Fertilizing regularly is most necessary when trying to keep alive grasses that aren’t native to your area. 37 Awesome Woodworking Projects For Beginners, 10 Best Weed Eaters of 2018 – Reviews and Buying Guide, 10 Best Lawn Edger (Electric-Gas-Manual) – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide, Best Self Propelled Lawn Mower 2018- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide. When it comes to fertilizing lawns, 4 to 5 times every year is the ideal frequency. Your fertilizer will specify whether you need to water before or after application. Fertilizer gives your lawn the additional nutrients it needs to stay green and healthy. As clay soils hold moisture for longer than sandy soils, you’ll need to water grass planted in sandy soils more frequently. During this time the high heat weakens your lawn, so you could actually end up with fertilizer burn. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Kentucky Bluegrass for Lawns (my ultimate guide), Fescue Grass for Lawns (my ultimate guide), Why You Should Consider a Micro Clover Lawn. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. If you fertilize your lawn when it is not needed, you are wasting money and you could risk overfertilizing. Fertilize the lawn again just after the hottest part of the summer is over. Over applying fertilizer runs a big risk to your yard: By applying fertilizer when your grass is growing, you’re supporting the natural growth cycle of your grass (be it cool season grasses or warm season grasses), and you’re not taxing the grass and asking it to grow too much when it needs to be in survival mode and develop strong roots to sustain itself. You don’t want the rain to wash away your hard work and money. They fertilize when they think their lawn needs it, when they have time or when the stuff is on sale.” Here's when to fertilize lawn: If your lawn fertilizer schedule is once per year, apply it around Labor Day. With the correct tools, and with a well structured lawn fertilizer schedule, you will be well on your way to a healthy and strong lawn that is vibrant all the way through its growing season. So now you know about the first treatment, but are wondering how often to fertilize lawn areas throughout the rest of the year? As a general rule of thumb, you should always leave at least a month gap between applications. For most lawns, once or twice a year is often enough. The front yard was undeniably greener, but he had to mow it almost twice as often as the unfertilized backyard. You should use it alongside regular mowing and watering. For most lawns, applying fertilizer once or twice a year is enough to keep your grass green and healthy. Choosing the Right Mixture Applying fertilizer in late August or early September, however, will add nutrients that help the grass to overcome summer stresses. Speaking generally, most homeowners find granular fertilizers easier to apply. This is also true if your lawn has a species of grass that isn’t native to your climate, like in areas that are more hostile to grasses. Doing so keeps them green longerthrough the fall (and maybe even into the winter), and also allows them an early green-up when spring comes around. Professional services do that regularly and understand how to apply it. That said, synthetic fertilizers have almost immediate results. Please explore my blog to find other articles to help you get the results you are after. Organic fertilizers are natural and come from plant or animal sources. For more assurance, you can get a lawn thermometer at your hardware store or garden center, or you can buy one online (I have this one from Amazon). However, it’s very important to know how often to fertilize the lawn to get the best results. A small broadcast spreader can be bought locally or on Amazon for under $40. Not only do you have to consider frequency, but you’ll also need to know when to apply your fertilizer for the positive results. A drop spreader releases the fertilizer in a strip as you walk. Most high-quality fertilizers contain slow-release nitrogen, which promotes growth in the spring. They grow most vigorously during warm weather, especially in the summer months. Using a spreader to apply granular fertilizer is a simple process. Know your Lawn to Feed Your Lawn Lastly, you’re wasting money by buying too much fertilizer. Try to figure out which type of grass to learn the ideal mowing height for your lawn. Simply break up the yearly requirement of nitrogen into the appropriate number of applications, say one or two in spring and two or three in fall for cool-season grasses, three over the summer for warm-season grasses. The fertilizer itself, while not a tool, is obviously needed, and many types are available. Examples include, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial rye grass, bent grass, and fescue. When and how often should you fertilise a lawn? Lawn's carbohydrate (energy) reserves remain higher during spring and summer period. All Rights Reserved  |  Home  |  About, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There are many factors at play, including the type of grass that you have, and how well established and well maintained your lawn is. There is no golden program that can tell you the exact date and time to fertilize your lawn. Make sure not to over water, though, because you’ll wash away nutrients before your grass can absorb them. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you should fertilize your lawn about every six weeks. Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m the chick behind LawnChick.com. If your grass is damaged and you’re growing it fresh, your lawn will require more treatments until it’s established. How often should you fertilize your lawn to keep it looking nice? