It can be tough to keep your lawn looking as fresh as you’d like. Between pests, weather, and other foes, you’ll want to make sure that your lawn looks as healthy as possible. Homeowners have used fertilizer on their lawns for centuries, but do you know the reasons why fertilization is so important? Keep reading for some great tips as to why using lawn fertilizer is so important!
Why Is It Necessary?
Healthy and lush landscapes are less susceptible to stress drought, pests, and disease when nutrients in fertilizer are applied to your lawn. Fertilizer feeds your soil. it will improve your lawn’s texture and water-retention properties. Plus, it makes your home pleasing to the eye. A healthy lawn adds value to your home in so many ways. A thriving lawn will improve air and water quality, produce oxygen and reduce CO2 emissions, control soil erosion, and promote soil health. On top of all of these amazing benefits, healthy green grass improves curb appeal, increases property value, and let’s just be honest, in some cases, it can be an excuse for some friendly neighborhood bragging rights.
When Should I Fertilize?
Ideally, the ground should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on where you live, between March and April is the best time to first fertilize your lawn. It’s also best if your yard is watered a few days before you want to apply the fertilizer, whether that’s from rain or a sprinkler. Then In early summer, because your grass is busy and hungry, the second fertilization is needed. The third time would be in summer to fight back against heat, drought, foot traffic, and pests. And finally, fertilize in the fall as this is the time for your lawn’s ideal condition for fertilizing. Some say fall is the single most important lawn feeding of the year.
Quick Tips For Fertilization
One of the best reasons to use fertilizer is that you don’t necessarily need a green thumb to use it. You may be interested in using the aid of some great local services. Follow these instructions as fertilizer needs to be evenly spread:
- Test your soil’s pH level. It is wise to know your soil’s acidity or alkalinity. The test shows what nutrients your soils needs.
- Know what type of grass you have. Kentucky is in the transition-zone grass type. The transition zone includes areas where the temperatures rise and fall dramatically. In the transition zone, grass will be exposed to both cool and warm weather so it needs to have a higher tolerance to thrive. Choosing heat-tolerant grass types is a wise idea. For Kentucky Bluegrass, it is best to use a slow-release formula with a 3-1-2 ratio. An example would be a 12-4-8 fertilizer. It is important to use slow-release fertilizers when possible. So, fertilizer type depends on where you live.
- Use slow-release fertilizer. If you use a slow-release fertilizer, you can go longer between services.
- Use organic fertilizers. The organic fertilizers release nutrients as they break down, improving the soil and its ability to hold water and nutrients. Given time, they make your soil and plants healthier. Organically derived fertilizers typically have a lower NPK analysis (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) than synthetic fertilizers, but they feed plants for a much longer period of time.
- Use care when fertilizing. Do not let fertilized water run into the water sources, as this is bad for the environment.
DIY Versus Hiring A Lawn Care Company
When it comes to lawn care, is the DIY route really less expensive and better for your lawn? Product labels are difficult to read for the average homeowner looking to apply fertilizer themselves. Applying the correct material at the correct rate, at the correct time is the difference between expected results and actual results. I know it goes without saying, but after all that work, isn’t the goal to make a big difference and see results? The fact is that buying your own fertilizer generally saves you around 10% to 15% versus hiring a professional lawn care operator. However, if you add in the cost of liquid weed control, and the cost of your time, and equipment, hiring a lawn care company is actually cheaper. Not to mention that a lawn care professional is trained to apply the product correctly, yielding much better results. Of course, the choice is yours just be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
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About Green & Grow
About Green & GrowGreen & Grow is a full-service lawn care company specializing in lawn mowing, fertilization & weed control, aeration & seeding, insect control, and more!