Soil preparation, planting, fertilization, watering, aeration, and weed and pest control are the major steps one has to undertake cyclically to keep their lawn healthy throughout the year. Even if one of these steps is missed, the grass could dry, rot, or wilt away. So, it is crucial that one plans ahead, makes a schedule, and follows it to ensure a lush lawn. Creating a grass fertilization schedule is crucial for its timely care.
Why is grass fertilization important?
There are multiple benefits of fertilizing the grass lawn. It can supply the required nutrients for the lawn apart from the soil amendments. Without the required nutrients, there could be inadequate root development, and the growth and color of the leaves could be affected. Apart from keeping the grass healthy, fertilizing it on time and according to the season has additional benefits.
- Helps maintain soil quality as the grass grows and utilizes all the nutrients in the soil
- Ensures uniform growth of the lawn grass at all times
- Without healthy soil, the grass could become vulnerable to pests and diseases
- Fertilization is important to maintain the deep green color of the grass
- Nutrition-rich soil helps the grass recover from any damage caused by pests and diseases
Tips to prepare a grass fertilization schedule
Fertilizing schedules for grass depend on multiple factors, like the type of grass, the seasons, the growth stage of the grass, its health, location, and prevalent climate. One can follow some tips to create a grass fertilization schedule.
1. Know the grass type
There are about 12 types of grasses that are popular in the country. The type of glass one plants could be one of the primary factors to determine the grass fertilization schedule.
Grass is categorized on the basis of the season when they have maximum foliage. Cool-season grasses are ones that grow well in cooler temperatures. They thrive and grow well during spring and fall but stop growing or become dormant during warm summer months. Some of the popular cool-season grasses are:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
- Creeping bentgrass
- Annual ryegrass
Warm-season grasses thrive in warm temperatures and go dormant and brown in the winter. Some of the popular warm-season grasses include:
- Zoysia
- Buffalo grass
- Bermuda grass
- St. Augustine grass
- Centipede grass
A homeowner can identify the best grass suited for their area by talking to local experts or researching online. Once they have decided on the grass, they have to put together a few more things before creating a grass fertilization schedule.
2. Decide on the type of fertilizer
Both organic and chemical fertilizers are available for every type of grass. Organic fertilizers could be more expensive than chemical fertilizers. Choose a fertilizer based on the goal and purpose. Also, some states have limits on the use of phosphorus for grass fertilizers. So, check local guidelines before buying the fertilizer. Read through instructions and the equipment and precautions one needs to take while applying fertilizers. One may choose from these most commonly used fertilizers for grass.
- Chemical or synthetic fertilizers
- Nitrogen based
- Organic fertilizers
- Phosphorus based
- Potassium based
- Quick-action liquid fertilizers
- Slow-release granular fertilizers
One can also find fertilizers that are season-specific, such as fertilizers for spring and fall.
3. Understand the exact amount of fertilizer to be applied
Measure the exact area of grass that needs to be fertilized. Use a measuring tape or count the number of paces to measure the dimensions of the lawn. Calculate the area covered based on the shape and its appropriate mathematical formula. Then, learn about the right amount of fertilizer based on the type of grass. The information is available online or on the fertilizer package. Remember, too much fertilizer can create heat and burn the grass, making it difficult to recover.
4. Buy necessary tools and equipment
One must use protective gear while fertilizing their lawn as some fumes and dust can cause allergies or breathing problems. There are some handy tools one should get before grass fertilization.
- Aerators
- Drop spreader for precision application
- Fertilizer spreader for even application in large lawns
- Handheld spreader for small lawns
- Spreader calibration tool for accurate measurements
- Watering equipment
5. Prepare grass fertilization schedule based on seasons
It is best to fertilize the grass once every season. The type of fertilizer will also change based on the season, type of grass, and purpose. It is important to note that while the purpose of spring fertilizers is to promote growth, fall fertilizers make the roots stronger to handle the harsh winters.
Grass fertilization schedule for cool-season grass
In spring
- Early spring, between March and April
- Late spring, between May and June
In fall
- Early fall, between September and October
- Late fall, between October and November
Fertilization schedule for warm-season grass
Warm-season grasses thrive in regions that are warmer and grow well in the summer. The best months to fertilize the warm season grasses are:
In spring
- Late spring, between April and May
In summer
- Early summer, during June and July
- Late summer, during August and September
Grass fertilization schedule for winter
Create a grass fertilization schedule for winters to be followed before the season becomes severe. Early to mid-November would be the best time for this. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are generally recommended for winter schedules.
Further, for winter, always use less fertilizer than recommended in the pack to ensure that there is no overfertilization.
After every fertilization, remember to water the lawn, but be cautious about overwatering. Also, aerate the lawn to ensure enough air circulation for better absorption of the fertilizers.
