How to Fertilize a Lawn

How to fertilize your lawn will be an ongoing task that will change with the needs of your soil.  Your lawn takes nutrients out of the soil and uses them to aid growth. If your soil lacks adequate nutrients your lawn will suffer. First, as you probably know, fertilizing makes your lawn greener. Most people fertilize to green up the lawn but they don't know much more than that about why to fertilize.

You'll enjoy the soft walking surface and serious air cleaning power your lawn provides when you fertilize it on time and with the right formulas. Put lawn fertilizing on your annual to-do list to ensure the continuing health of your growing investment.

The three primary nutrients in a fertilizer are Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Each element has its own affect upon grass. Nitrogen stimulates grass growth and greening. Phosphorous stimulates the development of roots and seedlings. Potassium promotes disease and drought resistance.

The weather is the chief influence on when to apply nutrients. The beginning and end of the growing season are the two most important times to fertilize the lawn. These two applications will be adequate to sustain a healthy lawn. However, also preparing for the winter and fertilizing prior to the appearance of weeds will give you the best results.

Make sure that you time fertilizing to meet your lawn’s needs.  Let your lawn green up and mow it once or twice before applying food or any kind of formula in the springtime.  Choose a fertilizer made for your type of grass.  Make sure that you read the label to make sure it is the right kind. 

If your lawn is less than two years old, then use a new lawn or starter formula.  Your grass will be thicker in the first seasons.  If you have a more established lawn then a slow-release fertilizer would be best.  They bring a constant supple of nutrients during the lawn’s fastest growing times.  Use a fertilizer spreader and walk behind it at a normal pace.  Go over the lawn only once. 

Over fertilizing can lead to chemical burn, excessive top growth and weakens your lawn. Under fertilizing results in a lawn that lacks color & lushness, increases risk of disease and results in more weed growth. Clearly, getting the right balance is important.

Always follow all of the directions for the use, application and cautions listed on the package. Use of protective clothing, gloves, eyewear and breathing masks is recommended when working with chemical fertilizers. Fertilize your lawn yearly after testing it.