The Secret to a Lush Lawn: Fertilizer Done Right
If you’re aiming for that rich, green, envy-of-the-neighborhood lawn this season, fertilizer is your best friend—but only if you use it right. Feeding your lawn isn’t just about making it look good; it’s about building up root strength so your turf can handle whatever nature (or your kids, pets, and lawnmower) throws its way.
Why Fertilizer Matters
A well-fed lawn grows deeper roots, stands up better to stress like heat, cold, and foot traffic, and just generally thrives. But there’s a flip side: fertilizing at the wrong time or with the wrong product can do more harm than good. You could accidentally invite weed growth or even burn your grass. Timing and technique matter just as much as what you put down.
When to Fertilize: Timing Is Everything
In our region, early spring is the sweet spot. As the soil starts to warm up and your grass wakes up from winter dormancy, it’s ready to absorb nutrients again. That’s your cue.
Most first applications include a pre-emergent to fight off crabgrass. It’s a balancing act—apply it early enough to prevent germination but not so early that the product wears off before the crabgrass season peaks. Hitting that timing window is key.
Know Your Soil
You don’t need to be a soil scientist, but understanding a bit about what’s under your lawn can make a huge difference. In our zone, we deal with clay-heavy, more alkaline soils. That combo can tie up certain nutrients, making them less available to your grass. Choosing a fertilizer that includes iron along with nitrogen helps balance that out and keeps your lawn vibrant.
Picking the Right Fertilizer
There are two main types: liquid and granular. Each has its place.
- Liquid fertilizers are great for quick uptake but should be applied on calm, low-wind days to avoid drift and uneven coverage.
- Granular fertilizers are a bit more forgiving with weather and give you more flexibility in timing.
No matter which type you choose, go for slow-release. It keeps feeding your lawn gradually over time, so you’re not stuck reapplying every few weeks, and your turf stays green and healthy longer.
