Types of lawn fertilizers and why they’re important.
Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus..the biggies…
Nitrogen – Of all the major elements your lawn needs, nitrogen is the most importan. This is what give the grass its deep green color and makes it grow sturdy, dense, and thick.. When your lawn is strong and healthy it will have the right conditions to naturally fight off bugs and pests and produce a beautiful lawn for your neighbors to envy.
Phosphorus – works right along with the nitrogen to help toughen the roots and foliage – yes grass leaves are foliage – this enhances your lawn’s ability to resist drought, wear and tear, disease and cold weather. This is the nutriet that is an overall enhancer to the lawn plant.
Potassium – rounds up the big fertilizer three working more under the surface to encourage strong grass root growth. This should only be applied in great numbers just before the winter to “harden up” the lawn so that it comes back well in the spring the next year.
Buying Lawn Fertilizer – Basics
Most fertilizers found at your local garden center or big box store will all contain the three major elements (and a lot of micro-nutrients as well) Micro nutrients are somewhat less important than the big three but should not be overlooked as well(boron, copper, and zinc to name a few). The major fertilizer elements are represented with a three-digit number such as 12-6-8 or 30-10-10.
Every number is the percentage of each element in the following order: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Each blend of fertilizer serves a different purpose or need. For example, a blend with more potassium is good for preparing grass for winter.
Before choosing any blend of fertilizer it’s best to know the grass needs to determine the right combination of the elements. Consider the time of year, the climate, soil type and most importantly the type of grass, health or condition of the lawn – new or established. The more you know the more informed decision you can make on feeding your lawn.
One way to help determine the current nutrient levels in the soil is with a simple pH test. This can be done through the local college extension service in your area. I’ve found to be mine to be very receptive to helping out in any way they could.
Not only does fertilizer come in different percentages of the most important elements but also four different fertilizer types. When you go to look you will probably find some or all of these…
- Granular (slow and fast-release)
- Liquid
- Synthetic
- Organic
Granular Lawn Fertilizers
This type is the most popular Very easy to use and least expensive usually. These granulars or pellets come in bagged form making them easy to spread.
Make sure you read the bag, as granular fertilizers are also available in slow time-release formulas. Slow release of the nutrients give fertilization over two to six months – time can vary depending on heat and water. Time-release is an efficient option for homeowners, stretching months between applications. This is usually not recommended though as most plants like to eat fairly regularly…just common sense. There may be times when this is needed like when it is the middle of the summer and the lawn has gone into dormancy.
Granular also comes in fast-release, and applied in the same way as time-released but the nutrients are released faster and work better in cold weather. Fast release fertilizers usually cost less. However, watch out for lawn burning and watering will be a key factor to good results as well.
Liquid Fertilizers
Liquid fertilizer usually comes in a concentrated liquid form and water is usually required to mix it. Application is normally done by attaching a hose and nozzle to a spray bottle. The concentrated fertilizer mixes with the water as it’s applied. Basically if you can use a hose, you can apply liquid fertilizer with this method.
Liquid fertilizers, however, are not long term, the nutrients are available immediately to the roots. With liquid the results are immediate, applications need to be repeated more often than when applying granular. Liquid is more expensive to start with, and can be more costly over the long run. There are some liquid organic lawn fertilizer options, check the local garden center to see what they carry. Also check out http://www.firebellylawncare.com/ they have a great option for organic lawncare which also uses the liquid method. Check them out, you won’t be disappointed!
Synthetic Fertilizers
Why is this type of fertilizer called synthetic? Simply because it is manufactured chemically in a lab and mass produced. Engineered fertilizers make lawns green with their immediate release of nutrients by simply penetrating the soil quicker. The downside – the results don’t last very long, so applications of synthetic fertilizer need to be redone more often. Another minus – synthetics can burn your lawn if not applied in a proper manner.
Organic Lawn Fertilizers
This type of fertilizer is made from once living organisms and their bi-products. They are normally applied with lawn fertilizer spreaders, rakes and even by hand. This organic totally natural fertilizer solution tends to break down slowly when releasing nitrogen. They can improve the texture and density of your lawn, especially when amended to soil or sand. One drawback to organics includes a strong foul smell with manures.
Some things to consider in your evaluation:
The current nutrition of your lawn
How much money is in your budget
How much work you want to put into the application – initial and ongoing
Personal preference
As technology in the field of lawns, grasses, irrigation and fertilizer keeps growing, the choices and combinations continue to go up.
- In selecting any fertilizer and nutrition program, consider the following:
Really enjoyed this article. It shows you have passion for what you do. Best of luck in 2011.