. If you’re overseeding, wait until next year for weed & feed. Instead, turn to Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4 for the year’s final feeding.

Always sweep excess fertilizer off sidewalks and patios to avoid runoff.

Don’t Miss: How Much Does It Cost To Mow My Lawn

When To Fertilize Your Lawn

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.

How To Lime A Yard

Before you begin, a few liming lawn tips should be considered.

There are several types of lime and your local garden center can help you determine the best type for your grass, soil type, and climate. However, most gardeners find that pellet forms are easier to apply than powders. Once youve decided on the best type of lawn, refer to the label to determine the proper amount, which will depend largely on your soil pH.

Depending on the type of lime, you can use a drop-style or rotary spreader. A spreader is the best tool for applying lime. Apply half of the recommended amount of lime by walking back and forth horizontally with the spreader, then add the second half by walking vertically. This way, your criss-cross pattern ensures the grass is evenly and completely covered.

Water lightly after your lime lawn treatment to help the soil absorb the lime.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Crane Fly Larvae In Lawn

How Often You Should Apply Fertilizer To Your Lawn

Though fertilizer has its benefits, you dont want to overdo it. A full feeding is recommended at least 5-6 times per year. You want to feed your lawn when its growing most rapidly. However, you should base the frequency on your climate and the type of grass you have. For example, cool season grasses can be fertilized in late spring, but only if necessary.

Warm season grasses, like Bermuda grass, St. Augustine, zoysia, centipede and buffalo grass, should be fertilized in spring. Depending on the amount of water your grass gets, aim to reapply your fertilizer every 6-8 weeks. Keep a watchful eye on your grass. If it looks thick and green, you can probably skip the feeding. If its starting to look brown or black, give your lawn some TLC.

Liming And Fertilizing Established Lawns

VL004

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment StationValley LaboratoryEmail:

The amount of care one gives to a lawn depends on individual tastes. One person may be satisfied with a minimal maintenance program of regular mowing and occasional irrigation, liming or fertilization, another person might prefer a high maintenance program of regular liming, frequent fertilization, regular irrigation and mowing. Still another might prefer a moderate program somewhere in between. No one program is right. It is important to know one’s individual preferences and be aware of the steps to be taken to keep the lawn at that level of maintenance.

Liming. Turfgrass grows best in a soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5 . Most Connecticut soils are naturally acid and limestone is needed regularly to maintain the proper pH. If soil test results suggest the addition of limestone to raise the soil pH, the rate of application will depend on the texture of the soil. Coarse soils such as loamy sands or sandy loams usually require small amounts of limestone to reach the desired pH. Finer textured soils such as loams or silt loams require greater amounts of limestone to make the same pH change.

Summary

Read Also: Where To Get Lawn Mower Tires Mounted

Quick Guide For Summer Lawn Care In Hartford Ct

Summer heat can affect the appearance and condition of your lawn in Hartford, CT. Because its zoned for Zone 7, the planting season for grass is in the early spring and in the fall when the temperatures are much cooler. This is where the name cool season grass types come from. Cool season grass types which commonly grow in Zone 7 include Fescue, Rye or Bluegrass which will all go dormant when it gets to above 80 degrees.

When a grass goes dormant, its your lawns defense against the blistering conditions of the summer heat. When its hot, the grasses slow growth down as it tries to protect itself from disease, insects, and weeds. Here are some great tips on how to keep your lawn maintained even in the summer heat.

1. Dont mow too short

Most experts agree that cutting your grass to a three-inch height is the best for your grass. If you cut it too short, then your lawn becomes stressed, if its cut to the 3-inch height, then it encourages the roots to grow deeper. Also, the yard will need to be watered less and use less fertilizer. When the grass is cut to 3-inches in height, then it can access water and nutrients deeper into the soil. Plus, if you do mow the lawn too short, it will encourage weeds to take up residence.

2. Clippings

3. Overwatering

4. When to water

5. What to do when the lawn is wet

6. Control weeds

7. Fertilizing

Featured image source: Zillow

Lawn Care Month By Month

You can also view our Lawn Maintenance Guideline for more information.

