What You Need To Know About Fertilizing Your Lawn.
Fertilizer is an essential part of growing and sustaining a safe, green lawn. Unfortunately, most homeowners don't fertilize because they don't know which items to use, how to apply them, or when to do so. And, to make it worse, if lawn fertilizer isn't applied properly, it may potentially cause more damage than good.
Here are some easy-to-follow lawn fertilization laws for the do-it-your-selfers
All You Need For Fertilization:
As lawn care professionals, we take the hard work out of lawn care and fertilization. Please check out our main page that discusses lawn care from Cutting Edge Yard Service https://lawncarespringfieldil.weebly.com/
Check the Temperature of Your Soil
The ideal time tof the year to apply fertilizer to your lawn is whenever the temperature of your soil hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit, not the air temperature. This is usually in the spring. When the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees, the lilacs will bloom and all types of weeds and grass will begin to grow.
Alternatively, purchase a soil thermometer to track the soil temperature at any period. In many of these parts of the world, this means applying lawn fertilizer for the first time around mid-April. So, if you've not already, make a note of that date.
Understand the Numbers
When purchasing fertilizer, you'll notice three numbers on the bottle. These figures reflect the percentages of phosphate, nitrogen and potassium in your grass, which are the three most important nutrients. A 20-5-10 container, for example, will contain 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphate, and 10% potassium. The remainder of the bag normally contains composite materials that aids in fertilizer application uniformity. A 20-5-10 grass fertilizer is a fine simple mix to use in the spring, by the way.
Fertilize with a Slow-Release Fertilizer.
Slow-release lawn fertilizers take longer to break down their nutrients, allowing you to go longer between applications. You should feed your turf every six to eight weeks instead of every four weeks with slow-release fertilizers, depending on the watering schedule. You will save both money and time as a result of this.
A slow-release nitrogen supplement with a moderate amount of nitrogen. "On a lawn, you only need 1/10th of a pound of nitrogen every week." It doesn't get much greener than that. If you are using more, the grass can grow faster, requiring you to cut the grass more often . The trick is to make it as healthy as possible while not growing it too quickly. It is suggested that one shoulda pply 2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen to your lawn during the growing season.
If you are using a 25-0-4 type of fertilizer, please take into account that you are using 1/4 pound of nitrogen every week for four weeks, which is far too much,
Granules are the way to go.
When experienced landscapers spread fertilizer, they often arrive in a tanker truck and treat the entire lawn in a matter of minutes. Professionals, on the other hand, do this on a daily basis, because they understand how to account for the weather and ensure that the yard is evenly covered. They also have the necessary equipment to complete the job properly. Instead, homeowners should be using granules, which are extremely easy to apply with a spreader.
Fertilizer is an essential part of growing and sustaining a safe, green lawn. Unfortunately, most homeowners don't fertilize because they don't know which items to use, how to apply them, or when to do so. And, to make it worse, if lawn fertilizer isn't applied properly, it may potentially cause more damage than good.
Here are some easy-to-follow lawn fertilization laws for the do-it-your-selfers
All You Need For Fertilization:
- A Good Soil Thermometer
- Spring Fertilizer That is Slow Release
- A Fall Phosphorous Fertilizer
- A Handheald or Broadcast Spreader
- A Sprinkler That is Lightweight and Portable
As lawn care professionals, we take the hard work out of lawn care and fertilization. Please check out our main page that discusses lawn care from Cutting Edge Yard Service https://lawncarespringfieldil.weebly.com/
Check the Temperature of Your Soil
The ideal time tof the year to apply fertilizer to your lawn is whenever the temperature of your soil hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit, not the air temperature. This is usually in the spring. When the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees, the lilacs will bloom and all types of weeds and grass will begin to grow.
Alternatively, purchase a soil thermometer to track the soil temperature at any period. In many of these parts of the world, this means applying lawn fertilizer for the first time around mid-April. So, if you've not already, make a note of that date.
Understand the Numbers
When purchasing fertilizer, you'll notice three numbers on the bottle. These figures reflect the percentages of phosphate, nitrogen and potassium in your grass, which are the three most important nutrients. A 20-5-10 container, for example, will contain 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphate, and 10% potassium. The remainder of the bag normally contains composite materials that aids in fertilizer application uniformity. A 20-5-10 grass fertilizer is a fine simple mix to use in the spring, by the way.
Fertilize with a Slow-Release Fertilizer.
Slow-release lawn fertilizers take longer to break down their nutrients, allowing you to go longer between applications. You should feed your turf every six to eight weeks instead of every four weeks with slow-release fertilizers, depending on the watering schedule. You will save both money and time as a result of this.