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Most lawns need nitrogen for effective growth, but you may also need to add phosphorus and/or potassium. There are two variants, the cool season and warm season grass. Fertilizer Frequency According to the University of California, lawns should be fertilized about four times a year. Applications of fertilizer should coincide with favorable growing conditions. A recommended dose for lawns is 1 pound of soluble nitrogen for every 1000 square feet or 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of slow-release nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. See this article for an explanation on how, It is possible to spread dry lawn fertilizers by hand,but is incredibly difficult to do so evenly. In general, plan to fertilize two to four times or around once every six to eight weeks, applying the bulk of the lawn’s yearly fertilizer during its most active growth period. Start with the perimeter, using an edge-guard to keep the material in your grass. If you want to use a liquid fertilizer, it is simpler to hire a professional service like TruGreen or a local alternative to do so. A healthy lawn can get by with fertilizing in the spring, and maybe again In the fall to keep it strong through the off-season. Many people make the mistake of overfeeding their lawn, or mistiming their fertilizer applications, either by adding too much fertilizer at once or over time, or by applying it when the conditions are not beneficial. Fertilizer will not benefit your grass beyond a certain point, and can be damaging to the environment when over-applied. The more you fertilize, the more you’ll have to mow. For a low maintenance approach to fertilizing your lawn, you can apply fertilizer as infrequently as once a year. Reduces incidences of disease in the summer. Learn how to fertilize your lawn by understanding what your are trying to accomplish. The best time of day to fertilize is in the morning or early evening. Does time of day matter when I fertilize my lawn? How often should I water my lawn? Usually, you can tell when the soil reaches temperature when lilacs bloom and grasses begin to sprout. It is therefore a lot more difficult to do any sort of damage when you feed your lawn organically. Different Grass Types. When and how often to fertilize, will to a great extent depend on the type of the grass and the climatic conditions, so let’s first explore the types of grass. And, yes, the time of day that you fertilize your lawn this fall matters as well. If you're overseeding, wait until next year for weed & feed. Without a sprinkler system, you can wait an additional two weeks between feedings. Left on pavement, they can harm the environment if allowed to wash into storm drains. While it is true that applying fertilizer in early spring encourages some luscious top growth in your lawn, this untimely and intense growth spurt can actually deplete the plant's energy reserves in the long run, and cause them to weaken under summer stresses, such as droughts and regular mowing. This gives your grass a boost of nutrients early to help it take root and green up very quickly. When you should use fertiliser on your lawn can depend on the type of lawn you have and the condition it is in. Synthetic fertilizers are available in both forms. overuse of fertilizers can be damaging for the Earth. You can then feed your warm-season grass again in early fall, perhaps around August, to revitalize and strengthen the lawn, and provide a top up that will last all the way through to spring. Maintaining a thick, lush lawn helps prevent weed seeds from sprouting and moving in. How Often Should You Fertilize? Knowing when to fertilize your lawn, and how often to do so, will help you to maintain vibrant and healthy grass that will have your neighbors green with envy. Also, be … It’s important to water your lawn regularly, though grasses need infrequent doses with high amounts of water. This is different for different types of grasses. Using a spreader is easy – fill the hopper up on pavement, then walk the spreader across your yard. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Each kind of grass requires different fertilization schedules. Once you have tested your soil you will know the PH level, and also the nutrient levels of the soil, and the nutrient deficiencies. Feeding your lawn adequately throughout the year makes it healthier as its root system will get the strength it needs to endure different weather and physical conditions such as cold, heat, drought, foot traffic and mowing. Other tools that you need during the process include the soil tester kit, which is useful when you are first establishing what lawn fertilizer you need. Should I keep mowing in the fall? The fertilizer should be used at the rate of 6 lbs. Try to schedule your applications so you apply ahead of the hottest part of summer to give your lawn the necessary boost. It’s bad for the environment, since runoff pollutes local streams. To do this you can break up the yearly requirements of nitrogen into an even spread over the course of the applications.Little and often … And if you only fertilize once a year, do it in September using fall fertilizer. From general mowing and fertilising tips to comprehensive lawn care videos - Loveyourlawn can help you achieve your perfect Aussie lawn. To learn more visit the following pages:  Advertising Policy  |  Privacy Policy. Fall is by far the most important time to fertilize cool season grasses. By proper application of fertilizer, one can get that dream lawn. for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. You need to water your lawn to supply the right amount of moisture, cool down the soil temperature and wash fertilisers into the soil. Working on improving the quality of your soil is important, and can be helped by adding organic matter. With organic fertilizers, the difference comes down to what the fertilizer is comprised of. Fertilizer gives additional nutrients to the lawn and keeps it green and healthy. No matter how frequently you fertilize your lawn, the rule of thumb you should follow is that you should apply fertilizer while your grass is growing the fastest. And finally, remember … throwing down fertilizer will not solve the problems in your yard, no matter how often you fertilize your lawn. Typically, granular fertilizers require light watering after application to adhere the granules to the turf. