How to Put Fertilizer on Grass for Lush, Green Lawns
How to Put Fertilizer on Grass?
To put fertilizer on grass, start by choosing a fertilizer that is suitable for your grass and soil pH needs.
For smaller lawns, use a drop spreader and walk steadily across the yard to ensure even coverage.
For larger lawns, a rotary spreader may be necessary.
It’s important to ensure complete coverage of all grass without stopping, changing pace, or overlapping areas.
After applying the fertilizer, water the lawn to aid in fertilizer absorption.
Remember to check the weather forecast before fertilizing and avoid rain for at least two days.
Protect yourself by wearing safety gear like gloves, safety goggles, long pants and sleeves, and a dust mask.
Read all product instructions to avoid misusing fertilizer, which can harm humans and the environment.
Granular fertilizer is slow-release and optimal for long-term grass health, while liquid fertilizer provides immediate nutrients but may require reapplication.
Key Points:
- Choose a suitable fertilizer based on grass and soil pH needs
- Use a drop spreader for smaller lawns and walk steadily for even coverage
- For larger lawns, a rotary spreader may be necessary
- Ensure complete coverage without stopping, changing pace, or overlapping areas
- Water the lawn after applying fertilizer for better absorption
- Check the weather forecast and avoid rain for at least two days before fertilizing
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that during the 1800s, farmers often used seaweed as a natural fertilizer for their grass? The high mineral content and beneficial nutrients helped improve soil fertility and promote healthy grass growth.
2. In the 1940s, the Walt Disney Studios released an educational animated short film titled “The Grass Story,” teaching viewers about the importance of proper fertilizer usage. This quirky film featured talking grass blades and singing earthworms, making it a unique and memorable tool for understanding lawn care.
3. Grass clippings can actually serve as a natural fertilizer for your lawn. When left on the grass after mowing, the clippings decompose and release nitrogen back into the soil, acting as a slow-release fertilizer. This process is known as “grasscycling” and helps maintain a healthy nutrient balance in your lawn.
4. The world record for the largest grass carpet was set in Saudi Arabia in 2019, measuring an astounding 18,707 square meters (201,767 square feet). This massive, meticulously maintained grass area required precise fertilizer application to ensure its lush and vibrant appearance.
5. To minimize environmental impact and reduce the risk of overfertilizing, it’s important to know the nutrient requirements of your grass. Conducting a soil test can help determine the specific fertilizer needs for your lawn, ensuring that you apply the right amount of nutrients and avoid wasteful practices.
Choosing The Right Fertilizer
When it comes to putting fertilizer on your grass, the first step is to choose a fertilizer that is suitable for your specific grass and soil pH needs. Different grass types have different nutrient requirements, so it’s important to select a fertilizer that matches those needs. Additionally, the pH level of your soil affects the availability of nutrients to your grass. Conducting a soil test can help you determine the pH level and identify any nutrient deficiencies present in your soil.
Soil pH and Grass Nutrient Needs
To choose the right fertilizer for your grass, it’s crucial to consider the pH level of your soil. Most grass types prefer a slightly acidic soil with pH level between 6 and 7. If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, it can hinder nutrient absorption by the grass. Conducting a soil test is a simple and effective way to determine the pH level of your soil. This test will also reveal any nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed through fertilization.
Based on the results of the soil test, you can select a fertilizer that meets your grass’s nutrient needs. Fertilizers are classified by their nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content. These three numbers, also known as the N-P-K ratio, indicate the percentage by weight of each nutrient in the fertilizer. For example, a bag of fertilizer labeled 20-10-5 contains 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium.
Matching Grass Type with Fertilizer
Different grass types have different nutrient requirements. For instance, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue benefit from a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content, as they experience active growth during spring and fall. On the other hand, warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass thrive with a fertilizer that has a higher phosphorus and potassium content, as they require more root development and drought tolerance.
By selecting a fertilizer that matches your grass type and soil pH needs, you can ensure that your grass receives the nutrients it requires for optimal growth and overall health.
Spreader Options For Different Lawn Sizes
The method of application plays a crucial role in ensuring even and effective fertilizer distribution. The spreader you choose depends on the size of your lawn and your personal preferences.
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For smaller lawns, a drop spreader is suitable. This spreader features a hopper with equally spaced holes from which the granules drop straight down onto the ground. To apply fertilizer with a drop spreader, walk steadily across the lawn while pushing the spreader. This method ensures accurate and controlled distribution of the fertilizer.
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On the other hand, larger lawns may require a rotary spreader. This type of spreader is powered by pushing, and it disperses the granules through a spinning plate by utilizing small holes in the hopper. When using a rotary spreader, it’s important to maintain a steady pace to avoid overlapping or missing areas.
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For tiny areas or tight spaces in the yard, a hand-held spreader is a practical choice. This compact tool allows for easy maneuverability and precise application in hard-to-reach spots.
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In addition, it is important to consider the maintenance of the spreader. Regular cleaning and inspection will help ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
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Remember, choosing the right spreader based on your lawn size and specific needs will contribute to the effectiveness of fertilizer application.
Spreader Calibration
Regardless of the spreader type you choose, calibrating the tool is crucial to ensure proper fertilizer coverage and prevent under or over-application. Calibration involves adjusting the spreader settings to release the desired amount of fertilizer per square foot.
To calibrate your spreader, follow these steps:
- Refer to the fertilizer packaging or the spreader manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance on calibration.
- Set the spreader to the recommended setting for the type of fertilizer you are using.
- Measure out a defined area of known size, such as 1,000 square feet.
- Fill the spreader with a known amount of fertilizer.
- Walk at a consistent pace and spread the fertilizer evenly over the measured area.
