Lawn Care: Fertilizer Tips
Fertilization is an important part of lawn care and maintenance to promote growth of a healthy, attractive lawn. Instead of paying a lawn care service or landscaping business a lot of money to do the work for you, follow a few simple tips yourself and achieve the same result.
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Fertilizer by Type and Application
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You have the choice between two types of fertilizer; both work the same, it's simply a matter of which is easiest for you to apply. One option is liquid form (attached to your hose and sprayed over the lawn). The other option is granular (sprinkled over the lawn using a fertilizer spreader). If you opt to use the granular fertilizer, spread across the entire lawn and thoroughly water the lawn afterward.
Lawn and Grass Type
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Fertilizers come in a variety of options, which are made differently for each lawn type. Read the instructions on each bag. Fertilizers are generally made for cool-season and warm-season lawn types. Cool-season fertilizers work best in areas that experience cold winters, while warm-season fertilizers are made for areas that have moderate heat year-round. Most of the country is in transitional zones, which mean that both warm and cool season grasses grow, and typically turn brown at the first winter's frost.
Also pay attention to the grass type when choosing fertilizer. The bag will generally mention the different types of grass the fertilizer should be used on. Cool season and transitional zones most commonly grow bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. Warm season zones are best known for bermuda, centipede, and St. Augustine grasses.
Remember to use only the amount specified for your lawn type. Adding fertilizer in excess will have no benefit to your lawn and will ultimately be a waste of money.
Fertilization Schedule
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Typically, fertilization is thought to be done in the spring. While this is good, fertilization should also be done in the fall. When fertilized in the fall, the soil will still absorb the nutrients, and as the soil will remain cold and sometimes frozen throughout the winter, the fertilizer will be locked into place. Mow the lawn before fertilizing, and let fertilizer sit for about a week before mowing the lawn again.
Save Leftover Fertilizer
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If you opt to use dry granular fertilizer, pick up what falls onto your pavement, sidewalks and driveway, and use it for your next fertilizer application. Although it may not seem like big savings, you are eliminating waste; plus, you will save a cup or two of the granules on average, which will cover a nice chunk of lawn on your next application.
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