Do You Want Success
When You Use Lawn Fertilizers?

Are Lawn Fertilizers Confusing To You?

Everyone wants to learn the secret to green grass.
Is it using more lawn fertilizers? Why does the neighbor’s yard look better?
Does it matter what you use and when you apply it?
Now you can learn the basics for understanding fertilizers and using them correctly.

The proper selection and application of lawn fertilizers has a huge impact on the condition and appearance. Use the best products successfully! Save time and money!

The following topics link to detailed articles that will get the neighbors green with envy at your lawn!

There is no special formula or magic product that provides a simple one-step solution. A quick fix may be offered, but long term success is a process. Fertilizing is only one aspect of developing beautiful, healthy grass.
Don’t miss other features on this site to increase your knowledge.

Why Are There So Many Fertilizer Choices?

Fertilizer varieties offer important options. You don’t want to use the same type to fertilize new sod as you would for mature grass. Can you interpret the information on a label?

Fertilizer numbers,
or N-P-K ratios, like 21-3-7, provide critical clues to the ingredients. Discover the importance of each nutrient for your grass. Formulas are specific to a geographic location or the season of use. The first step to a smart selection is Understanding Fertilizer Numbers

Chemical fertilizers
are in the majority as you shop for lawn fertilizers. In pellet form, these mineral salts must dissolve to release their nutrients. The quality of the ingredients and the pellet itself can vary significantly. You get what you pay for. Profit from these tips and Learn About Chemical Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers
use whole, natural materials like alfalfa, cottonseed, kelp or blood meal. These tend to have better long term effects, but are slower to respond. Plan ahead rather than wait until your grass is starving, and the results will please you. The impact on soil health may help you decide to choose Organic Lawn Fertilizer.

Compare chemical and organic
for the effects on the grass and soil. There are major differences. See the advantages and disadvantages of both before making a selection based only on cost. Investigate The Differences Between Organic Vs. Non-Organic Fertilizers.

How Do You Pick The Best Lawn Fertilizer?

Grass needs nutrients. What kind? Basically the same as the rest of your garden plants, but not exactly. So can you buy one general fertilizer and use it on everything? Yes… but… before you rush out to do that, consider how grass grows.

Grass has a primary need for nitrogen. Other plants are much more complex and have greater demands. Rather than use all-purpose you might save money on a just-for-grass fertilizer. Base your selection on these Tips for buying Lawn Fertilizers.(coming soon)

When And How Often Do You Fertilize?

A calendar cannot tell you if it is time to fertilize. The key is the overall condition of your lawn. If there is an adequate supply of nutrients in the soil, your grass does not need an additional application.

How can you tell? The most accurate way is to do a soil test, once or even twice a year. It isn’t difficult. (And you can’t fail, though your soil might!) Did you know soil pH affects how well your lawn fertilizer works? And you may not need to apply anything! It’s worth Learning About Soil Testing.

Some of you won’t even consider testing your soil. (Perhaps the same group who won’t look at a map when you’re lost?) We’ll still try to help you. You MAY need to fertilize the lawn when:

• your grass looks pale green;
• has traces of yellowing;
• is growing slowly, or not at all;
• it has been more than 8 weeks since the last application.

How Much Fertilizer Do You Use?

Is your grass really hungry? It’s better to use less and apply more frequently. Put it on too heavy and you risk burning the lawn. If someone you know just did that, oops! What now?

As long as the grass hasn’t died yet, put on water and more water. Let the water soak in, then water some more. Gypsum can help flush the salts through the soil. (Use 10-20# per 100 sq. ft.) Water again and again. Watch the crown (center) of the grass plant for the next two weeks to see if new growth appears. No green in that time? You’ll have to replace the grass.

When you apply, the lawn fertilizer application rates are generally very light. A 50# bag can cover from 5,000 - 10,000 square feet. That’s a large area. It won’t seem like you put enough down to do much good. Trust the rates on the bag and make it go that far. How To Figure Fertilizer Rates.

How Do You Apply The Fertilizer?

Some people just fling it out like chicken feed. Some are painstakingly precise. Go for a middle of the road approach on this. Do try to distribute as evenly as possible.

There are several types of applicators to use. Hand-held applicators usually work sufficiently well. Push type spreaders can be a drop type or broadcast type. Each has its place depending on the size and shape of the area you need to cover. The surrounding area can also impact your choice. See A Guide To Select And Use Fertilizer Spreaders.

What About Specialty Fertilizers?

Weed and Feed fertilizer
is very popular. Many people select it for the wrong reason. There is only one right (or logical) reason. It’s more convenient than having to perform two separate chores at two different times.

But do you have weeds spread throughout your entire lawn, or just in spots here and there? Is convenience really in your best interest?
Do you want the best weed killing results? Use a separate weed killer, designed for your specific needs, preferably a liquid to spray.
Do you want the best fertilizing results? Use a fertilizer that meets the nutritional requirements of your lawn. You definitely want to read the article on Chemical Fertilizers.

Do understand, fertilizer requirements can sometimes be compatible with other treatments. A combination with insecticide is convenient, and since both ingredients should end up at soil level, they work. Fertilizer with preemergent added also is a compatible blend. Lawn fertilizers with fungicide are a contradictory approach. Nitrogen can feed a fungus. Treat diseases with an isolated application.

Liquid fertilizer
is promoted as convenient, with super results. The value of the product compared to your time is questionable. You pay more per application. It has to be applied more frequently. But there is a circumstance where your lawn could benefit from Liquid Lawn Fertilizers.

If you need a fast greening, maybe for a big event real soon, liquid fertilizer is faster acting than granular. The nutrients are absorbed through the foliage, the grass blades, and you should see noticeable improvement in a few days (depending on temperatures). But it is a short term fix. It quickly dissipates.

Are You Ready To Do It?

It’s not a secret. Respond to your lawn’s natural needs and preferences with the best product at the best time. You’ll be proud of the results!

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