- After spreading the fertilizer, measure any remaining fertilizer in the spreader to calculate the actual amount used.
- Compare the actual amount used with the amount you intended to apply. Adjust the spreader settings accordingly for future applications.
Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure accurate calibration of your spreader.
Note: Proper calibration of the spreader is essential to achieve optimal results and avoid wasting fertilizer.
Tips For Achieving Complete Coverage
Applying fertilizer with precision and uniformity is essential for lush and green lawns. To achieve complete coverage, consider the following tips:
- Before fertilizing, water the turf thoroughly a couple of days in advance. This step helps prepare the soil and ensures optimal fertilizer absorption.
- Mow and rake the grass before fertilizing to expose more soil. This allows for better fertilizer contact with the turf.
- While applying the fertilizer, make two passes over the lawn instead of just one. This helps ensure that all areas receive adequate coverage.
- Avoid stopping or changing pace while spreading the fertilizer to prevent uneven distribution.
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Be cautious not to overlap areas, as this can result in over-application and potential damage to the grass.
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For complete coverage, water the turf a couple of days in advance.
- Mow and rake the grass before fertilizing to expose more soil.
- Make two passes over the lawn while applying the fertilizer.
- Avoid stopping or changing pace when spreading the fertilizer.
- Be cautious not to overlap areas to prevent over-application and potential damage to the grass.
Watering After Fertilizing
Watering your lawn after fertilizing is a crucial step to aid the absorption of nutrients and prevent burning of the grass. The water helps dissolve the granular fertilizer and carries it into the soil, allowing the roots to take up the nutrients effectively.
However, it’s important to time the watering appropriately. Checking the weather forecast beforehand and ensuring no rain is expected for at least two days after fertilization is recommended. Watering the lawn immediately after fertilizer application can wash away the granules and reduce their effectiveness. It’s best to wait a day or two before irrigating the lawn to maximize the benefits of the fertilizer.
Understanding Fertilizer Numbers
When choosing a fertilizer, you will frequently encounter a set of three numbers written on fertilizer bags. These numbers represent the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels in the fertilizer, commonly referred to as the N-P-K ratio.
- Nitrogen (N) promotes lush, green growth in grass.
- Phosphorus (P) aids in root development, as well as flower and seed production.
- Potassium (K) contributes to overall plant health and helps strengthen grass against diseases and environmental stressors.
For instance, a fertilizer bag marked as 10-10-10 contains 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. Understanding these numbers is crucial when selecting the appropriate fertilizer for your grass’s specific requirements.
Comparing Granular And Liquid Fertilizer Options
When it comes to fertilizing your grass, you have the option of using either granular or liquid fertilizer. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these differences can help you choose the best fertilizer for your lawn.
Granular fertilizer is a dry fertilizer that slowly releases nutrients over an extended period. It is less expensive compared to liquid fertilizer and has a longer shelf life. Granular fertilizer is suitable for long-term grass health, as it provides slow-release nutrients that gradually feed the lawn over time. However, applying granular fertilizer can be physically demanding, especially for larger lawns, and may result in uneven distribution of nutrients.
On the other hand, liquid fertilizer provides immediate nutrients to the grass. It is often applied with a spray bottle attached to a garden hose, allowing for easy and precise application. Liquid fertilizer is beneficial for quick greening and can be an effective solution for addressing specific nutrient deficiencies. However, liquid fertilizer’s effects are short-lived compared to granular fertilizer, often requiring reapplication throughout the growing season.
Before choosing between granular and liquid fertilizer, consider the specific needs of your lawn and the convenience factor that aligns with your preferences and maintenance routine.
By selecting the right fertilizer, using an appropriate spreader, ensuring complete coverage, and following best practices for watering and post-application care, you can effectively promote lush and green lawns that are the envy of the neighborhood. Remember to always read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid misuse and potential harm to humans or the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you put fertilizer on top of grass?
Yes, it is recommended to apply fertilizer on top of grass after it has dried. However, it is important to lightly water the grass again after applying the fertilizer. This additional watering is crucial as it helps to wash the fertilizer off the grass blades and into the soil, ensuring that the nutrients are properly absorbed. Alternatively, you can choose to time the application of fertilizer in between rainfalls, allowing the rain to naturally wash the fertilizer into the soil.
Do you apply fertilizer to wet or dry grass?
Applying fertilizer to wet or dry grass can produce different results depending on the type of fertilizer being used. While most Scotts® fertilizers can be applied to either wet or dry grass, it’s worth noting that certain products, such as Scotts® Turf Builder® Weed & Feed, may yield better results when applied to wet grass. This is because the wetness helps the particles adhere to the weeds, enhancing the effectiveness of the product. However, for other types of fertilizers, applying them to dry grass may have a similar impact on the lawn’s overall health and growth. Ultimately, it is best to read the instructions on the fertilizer package to determine the recommended application method based on the specific product being used.
What is the best time to apply fertilizer to lawn?
To ensure optimal lawn health, the timing for fertilizing depends on the type of grass you have. For cool-season grasses, the best time to apply fertilizer is late September to early November, and again between late March and early May. This aligns with their active growth periods and helps to strengthen their root systems. Warm-season grasses, on the other hand, should be fertilized between late March and early May, and again between late June and early August when they are actively growing and in need of nutrients to thrive. By following these specific time frames, you can provide your lawn with the appropriate nourishment it needs to flourish.
How much fertilizer do you put on grass?
To ensure optimal grass growth, it is recommended to apply 10 pounds of the fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of grass. This quantity is based on the suggestion of using two pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and considering that the fertilizer contains 20% nitrogen. By adhering to this recommendation, you can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy grass and promote its flourishing growth.