Lawn Fertilizing Tips & Tricks
How To Correctly Fertilize Your Lawn
If you are trying to become a lawn fertilizing genius, here are some of the best tips and tricks from the pros here at Dr. Tree Oregon to keep your grass healthy, looking good, and ready to help protect the environment. We’ve even got tips on lawn weed prevention using the right fertilizing techniques.
Use The Right Fertilizer Type
You’ll find lots of choices for fertilizers. Look for ones that contain slow release Nitrogen. You should be able to find this on the label on the bag, in the section that reads “Guaranteed Minimum Analysis.” As a general rule, the more slow release Nitrogen the fertilizer contains, the better. This helps feed the grass evenly, minimizes growth flushes that can make mowing difficult, and also minimizes the potential for nutrients to leave your lawn prematurely, as well as scorching due to high nutrient levels.
Apply Fertilizer Moderately
Read the label and apply your fertilizer according to the instructions. More is not necessarily better. Too much fertilizer will cause your grass to grow too fast or can even cause fertilizer burn. And if you apply more fertilizer than the plants can use, that increases the chance for negative environmental impacts.
If you are using “weed and feed” products, excess herbicides could harm your grass or even other plants in your yard. Conversely, too little fertilizer will not provide your grass with what it needs to be healthy. The right amount of fertilizer helps your grass to be healthy and prepares it to fight against weeds, insects, and diseases.
Fertilize At The Right Time
If you live in the northern U.S., the most important times to fertilize are generally spring and fall. During mid-summer, when it’s hot, grasses grow more slowly and may not receive all the benefits of fertilizers. They may still need some fertilizer, but not as much.
Slow release fertilizers help provide slow but steady nutrition through the summer. If you live in the south and have Bermuda grass, zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, or other “warm season” grasses, the most important times to fertilize are from late spring (when your lawn starts greening up) through mid-summer. This is when your grass is growing its fastest and needs fertilizer the most. Many fertilizers are formulated for certain regions and certain times of the year.
Apply Fertilizer In The Right Place
Keep as much of the fertilizer on your lawn as possible. Fertilizers usually end up on driveways, walks, sidewalks, and even streets if you sue too much. Sweep this fertilizer up and put it back in the bag, or sweep or blow it back into your lawn. Fertilizer that stays on hard surfaces can be washed into streams or other water bodies, or storm drains that lead to the same places. Protect the water by keeping fertilizer where it belongs. If your fertilizer does not contain herbicides or insecticides, it’s okay to fertilize your shrubs and other plants as you fertilize your lawn.
Rely On Science And Research
Consider getting a soil test to help identify the nutrient status of your soil, especially if your lawn seems unhealthy. A landscape professional, like the ones here at Dr. Trees Oregon, can conduct this test for you and can also make recommendations on how to ensure the maximum health of your lawn. Properly cared for, your lawn will add value to your home, provide the foundation for the joy of your outdoor living spaces, and help protect the environment. to take the guesswork out of weed control, a trained professional can help.