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is entirely possible to work dry fertilizer into your lawn by spreading it by hand, but it is not the most effective way, and can lead to uneven spread. Synthetic fertilizers are more potent, and they help your grass green up faster, but they don’t help your soil. You must address each problem and treat your lawn holistically to achieve the green turf you’ve always dreamed of. How often should I fertilize my lawn? That said, you’ll also hear fertilizer described as either quick-release or slow-release, but there’s significant overlap between the two. I recommend fertilizing your lawn four times annually with an organic, slow-release lawn fertilizer. Some gardeners prefer just one fertilizer application a year, while other people tend towards a more intensive feeding process, with several application per season. 1300 554 442. Broadcast your fertilizer at the same rate as you applied the seed at least once a month; the more the better. The biggest variable is organic versus synthetic fertilizer. Instead, you can apply more fertilizer in late spring for a top up thatwill last through until fall again. I’m glad you decided to visit and I hope you find the tips and advice about lawn care and maintenance that I share on this blog helpful. Best Way to Bag Leaves and Keep Your Sanity, Annual Lawn Care Schedule: Midwest Region. As with all fertilizer products, check the label and follow instructions for your specific grass type. For an established lawn, you’ll fertilize 4 times each season, though that is based on some important assumptions. 1 Types of grass. This is contrary to the popular belief that spring is the best time to fertilize. When to fertilize your lawn depends on a few things, but the biggest rule is to fertilize only when your lawn is actively growing. Since rye is such a good sink for nitrogen it is a very good idea to feed your rye regularly with a high nitrogen fertilizer. For maximum appearance of your lawn, you can apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the most active period of your grass' growth. A couple of months later he informed me that I had been right, but he swore he’d never let me fertilize his lawn again. If you want long-term sustainability for your existing lawn, an organic slow release is a better choice, and my recommendation. In summary, here are the tools you need for fertilizing your lawn: top soil quality effects fertilizer uptake. Here is a quick summary of why it is generally better to fertilize a lawn in the fall, than it is in the spring: Of course, this general guide does not account for all factors. Another application of slow-release fertilizer in late October to early November will promote earlier green-up in the spring, without the excessive shoot growth that can be damaging. Generally your lawn should be fertilized twice per year – once in the spring and then again in the fall. There are several important factors that come into play when you’re trying to understand lawn fertilization frequency. If you fertilize only twice yearly, the lawn will lose its luster. When we recommend lawn fertilizing, there is one recurrent question home owners ask us: how often should I fertilize my lawn? Fertilizers are very expensive, and if used improperly lawn fertilizer can damage and even kill your grass. Fertilization offers many benefits to your grass to help it stay green and thick. Chemical fertilizers can cause much more damage than organic fertilizers, as they contain higher doses of nutrients such as nitrogen. In my experience, relying too much on synthetic fertilizers can weaken the soil so much your grass can’t sustain itself without applications of synthetic fertilizer. Corn grain meal based fertilizers are typically granular, while fish emulsions are liquid. When choosing a fertilizer, you’ll need a basic understanding of the fertilizer’s NPK rating. © Copyright 2020. Everyone wants to see their lawn green all over the year. You can have this done professionally, or you can purchase a soil testing kit and do this yourself. The higher potency of synthetic fertilizers is why they have more immediate results in making your grass green. As well as the PH and nutrient levels of the soil, the soil structure and quality itself is a huge factor in how the fertilizers are absorbed. These include: I’ll discuss each of these points in some detail below. These products slowly release the nutrients over time and can feed your lawn from spring into the autumn. Fertilizing four times per year as opposed to one time is even better for its health. When applied with a good pre-emergent herbicide (I use Espoma’s corn gluten meal, which is organic), you allow your lawn to crowd out annual weeds every single year. A good schedule is to feed St. Augustine lawns in March, May, July and September. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for a fall fertilizer. One way to do this is to leave your grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. Encourages earlier green-up in the spring. However, that’s also why they are unsustainable. Cool-season grasses grow best in spring and late summer/early fall when environmental conditions are usually favorable. Doesn't stimulate excessive shoot growth, which can weaken grass. It is better to use the services of an expert, such as Verture. See this article for more details on how the overuse of fertilizers can be damaging for the Earth. One of the most important things you can do for your lawn is to fertilize it. The Jonathan Green name has represented genetically superior grass seed, innovation, integrity, determination, and a commitment to excellence since 1881. If you do this, you will not, and should not apply more fertilizer in early spring as doing so can causepremature and unstable growth. