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Dear Mrs. Mow It All- While you’d think this is an easy question, I am perplexed. How often should I fertilize my lawn so that it stays healthy and good looking during the warmer months? Sign me, I’m Sexy and I Mow It.
Dear I’m Sexy and I Mow It– (great name, by the way)- Thank you for writing in. The short answer to your question how often to fertilize your lawn is that it depends on the following: the type of fertilizer and its ingredients, quantity applied, type of turf grass, soil texture, nutrient level, and more. At WaterQuest, we take a holistic approach and look at all of these factors.
As an FYI, lawn fertilizers are made of three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, in various combinations and concentrations. Nitrogen is the key nutrient for leaf growth, phosphorus is important for root growth, and potassium helps with water and nutrient absorption. The key question is what type of lawn you desire and how much time and money you are willing to spend. But no matter the level of lush and green you desire, it always needs a good start. For a newly seeded lawn, a turf-builder application, also called a starter fertilizer, is crucial so the grass can develop strong root systems.
The frequency and timing of fertilization depends on the type of grass you have. Cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are examples of cool season grasses and these are usually fertilized twice per year. Give cool season grasses until the late spring to grow and build its carbohydrate reserves. Apply a slow-release fertilizer before the summer heat sets in. The second fertilization should be in the late summer or early to mid-fall. Unlike the spring application, which is meant to boost vigorous leaf growth, the fall fertilization is done to strengthen the root system.
Warm season grasses such as Bermuda grass and buffalo grass, grow most actively in warm weather. They are also usually fertilized twice a year, but the timing is slightly different. The first fertilizer application should be applied about six weeks after the last spring frost when the grass has turned green and it has been mowed at least twice. The second application should be in the late summer or early fall, which does two things: it replenishes the energy reserves of the grass and it winterizes the grass by making it grow denser.
Time of day is also an important factor. Fertilize in the morning when it is still cool and the grass is slightly damp but not wet. The grass must be dry enough so that the granules fall between the blades of grass and onto the soil; in other words, do not fertilize immediately after an intense rainstorm. The fertilizer should be watered within a day or two of application.
It will soon be time to fertilize your lawn… so call WaterQuest (#505-792-3600) to schedule your upcoming fertilization, power raking and aeration.