How to Feed a Cool-Season Lawn

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Cold-season lawns, such as those planted with bluegrass, a fescue or ryegrass, need nitrogen fertilizer on a regular basis to stay green, healthy and problem-free.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Calculators
Broadcast Spreader
Brooms
Garden Hoses And Attachment Sprayer For Liquid Fertilizer
Lawn Fertilizers
Neoprene Gloves
Drop Spreader
Dust Masks

Step1

Determine the general square footage of your lawn so that you can buy the correct amount of fertilizer and determine the proper rate of application.

Step2

Identify the type of grass that you have and the type of fertilizer - granular or liquid, fast-acting or slow-release, organic or nonorganic - that is best for your lawn. Granular fertilizers with a mixture of fast- and slow-acting nitrogen are usually best.

Step3

Determine how much fertilizer needs to be applied. Instructions on fertilizer packages will include information on amount and timing of application.

Step4

Use a push-type drop spreader, which allows the fertilizer to fall straight out the bottom. (Handheld or push-type broadcast spreaders, which cast fertilizer over a wider area, can be used on large lawns but are harder to use properly.)

Step5

Fill the spreader with fertilizer. The fertilizer label will tell you how to adjust the settings on the spreader so that you apply the right amount of fertilizer.

Step6

Make a pass around the outside of the lawn with the spreader, pulling the handle to release the fertilizer and walking at a normal speed. Let go of the handle when you stop.

Step7

Apply fertilizer to the rest of the lawn by pushing the spreader back and forth between the edges. Overlap the wheel tracks as you make your passes. Where vertical strips meet horizontal, close the spreader, turn, and then reopen it for best coverage.

Step8

Water the lawn thoroughly after fertilizing.

Tips & Warnings

Fertilize cool-season lawns every six to eight weeks in spring and fall. Avoid fertilizing in midsummer when the lawn is growing slowly. (Yellowing or fading grass color and loss of vitality indicate the lawn may need a boost.)
If you live in an area with alkaline soil, using a fertilizer that contains extra iron will help keep your lawn green.
When filling the spreader, rest it on a driveway or path so that you can easily clean up spills. Sweep up any spilled fertilizer while it's dry to avoid staining the surface material.
If you spill fertilizer on the lawn, clean up what you can, and then water the spill area heavily.
Wear gloves to keep skin from coming in contact with fertilizer.
Avoid breathing the fertilizer dust.
Overfertilizing can burn the lawn and make it susceptible to insects and diseases and can also pollute water supplies. Washing spills into gutters will also contribute to pollution.
Never fertilize a dry lawn.
"Weed and Feed" products are used differently than plain fertilizers. Follow label instructions carefully.