Fertilizing your lawn is an important task – and YOU just CAN’T IGNORE IT. Though it may seem easy, to nurture a green and healthy lawn, there is a lot of knowledge and practices that need to be implemented.
The beginning of proper lawn fertilization starts with figuring out the best time to fertilize lawn and the type of fertilizers your grass needs.
Typically, the best time depends on the type of grass you have. For cool-season grass, fall is the best time to fertilize lawn while for warm-season grass types spring is an ideal time.
Apart from timing, there’s a good chance you might not know a lot of other things about lawn fertilizing. So here are some fertilizing tips that can help you achieve a greener lawn.
Lawn Fertilizing Tips for a Greener Lawn
Check The Soil Temperature
The best time to fertilize your lawn is when the soil temperature reaches 55º Fahrenheit. When the soil temperature reaches 55º, the flowers start to bloom and the grass begins to grow. Usually, in most parts of the US – mid-April is the time when the soil temperature is ideal to apply lawn fertilizer. So either buy a soil thermometer or remember to fertilize your lawn around April.
Choose a Slow-Release Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizers relatively take a longer period of time for breaking down their nutrients. Using a slow-release fertilizer will allow you to fertilize your lawn every 6-8 weeks instead of the general 4 weeks cycle.
In addition, keep in mind that lawn grass requires around one-tenth of a pound of nitrogen per week. So if you buy a fertilizer that provides more than this, the grass will grow way faster and you would have to mow it more often.
In case you’re in a dilemma, it’s recommended to get your lawn inspected by an expert lawn care company such as Gorski Landscaping so that they can help you in picking the best fertilizer for your lawn.
Aerate your Lawn
Aerating your lawn before fertilizing will help achieve better results. Soil aeration creates holes and exposes the grassroots providing better access to air, water, and fertilizers. To get the best results, you can get a core aerator that can pull plugs of soil from the lawn. Make sure you aerate every area where the thatch layer is thicker than one and a half-inch.
Add Compost to your Lawn
Using compost to fertilize your lawn is one of the best and most eco-friendly ways to achieve a healthy lawn. Compost can easily be created using grass clippings, kitchen scraps, cardboard waste, etc.
Additionally, the nitrogen present in the compost is absorbed by the plants very slowly which reduces the chances of nitrogen leaching. Just a little effort and time can help you convert unused organic matter into a great fertilizer for your lawn.
However!
If you missed taking care of your lawn in winter and now it’s full of overgrown grass and weeds, it’s best to call the best lawn care services in Rochester to help you in reviving your lawn. Along with lawn care, the Gorski Landscaping team also provides landscaping, hardscaping, sod installation, and weed control services.
So pick your car keys and get all the supplies because the best time to fertilize the lawn is now.