A slow-release nitrogen supplement with a moderate amount of nitrogen. "On a lawn, you only need 1/10th of a pound of nitrogen every week." It doesn't get much greener than that. If you are using more, the grass can grow faster, requiring you to cut the grass more often . The trick is to make it as healthy as possible while not growing it too quickly. It is suggested that one shoulda pply 2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen to your lawn during the growing season.
If you are using a 25-0-4 type of fertilizer, please take into account that you are using 1/4 pound of nitrogen every week for four weeks, which is far too much,
Granules are the way to go.
When experienced landscapers spread fertilizer, they often arrive in a tanker truck and treat the entire lawn in a matter of minutes. Professionals, on the other hand, do this on a daily basis, because they understand how to account for the weather and ensure that the yard is evenly covered. They also have the necessary equipment to complete the job properly. Instead, homeowners should be using granules, which are extremely easy to apply with a spreader.
According to many experts, granular fertilizer is really simple to apply. It is difficult for a non-professional to get a smooth, even application of fertilizer across the whole lawn when they're spraying it."
Plan on submitting five applications beginning in April.
Most experts suggest fertilizing the lawn for the first time in spring. In Central Illinois this is usually in the middle to the end of April. (once the soil temperature hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit).
Now, around 4 weeks after the very first submission, about mid-May or so, the next feeding should take place. After that, fertilize every 6 - 8 weeks before the end of October. Instead of using a conventional lawn fertilizer, use an organic matter like manure for the third feeding.
Also, keep in mind that feeding your yard in the Fall is crucial. Grass begins to grow in the autumn. Many experts feel that the Fall application is the most essential part of fertilizer for the entire year," "the roots are heading deeper into the earth and they need fertilizer." Also, use a fall nutrient with a slightly higher phosphorus and potassium content to encourage root growth.
Keep in mind to water
Contrary to popular belief, the more water you offer your grass, the more fertilizer is needed. "With more water comes more growth, which necessitates more fertilizer. As grass continues to grows, it consumes more nutrients." You can fertilize your lawn every six weeks if you do have an automated sprinkler device. You will go two weeks longer between feedings if you don't have a sprinkler system.
Also, read the label of the fertilizer carefully to see whether you can water your lawn either during or after applying the fertilizer. Granulated fertilizers require moisture to dissolve, and also some fertilizers require that you soak the lawn first.
Fill Your Spreader After Closing the Hopper
Place the spreader upon your patio or driveway when you're ready to fill it with fertilizer. If you are unable to do this then at the very least cover it with a tarp. This will prevent any dropped granules from collecting in one certain spot on the grass, where they will cause the grass to burn and die."
Before filling the spreader, please ensure your hopper is closed. “Lesson number one, which everybody forgets at some point." (If you leave the hopper open, the nutrients will just spill out onto the ground.)
For homeowners, a broadcast type of spreader is preferable to a drop spreader.
This type of spreader is simpler to use, and since they scatter fertilizer over a greater distance, you're less likely to have problems with streaks in your yard due to improper row overlap. Furthermore, broadcast spreaders are relatively inexpensive, starting at about $30. Using a hand-cranked handheld broadcast spreader to fertilize small yards. For as small as $15, you can get one. Compact spreaders are especially useful for fertilizing areas around fences, trees, and around garages as well as sheds, as well as narrow side yards.
Regardless of the type of fertilizer spreader you use, keep a constant speed when applying the fertilizer. If you don't, the fertilizer would be distributed too thinly in some places and too dense in others.
Apply, but don't apply too many times.
The application rate is listed on every fertilizer mark, but experts advise against following it, instead recommending to s tart with half of what the bag recommends. Among the most common blunders made by homeowners is spreading fertilizer while the spreader is wide open. Experts suggest scattering the fertilizer at slightly under half the prescribed pace by the manufacturer.
Begin by spreading fertilizer across the edge of the yard, then filling in the middle in one direction. Then, going in a perpendicular direction, spread it out again. This crisscrossing pattern provides better coverage and prevents fertilizer overapplication. Whenever it comes to fertilizer distribution. It's preferable to have too little than too much. A large amount of fertilizer is not only wasteful of capital, but it can also cause the grass to burn and die.
You don't need to guess how much spacing to maintain between rows because you're spreading enough fertilizer at 1/2 the usual rate, so it won't spread out too far.
On the spreader, go from tire track to tire track to ensure fine, even coverage.
Even, before fertilizing, make sure to review the weather forecast. Most of the fertilizer would be washed away if you add it just before a rainstorm.
Remove any stray granules.