Sharpen mower Cleanly cut grass is less susceptible to disease.Lime Pelletized lime is the easiest to use. Do not lime if ground is soggy. Now. OR

Clean up winter debris once the ground firms up.Start a new lawn Use a starter fertilizer. If you need to prevent crabgrass from seeding along with the grass, use an appropriate pre-emergent . Now through May.OR Wait until September.Mow weekly, 2½-3 high. Dont cut off more than 1/3 of the blade at any one mowing. Leave clippings if no disease is present and they wont smother the grass.Fertilize Use a maintenance fertilizer.OR Use a Step 1 product , before forsythia blooms drop, with a pre-emergent weed control if you need to control crabgrass and other annual weeds .

TROUBLESHOOTING Check for snow mold damage. Use a lawn fungicide if necessary.

Dethatch if more than ½ of thatch. Now.OR Wait until early October.Water 1 inch+ per week, including rainfall. Best time is from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. which allows blades to dry, minimizing disease potential. Watering once a week for a longer period is better than more frequently for short periods, enhancing drought tolerance by encouraging deeper roots.Fertilize Use a maintenance fertilizer.OR Use a Step 2 product in late May or by June 15 if broadleaf weeds are a problem.

Control broadleaf weeds. A liquid broadleaf herbicide is most effective.

GLOSSARY

Weston Nurseries

Don’t Miss: Does Home Depot Rent Out Lawn Mowers

When To Fertilize The Lawn In Spring

Kelly Burke is a professional turf manager for a manicured corporate campus in New England. He is accredited in organic land care and is a licensed pesticide applicator. He formerly managed the turfgrass as a golf course superintendent and has held several senior management positions at private country clubs overseeing high maintenance lawns.

The Spruce / Jayme Burrows

Most people apply a dose of lawn fertilizer in the spring, followed by one or two more applications during the growing season. If you are going to fertilize your lawn, do not do it too early in the season. The best time for that first application is late spring, just as the green grass is beginning to grow eagerly. In early spring, the grass is putting energy into root development. If you apply fertilizer too early, it will divert the plant’s energy into leaf development too soon.

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.

You May Like: How To Level Your Lawn With Topsoil

Free Landscape Care & Maintenance Guide

We know youre feeling sort of done with lawn care.

Summers over, youve finally put socks on, and those carefree barefoot in the green grass days are already a fading memory.

But your lawn still needs you. Its hungry.

Dont neglect your lawns fall feeding. Its more important than you think.

Lets talk about the benefits of fertilizing your lawn in the fall.

What Type Of Fall Lawn Fertilizer To Use

Bare with us while we do a quick numbers lesson.

Youve likely seen the three-number fertilizer formula. The common 5-10-5, for instance.

The first number represents nitrogen, which promotes lawn blade and foliage growth the second number stands for phosphorus, which helps root growth and the third for potassium, which promotes cell function and absorption of trace elements.

For this important fall feeding, apply a fertilizer with a formula of 13-25-12. The push of phosphorus will stimulate root growth through November and even into early December.

Always follow the manufacturers recommended rate of application.

Read Also: How To Treat Dead Spots In Lawn

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.

How To Apply Lawn Fertilizer For Best Results

Whenever you apply fertilizer, always follow best practices for fertilizer safety. For best results, mow your lawn one to two days beforehand. Then set your spreader to the setting recommended on the product label.

• For drop spreaders, start with two strips across your lawn’s ends. Then work back and forth, overlapping each swath slightly.
• For broadcast spreaders, start on the outside and work in, overlapping slightly as you go.

Always shut the hopper when you stop and turn to prevent a fertilizer pile. When finished, sweep excess fertilizer off hard surfaces, such as sidewalks and driveways, to avoid iron stains and fertilizer runoff.

By following these lawn fertilizer tips, you can keep your grass at the peak of performance, beauty and health. At Pennington, we take pride in providing you with the best in lawn fertilizers and expert advice to help you have a lawn you’re proud to own. Stay connected with our email newsletter for accurate, timely tips and offers to help you make the most of your lawn and home.

*dollarweed, clover, henbit and chickweed

Always read product labels thoroughly and follow instructions, including specific guidance for your grass type.

Pennington is a registered trademark of Pennington Seed, Inc.

UltraGreen is a registered trademark of Central Garden & Pet Company.

Read Also: How To Promote My Lawn Care Business