Fertilizer 101: A Guide to Green Grass
The sun is shining, the snow is melting, the birds are chirping and your lawn is… brown. We all know that owning a lawn requires a certain degree of upkeep, and that winter doesn’t help the cause. When your regular mowing and watering routine doesn’t do it, what are you going to turn to? Lawn fertilizer!
Why Fertilize?
Lawn fertilization plays a major role in creating a lush green lawn that looks good all summer long, but the process to get there can be intimidating. A healthy growing lawn uses a great deal of energy, requiring food and nutrients. This is where fertilizer comes in. Fertilizer provides your lawn with the nutrients that may not be naturally available to your grass, benefitting it in various ways such as:
- Reducing and controlling weeds
- Replacing nutrients lost to grass clipping removal
- Promoting new growth
- Helping recover from traffic and foot damage
Consistency is Essential
Keeping a schedule when fertilizing allows for your lawn to stay healthier, longer. So, when and how often should you fertilize?
Northern Roots utilizes a five-step turf care program to ensure your lawn receives the nutrients it needs to be tough, lush, and green.
- Step 1: Early spring pre-emergent application to assist with crabgrass control and a slow-release fertilizer treatment to kick start the growing season
- Step 2: Late spring weed control application that will target broadleaf weeds such as dandelions and clover. This will kill off the weeds that are germinating and will assist with weed control into the summer months.
- Step 3: Summer fertilizer application to assist with feeding your lawn through the hot summer months. This slow-release fertilizer has added iron to give it the lush green appearance that your lawn needs. Broadleaf weeds will be spot treated at this time
- Step 4: Late summer application will continue to feed your lawn throughout the later part of summer and into the early fall. This is another slow-release fertilizer with added iron to keep up with the lush green appearance during the early fall growth season. Broadleaf weeds, as well as post-emergent crabgrass, will be treated at this time as well.
- Step 5: Fall fertilizer application will be the final treatment of the season. This will feed the lawn into dormancy giving it the nutrients it needs to provide the turf with a strong and healthy root system. This application will assist with helping the turf survive through the long winter months.
Keep Success on Your Side
Now that you have a better idea of the lawn fertilizer process, here are a few tips to keep in mind as summer lawn care comes:
- Water your lawn lightly prior to fertilizing and allow grass to dry
- Water after application to allow fertilizer to fully activate
- Allow your grass clippings to sit on your lawn for additional nutrients
Still have questions? Allow Northern Roots Lawn Care to help you out! Our Premium Turf Care Program is the science behind all our tailored plans that will help make your lawn healthier and greener while eliminating even the most aggressive weeds. With a customized service schedule that utilizes the latest techniques, we guarantee you the healthy, green lawn you’re looking for.