The spreader will tend to throw fertilizer across your sidewalk, driveway, or patio, no matter how experienced you are. If this occurs, instead of allowing the rain rinse it away, pick it up.
"If you don't clean-up and collect the leftover manure, you're just adding to the waste," says Turnbull. "It is swept downstream through storm drains, where it eventually ends up in rivers, streams, and lakes." It's better for the world to sweep up the fertilizer."
Finally, after you've done fertilizing your lawn, empty the spreader and return any remaining fertilizer to its original container. Seal the bag tightly and store it somewhere cool and dry, away from children and pets.
Plan on submitting five applications beginning in April.
Most experts suggest fertilizing the lawn for the first time in spring. In Central Illinois this is usually in the middle to the end of April. (once the soil temperature hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit).
Now, around 4 weeks after the very first submission, about mid-May or so, the next feeding should take place. After that, fertilize every 6 - 8 weeks before the end of October. Instead of using a conventional lawn fertilizer, use an organic matter like manure for the third feeding.
Also, keep in mind that feeding your yard in the Fall is crucial. Grass begins to grow in the autumn. Many experts feel that the Fall application is the most essential part of fertilizer for the entire year," "the roots are heading deeper into the earth and they need fertilizer." Also, use a fall nutrient with a slightly higher phosphorus and potassium content to encourage root growth.
Keep in mind to water
Contrary to popular belief, the more water you offer your grass, the more fertilizer is needed. "With more water comes more growth, which necessitates more fertilizer. As grass continues to grows, it consumes more nutrients." You can fertilize your lawn every six weeks if you do have an automated sprinkler device. You will go two weeks longer between feedings if you don't have a sprinkler system.
Also, read the label of the fertilizer carefully to see whether you can water your lawn either during or after applying the fertilizer. Granulated fertilizers require moisture to dissolve, and also some fertilizers require that you soak the lawn first.
Fill Your Spreader After Closing the Hopper
Place the spreader upon your patio or driveway when you're ready to fill it with fertilizer. If you are unable to do this then at the very least cover it with a tarp. This will prevent any dropped granules from collecting in one certain spot on the grass, where they will cause the grass to burn and die."
Before filling the spreader, please ensure your hopper is closed. “Lesson number one, which everybody forgets at some point." (If you leave the hopper open, the nutrients will just spill out onto the ground.)
For homeowners, a broadcast type of spreader is preferable to a drop spreader.
This type of spreader is simpler to use, and since they scatter fertilizer over a greater distance, you're less likely to have problems with streaks in your yard due to improper row overlap. Furthermore, broadcast spreaders are relatively inexpensive, starting at about $30. Using a hand-cranked handheld broadcast spreader to fertilize small yards. For as small as $15, you can get one. Compact spreaders are especially useful for fertilizing areas around fences, trees, and around garages as well as sheds, as well as narrow side yards.
Regardless of the type of fertilizer spreader you use, keep a constant speed when applying the fertilizer. If you don't, the fertilizer would be distributed too thinly in some places and too dense in others.
Apply, but don't apply too many times.
The application rate is listed on every fertilizer mark, but experts advise against following it, instead recommending to s tart with half of what the bag recommends. Among the most common blunders made by homeowners is spreading fertilizer while the spreader is wide open. Experts suggest scattering the fertilizer at slightly under half the prescribed pace by the manufacturer.
Begin by spreading fertilizer across the edge of the yard, then filling in the middle in one direction. Then, going in a perpendicular direction, spread it out again. This crisscrossing pattern provides better coverage and prevents fertilizer overapplication. Whenever it comes to fertilizer distribution. It's preferable to have too little than too much. A large amount of fertilizer is not only wasteful of capital, but it can also cause the grass to burn and die.
You don't need to guess how much spacing to maintain between rows because you're spreading enough fertilizer at 1/2 the usual rate, so it won't spread out too far.
On the spreader, go from tire track to tire track to ensure fine, even coverage.
Even, before fertilizing, make sure to review the weather forecast. Most of the fertilizer would be washed away if you add it just before a rainstorm.
Remove any stray granules.
The spreader will tend to throw fertilizer across your sidewalk, driveway, or patio, no matter how experienced you are. If this occurs, instead of allowing the rain rinse it away, pick it up.
"If you don't clean-up and collect the leftover manure, you're just adding to the waste," says Turnbull. "It is swept downstream through storm drains, where it eventually ends up in rivers, streams, and lakes." It's better for the world to sweep up the fertilizer."
Finally, after you've done fertilizing your lawn, empty the spreader and return any remaining fertilizer to its original container. Seal the bag tightly and store it somewhere cool and dry, away from children and pets.