How to Fertilize Lawn?
Fertilizing your lawn involves more than just scattering some product around. Proper technique ensures your lawn grass gets the nutrients it needs, while minimizing waste and run-off. Follow these steps to fertilize your lawn the right way
Test Your Soil
Before applying fertilizer, a soil test is necessary to determine the soil pH and nutrients present. This way, you can know what the lawn truly needs. Soil test kits are available everywhere, or a sample of your soil can be sent to a local agricultural extension office. Once the condition of the soil is known, fertilization can be done, taking care not to overfeed or underfeed.
Mow and Water Before Fertilizing
Make sure the grass is freshly mowed before application of the fertilizer since direct contact will allow the fertilizer to penetrate into the soil. Also, water lightly a day before putting on the fertilizer for better absorption and to cut the possibility of the fertilizer burning the grass.
Select and Calibrate Your Spreader
Choose the right spreader for your lawn; a broadcast (rotary) spreader or a drop spreader. Then calibrate it according to the instructions printed on the fertilizer bag you intend to apply. Calibration means applying the fertilizer evenly, meaning you neither over-apply nor under-apply it.
Apply Fertilizer Evenly
Distribute fertilizer in straight or overlapping lines. The fertilizer must be evenly spread throughout the lawn or else you would end up with uneven growth or patches that begin to burn out. The user must maintain a steady pace and spread fertilizer from the outer edges inwards while using a rotary spreader.
Water After Fertilizing
Once fertilizing is done, water your lawn thoroughly unless the fertilizer is water-soluble and requires some dry time. Watering allows the nutrient to seep into the soil and reduce chances of run-off. Avoid excess watering as this might wash off the fertilizer.
Benefits of lawn Fertilization
Lawn fertilization offers a wide range of benefits for your yard’s health and appearance. Here’s why it’s an essential part of lawn care:
Improves Lawn Growth and Color
Fertilizer supplies the essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, needed for vigorous growth and lush green color. A fertilized lawn looks the brightest and healthiest during the growing season.
Strengthens Root System
Just like any other organism, a lawn grows better with healthy roots. Fertilizing encourages deep root development, allowing the grass to effectively endure drought, trampling, and other stresses.
Controls Weeds
Weedy destinations occur where a lawn is sparse. Fertilizing thickens the turf to put up a natural barrier against weeds and reduces dependence on herbicides.
Improves Soil Health
Top-quality fertilization helps improve microbial activity in your soils. Gradually, this process results in improved water retention and aeration, ensuring the lawn thrives even in challenging conditions.
Enhances Resistance to Pests and Diseases
A well-fertilised lawn has good resistance to pests and diseases. Nourished grass recovers swiftly from damage and is less prone to fungal attack or insect onslaughts.
Best Time to Fertilize Your Lawn
Understanding the timing of fertilization is key to reaping the full benefits. Here’s when and how often you should feed your lawn:
When to Fertilize Your Lawn?
Fertilization should be well-timed considering the grass type. For cool-season grass like fescue or bluegrass, early spring and fall are best. For warm-season grasses such as Bermuda or Zoysia, fertilization is done best from late spring through summer. Fertilizing during extreme heat or drought will put too much stress on your lawn.
How Often Should You Fertilize?
A normal lawn should be fertilized two to four times a year. However, the amount of fertilizing depends on your soil condition, grass type, and local climate. Over-fertilizing can damage your lawn and promote accumulation of thatch, while under-fertilizing will result in poor growth.
FAQs
1) How to Fertilize Your Lawn?
Start by testing your soil. Mow it and water the lawn if drought prevails. Use a properly calibrated spreader when applying fertilizer to discharge it evenly over the lawn, then water quickly afterwards to wash the nutrients down.
2) When to Fertilize Your Lawn?
Feed your grass in early spring and late fall if you are in the cool-season grass area, and in late spring to summer in the warm-season grass zone. Avoid fertilizing in extreme weather such as heavy snow, rainfall or a harsh summer.
3) How often should you fertilize your lawn?
Generally, fertilize your lawn 2–4 times per year based on its specific needs. Overdoing it can harm the grass more than help.
4) What are the Benefits of Fertilizing your lawn?
Fertilizing your lawn improves color, strengthens roots, controls weeds, boosts soil health, and increases resistance to pests and diseases of your lawn.
