All fertilizers weren’t created equal, in the same way that all soils, grass, and plant life don’t respond to all chemicals equally. When you are trying to make sure your lawn looks its best through all four seasons, there are a few factors to consider. Here’s how to fertilize your lawn the way the experts (like us!) do.
Know the Numbers (NPK)
The active ingredients in fertilizers are generally Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Their ratio is different for different types of soils and plants, so know the number, or percentage of each that is in your fertilizer. This NPK number won’t add up to 100, since some material is usually filler that is fairly inert. For instance, one common fertilizer for spring has an NPK number of 20-5-10.
Choose the Right Type
When you use a professional, they will apply a precision spray that fits the needs of your lawn. However, if you are fertilizing on your own, consider using a granular, slow-release formula that will be sure to not burn the grass or kill vegetation. What’s more, it’s actually a good idea to use less than the recommendation on the box or bag and then see how the grass fares; starting with the recommended dose and discovering that it is too much would be costly in getting your lawn back to a healthy place.
Top-Dressing Your Lawn
One way to retain or improve fertility of the soil is to add a loamy mixture in a thin layer over existing soil. This soil layer adds nutrients and depth to the topsoil, but isn’t so thick that it chokes out existing plant life. Make sure to do this in either Spring or early Fall, to make sure that the grass has time to be mown a couple of times before the shock of heat or cold. This helps keep the currently growing vegetation healthy.
Overseeding Your Lawn
Even with careful fertilization, small patches of bare or thin grass are destined to happen. You can address this problem, often at the same time as you work in some Top-Dressing, by overseeding your lawn. This means adding grass seed over an existing lawn, targeting the thinnest areas. Even if your lawn currently looks fine, this can be a great strategy for maintaining long-term lawn growth, since grass does get old and have a harder time fighting off weeds over time.
You may want to tackle some fertilization efforts on your own, but many people want professional assistance with keeping a pristine lawn. No matter the size and style of the lawn, Lawn Troopers are here to keep your yard, field, or lawn healthy. With the equipment and the expertise, our professional, uniformed and fully insured staff strive to meet and exceed all expectations. For more information on fertilizing your lawn with care, contact us to request a quote.