Why You Should Fertilize Your Lawn
Nitrogen is what gives your lawn a good green color. It also reduces weed problems which helps to give the turf a uniform appearance. Fertilizers are labeled with an NPK ratio which tells you what percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K), are used to create a particular formula. A soil sample taken to your local agriculture extension office can tell whether phosphorous and potassium levels are sufficient. If they are, your lawn probably won’t need those amendments for several years. Nitrogen, the main ingredient for promoting good growth and color should be applied annually.
Types of Fertilizer Applications
There are many choices for lawn fertilizers but they are most often applied either as a liquid or in granular form. The other option is organic fertilizers likes or composted manure, however these type must first be broken down in the soil and are not often used in lawn maintenance. Both advantages and disadvantages exist for liquid and granular fertilizers but to get the greatest benefit from either, it helps to know when and when not to add them to your turf.
Best Time to Apply Granular Fertilizer to Your Lawn
Granular fertilizer can either be water soluble or water insoluble which also may be called slow-release. Both types have been effectively used on lawns for may years. Water soluble granular fertilizer should be spread when grass is dry and temperatures are cool, This form of fertilizer needs to be watered in to avoid leaf burn. Slow release formulas are less likely to damage grass leaves so it isn’t essential that the grass be dry. Watering after spreading helps to move the granules into the soil where they will do the most good.
Best Times of Day to Apply Water Soluble Granular Fertilizer to Your Lawn
Before a steady rainfallMid-morning after dew has driedEvening when temperatures are cooler
Best Times of Day to Apply slow Release Fertilizer to Your Lawn
Mornings before temperatures get hotBefore a steady rainfall
When to Avoid Applying Any Granular Fertilizer
After it rainsBefore a heavy storm which can cause runoffThe hottest part of the day
Best Time to Apply Liquid Fertilizer to Your Lawn
One advantage of liquid fertilizer is that it works quickly and can green up your lawn and any trouble spots within a few days. On the flip side, it doesn’t feed the lawn as long as granular fertilizer and needs to be applied more often. The grass should also be dry starting out since any water already present will dilute the formula and render it less effective. While granular fertilizers are designed to feed the roots, liquid fertilizer can also be used as a foliar feed for the leaves, If used when the lawn is actively growing, liquid feeds can also quickly burn the grass if applied at the wrong time.
Best Time of Day to Apply Liquid Fertilizer to Your Lawn
Evening when temperatures are coolerWhen there is no rain in the forecast for at least two daysWhen the grass is dry
When to Avoid Applying Liquid Fertilizer
When the grass is wet with rain or morning dewIf rain is forecastDuring the hottest part of the day
Using Granular Fertilizer and Liquid Fertilizer
Both types of fertilizer can be used on a lawn but not at the same time. For example you may want to feed slow release granular fertilizer on a cool fall day to maintain a healthy root system throughout the winter. Then, during early growth in the spring, a liquid application can help to strengthen the grass leaves and give them good uniform green color.