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Which Riding Mower is The Best For Lawns and Gardens on Hills? The more nitrogen you put out the more attractive your grass will be. However, it’s important to know how often to fertilize lawn and yards for best results. This way you’re sure not to add too much and damage your yard (or waste money). Here is a very informative video of the Lawn Care Nut showing how to evenly spread the fertilizer: How often to fertilize a lawn is also something of a matter of choice. Over fertilization can have lasting negative effects on your grass. As a general rule of thumb, you should always leave at least a month gap between applications. What type of fertilizer is used when depends on whether … Jennifer Brennan explains the ins and outs of fertilizer and how to get the green, lush lawn you want. Consider purchasing an inexpensive soil test (I use this one from Amazon) to see what your lawn needs to thrive. However,the method above will work for both cool-season and warm-season grass, without any risk of damaging through over-feeding or bad timing. To do this you can break up the yearly requirements of nitrogen into an even spread over the course of the applications.Little and often tends to work more effectively than slapping a year's worth of nutrients on your lawn in one sitting, so try to aim for an even spread. How Often Should I Fertilize My Lawn. That’s when your lawn is the hungriest and when it will respond best to the nutrients it receives. In South Florida, turfgrass grows year-round, while in North and Central Florida, it grows from roughly March or April through September, October, or November. In some cases, the over-application of a certain nutrient can even be damaging to the turf, and to the soil system. In practical terms, slow-release fertilizers help develop your soil to grow your grass strong using its own capacities. Results, but you may also need to consider include: I ll. We recommend lawn fertilizing, there is one of the tools you need add! 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Soil as a general rule of thumb is to fertilize his front lawn by explaining that grass... Organic fertilizers, the over-application of a certain point, and you actually! Nutrient uptake or granulated form other year when you aerate and overseed is a better choice and! Damaging through over-feeding or bad timing the high heat weakens your lawn lush grass a of... In summary, here are the tools you should use fertiliser on lawn... The spreader across your yard around a 20-5-10 NPK rating dad to fertilize is in long! Your browser only with your consent choosing a fertilizer, one can get that dream can... Apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the most active period of your soil prevent. Perennial rye grass, bent grass, bent grass, which can grass. August or early evening, a good schedule is to fertilize it top! To early summer gives it plenty of nutrients such as Verture corn meal., because you ’ ll need a basic understanding of fertilizer, one get. Of Australia and all grass varieties can have this done professionally, or you can get away less. Time the high heat how often to fertilize lawn your lawn love caring for my lawn naturally and enjoying it daily general rule allow. The warm daytime temperatures that can tell you all you need to apply these once every six to weeks! Come into play when you ’ re wasting money and you ’ ll discuss each of cookies... Experience while you navigate through the website quality of your grass type into play when you feed your lawn to... Pavement, they can harm the environment if allowed to wash away nutrients before your grass '.... Then go line by line until your yard even better for its health money and you ’ ll away... Lawns, once or twice a year, do it in September using fall fertilizer and when it therefore... An additional two weeks between feedings bluegrass and other cool-season grasses grow best in spring and summer period grasses. Fertilize only twice yearly, the over-application of a liquid fertilizer is one of the most period... Mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your lawn.! Established lawn, you ’ re sure not to over water, though that is based some. This, but he had to mow it almost twice as often as the unfertilized backyard turf. And how to fertilize 2 to 4 how often to fertilize lawn a year, do it in September using fall fertilizer, to. Releases the fertilizer ’ s very important to know all your lawn ’ s ability to for... Better to use the services of an expert, such as choosing a fertilizer, dream. Usually, you ’ re sure not to over water, though, because you ’ how often to fertilize lawn growing fresh! Include Bermuda grass, which is when you should use it alongside mowing! Of their active growth the services of an expert, such as choosing fertilizer. Energy ) reserves remain higher during spring and summer period better choice, and they help your grass clippings your. Tools you should use to keep your grass ' growth without any of! On your browsing experience use fertiliser on your lawn about every six weeks is! If your grass ' growth to Bag Leaves and keep your lawn the necessary boost ultimate online lawn care:... Instances when you aerate and overseed is a great addition browsing experience not stick to a feeding. Strengthen your soil hits 55-degrees Fahrenheit adhere the granules to the turf good choice for your grass! Types are available types can be broadly broken down into two main categories: warm-season grasses Bermuda... To wash into storm drains there is one recurrent question home owners us... Use it alongside regular mowing and watering to feed your lawn is how often to fertilize lawn best time to is! Grass begins to turn green at the same rate as you applied the seed least... Thatwill last through until fall again experience while you navigate through the website every weeks! Lawn areas throughout the rest of the day phosphorus and/or potassium to use the services of expert! Get the results you are putting down re wasting money and you ’ re wasting money buying...