Applying Lawn Fertilizer: Comprehensive Instructions for Enhanced Grass Growth
A healthy, green lawn not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a home but also serves as a gathering spot for families, a play area for children, and a roaming space for pets. However, achieving this requires careful lawn care, especially when it comes to fertilizing.
Careless fertilizing can lead to uneven grass growth and yellow patches, while using too much fertilizer can cause brown patches with crunchy yellow leaves on the lawn. To avoid these issues, it's essential to follow some guidelines.
For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues, the best time to fertilize is early spring, specifically after you have mowed your lawn twice. This timing helps the lawn recover from winter and promotes healthy root growth rather than excessive top growth. Ideal soil temperatures are around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid fertilizing too early or too much to prevent weak growth and vulnerability to diseases.
On the other hand, for warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine, fertilize in late spring or early summer when the grass turns fully green and daytime temperatures reach about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing aligns with their main growth period.
Applying fertilizer when grass is green and growing ensures nutrients are effectively absorbed. Avoid fertilizing dormant or drought-stressed lawns as they cannot use the nutrients well.
For weed-and-feed products in cool-season regions like Minnesota, apply between mid-March and May when soil temperatures are 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit to simultaneously control weeds and nourish grass.
Organic fertilizers are more environmentally friendly and provide vital nutrients to the lawn. They stimulate microorganisms in the soil to make the lawn healthier. The best time to apply organic fertilizer is from May to September when temperatures are warmer.
Fertilizer is a crucial ingredient for maintaining a beautiful yard, as it provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. There are two main types of fertilizers used on lawns: liquid and dry granular (slow release). Before purchasing a fertilizer, consider the type of grass, climate, and sunlight conditions in your area.
Applying fertilizer evenly and promptly is key for optimal results. It's usually best to fertilize before rain is forecasted, allowing the fertilizer to be absorbed into the yard before the rain. Using mulched grass clippings can help control excess soil and promote strong roots.
In summary, for most spring lawn care on cool-season grasses, wait until you have mowed twice in spring and when the soil and air temperatures are consistently warming (60–70°F), typically early to mid-spring. For warm-season grasses, fertilize later when they are actively growing and temperatures are warmer. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a beautiful, healthy lawn all year round.
[1] Lawn Care for Homeowners, University of Minnesota Extension, 2021. [2] Lawn Care for Cool-Season Grasses, University of Illinois Extension, 2021. [3] Lawn Fertilization, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 2021. [4] Lawn Fertilizer Applications, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, 2021. [5] Lawn Fertilization, Purdue University Extension, 2021.
Ensuring a healthy and attractive lawn necessitates careful fertilization practices, as over- or under-fertilizing can lead to patches of uneven growth or brown spots. To maintain a thriving lawn, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues should be fertilized during early spring, specifically after mowing twice.
Organic fertilizers, which promote the growth of microorganisms and contribute to a healthier lawn, are best applied during warmer months, between May and September. This information is sourced from various extension services, including the University of Minnesota Extension, University of Illinois Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, and Purdue University Extension.
