In the spring, you may be tempted to help your lawn out with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. While fertilizing in the spring is okay in moderation, this is a time of year to exercise restraint. That explosion of green may be pleasing to the eye, but what you're actually doing is encouraging outrageous top-growth to the detriment of your lawn's roots. Try letting the lawn green up and mow it once or twice before applying a lawn food formula in spring.
Choosing A Fertilizer
Choose a lawn fertilizer made for your type of turf grass. Read the label to be sure it lists your grass (bluegrass or
zoysia, for instance) and to see how often you can use it. A fertilizer that's lighter on the nitrogen and a little heavier on the phosphorous will encourage good strong roots. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the three major nutrients needed by lawns. Nitrogen is the nutrient required most, although too much nitrogen can cause excessive
topgrowth, leading to assorted problems. Percent nitrogen (by weight) is always the first of three numbers on the fertilizer bag, followed by phosphorus and potassium. For example, a 18-6-12 fertilizer contains 18 percent nitrogen. This number is important because it determines how much fertilizer is needed. In most cases, a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is suggested for each fertilizer application to the lawn. If high percentage nitrogen fertilizers are used, then less actual fertilizer product is needed to supply that one pound compared to fertilizers with low percent nitrogen. Recommended ratios of N-P-K for lawn fertilizers include 3:1:2 or 4:1:2.
*NOTE* Use "new lawn" or "starter" formulas for seed, sod or sprigged lawns less than 2 years old. You'll appreciate the thickening effect they deliver in the first seasons.
Another important factor in choosing nitrogen fertilizers is what kind of nitrogen is actually in the product. Nitrogen fertilizer may consist of fast-release or controlled-release nitrogen. For lawns, fertilizers containing controlled-release nitrogen sources are suggested for most applications. Check the guaranteed analysis information on the fertilizer label for information on what forms of nitrogen are in the product. Water insoluble
nitrogen in slow-release.
Fertilize at least one more time during the growing season, and apply a winter formula in early fall if one is recommended for your lawn grass. Don't worry if you forget, though - research says that once a year, whenever you remember, is fine for established turf.
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