Fertilizer 101

Why fertilizer is so important to your lawn’s health

A lawn doesn’t have a shot at success without proper fertilization methods. Many homeowners don’t think to add fertilizer to their soil, and find themselves with a nutrient-deficient lawn that requires a lot of extra effort to bring back to life. To keep your grass as healthy as possible all year long it is important that you select the right type of fertilizer, as well as develop and follow a fertilization schedule.

Selecting a fertilizer

The best type of fertilizer for your lawn is greatly dependant on the type of grass that you planted. There are many varieties of both grass and fertilizer, and it’s important that you are aware of the type of grass found in your yard before selecting the proper fertilizer. Once you’ve determined the type of grass you have, you can speak with a lawn care expert about the type of fertilizer that you should choose. Some of the most basic types of fertilizer include granular, liquid and organic varieties.

Develop a fertilization schedule

Lawns that are fertilized regularly have a better shot at thriving all year long. There are all sorts of seasonal factors that your lawn has to fight, including extreme temperatures and heavy or low rainfall patterns. These are factors that you cannot control, but you can prepare your lawn by performing proper and regular fertilization treatments. The ideal fertilization times vary from lawn to lawn, but the following seasonal suggestions offer a good idea of the best time to add fertilizer to your lawn.

Spring

Both early and late spring are important times to carry out fertilization practices. The exact times at which these feedings take place depends on factors that are specific to your lawn. These factors include rainfall patterns, the presence of shaded areas, and exposure to direct sunlight. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize your lawn twice in the spring: Once at the start and again toward the end of the season. Fertilizing during the early weeks of spring helps provide your lawn with a rush of nutrients following winter dormancy. Since spring is a pivotal time for grass growth, it is important to fertilize again at the end of the season to ensure that your lawn is prepared for summer. This time is also ideal for removing and preventing weeds in your lawn.

Summer

Seasons with extreme weather patterns, like summer and winter, are very hard on your lawn. Consistent irrigation is an important step during summer months, but make sure to adjust your watering patterns based on rainfall. Fertilizer should be applied at least once during the summer to ensure that your lawn stays healthy, picking a month that falls in the middle of the season is the best decision in most cases.

Fall

Fall offers ideal conditions for your lawn. Most parts of the United States experience mild temperatures and regular rainfall during fall months, and these are the type of weather patterns that make for a healthy lawn. Before temperatures begin to fall it is important that you fertilize your lawn one more time, this will provide your grass with the nutrients needed for winter survival.

Winter

In most parts of the nation grass enters a dormancy period during winter months. Your grass may turn brown during this time of year, but that doesn’t mean that your fertilization efforts have been unsuccessful. Much like trees, grass will fade to brown and become inactive during the winter – but once spring arrives you’ll see your lawn return to the green hue that you strive for.

TruGreen will gladly visit your property as often as needed between scheduled visits to make any necessary adjustments and to ensure your satisfaction.

Getting Started with TruGreen

  1. Call or fill out the form above to reach a lawn care specialist.
  2. Know the square footage of your yard, as well as any specific areas of concern.
  3. With the help of your specialist, create a customized lawn care plan that meets your lawn’s needs.
  4. Schedule your Healthy Lawn Analysis2 to start your service.