We all love a green and healthy lawn as a perfect backdrop for summer cookouts and roughhousing with the kids, and proper lawn care and fertilizing is the best way to get one. Experts agree that if you only fertilize your lawn one time during the year, fall is hands-down the best time. Why? Because you’re setting your lawn’s health up for the next year, encouraging deep and healthy roots that resist drought, pests, and weeds. And fertilizing your fall lawn is easy when you follow our 6 simple steps!1. Time matters. Early autumn to late fall is the perfect time to fertilize, but to be on the safe side, always follow recommendations not only for your area but for the type of grass you have.
2. Choose your fertilizer carefully. Look for a product that has higher amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and calcium — and slightly less of nitrogen. Applying too much nitrogen encourages new green growth that can be damaged by an early frost or freeze.
3. Mow beforehand. Mow your grass at the recommended height before fertilizing, and go ahead and let some of the clippings fall in place for added nutrients.4. Fertilize on dry grass. Never fertilize right after a rainfall; be sure the grass blades are dry before applying.
5. Apply according to directions. Never apply more fertilizer than is recommended, thinking that “more is better.” More can actually damage your grass, so adhere to the package label faithfully.
6. To water or not to water? There is some discrepancy on whether or not you should water your lawn right after fertilizing. Our recommendation is to feel free to water in lightly without soaking your lawn, or simply wait until later in the week when you’re expecting some rainfall.
