Perfect Timing for a Beautiful Lawn
Having a lawn that’s healthy-looking can do a lot to enhance your property’s value, but in order to have a lawn that performs at this level requires (feeding) fertilizing with the right fertilizers at the right time for the best results.
But before we touch on this topic what I want to emphasize here is a beautiful healthy lawn is dependent on more than just fertilizing. Proper water management, keeping your lawn mowed at the right height along with choosing a lawn that fits into your plan will work wonders, for example, St Augustine grass cannot withstand continual foot traffic which will cause this lawn type to die out.
Bermuda grass on the other hand can withstand foot traffic and still look just as beautiful and an example of Bermuda grass is the grass type that we see on gulf courses. So before installing a lawn know why you want that type of lawn and find out as much as you can about maintenance or care which will keep your lawn growing healthy and looking beautiful.
When is the Best Time to Fertilize Your Lawn
Although fertilizers are heaven-sent they can become a nightmare if applied incorrectly, therefore, it’s important to know your lawn type and the fertilizer you’re using. There are two types of lawns which are cool and warm season.
Warm-season lawns
Warm-season lawns should be fertilized from late spring to early fall. Fertilizing too early in the spring with nitrogen will encourage cool-season weeds, fertilizing too late in the fall, and with the winter months setting in will cause the grass to be winter-damaged. Some warm-season grass includes St Augustine, Bahia, Buffalo, Zoysia, Carpet, Bermuda, Centipede grass, etc…
Cool-season lawns
Although cool-season lawns should be fertilized in the spring and fall months fertilizing too early in the spring will contribute to cool-season lawns having more top growth vs root growth which is not good. Some cool-season grasses include Creeping Bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, creeping red fescue, etc…
Cool-season grass as the name depicts grows best in the colder months which is fall through the spring. Because these grass types grow during this time of the year these months are the ideal time to fertilize these grasses.
Types of fertilizer spreaders
There are 2 types of fertilizer spreaders drop spreaders and rotary spreaders also know as broadcast spreaders. There are 2 types of broadcast spreaders hand-held and walk behind.
How do a drop spreader works
A drop spreader works by distributing or sprinkling the fertilizer in a straight down position onto the lawn. Drop spreaders work best in small confined areas.
How do rotary spreaders works
A rotary spreader works by shooting the fertilizer in an outward position, this pattern causes the fertilizer to be distributed over a wider range.
How much time should I fertilize my lawn?
Warm-season grasses can be fertilized every 6-8 weeks during the summer months and cool-season grasses should be fertilized 3-4 times per year when they are actively growing.
Fertilizing warm-season grass too heavily with nitrogen will cause lush grass growth encouraging chinch bug activity (Lawn Pests) which is not good. It’s always best to follow the manufactures direction on the fertilizer bag for the best results.
Additional information
1. Keep the blades of your lawn more sharp and clean because dull blades will rip or tear the grass instead of giving that nice clean cut that promotes a healthy lawn.
2. Don’t cut the grass when wet which may tear and uproot the grass blades because of an increase in moisture.
3. Keep your lawnmower in good repair by regular servicing, servicing is a must because the state of your lawnmower will affect the health and appearance of your lawn. Read the manufacturer’s guide for the proper maintenance of your lawnmower.
4. Know the proper height for your lawn type and cut at this level. The wrong cutting height for your grass type will bring on stress which will lead to a lawn’s decline.
5. Aerating a lawn will contribute to the health of a lawn.
6. A lawn that’s growing thick and healthy will help to suppress weeds.
7. Getting a sprinkler installed would be great, sprinklers will make watering your lawn easier. Put the sprinkler on a timer and your good to go. Watering by hand is more labors and time-consuming.
Another suggestion to save money would be to purchase a lawn sprinkler attachment that can be attached to your hose and laid on top of your lawn. This type of sprinkler is manual, once the sprinkler is set up it’s all a matter of turning on then removing once that part of the lawn has sufficient water, and placing the sprinkler on another section of the lawn to be watered. Continue this until the entire lawn gets watered.
8. Some granule fertilizers will get on to the sidewalk, pavements, and other hard surfaces when applying fertilizers. Sweep up fertilizers with a broom and dustpan and replace back in fertilize bag. Removing fertilizers from these areas is so important to avoid contamination.
9. The best time to fertilize is during the season when your lawn type is actively growing.
10. Once your lawn is fertilizer remember to give the required water that will help to breakdown fertilizers so it can be easily taken up by grassroots.
11. The best time to water your lawn is during the morning hours for your lawn to dry before nighttime. Watering too late in the evening won’t give the lawn sufficient time to dry which will lead to disease.
The final word on when is the best time to fertilize your lawn
A well-maintained lawn looks so beautiful, you too can have this kind of lawn that brings that wow. It’s a matter of getting the know-how that we discussed and you will be on your way to your lawn being admired both by your family and neighbors, a well-manicured lawn that is green and lush is a real show stopper that’s worth the investment.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Thanks for this tips I lost my beautiful lawn some months back due to this Corona virus pandemic it wasn’t really easy as I have invested a lot of time and money on it and just went down the drain like that…but I am Keen to building or planting a new one and I know this tips would be of great help help.
Hello, you are welcome, sorry to hear about your lawn but it is good to know that you can reinstall another lawn that will look really amazing. I am so happy to help and wishing you all the best with your project.
Hello there! this is an amazing review you have got here. My husband’s co worker has a mini lawn in his house and from the condition i saw it the last time, it lacks maintenance but I will share this post with him immediately. thank you very much for sharing this with me.
Hello, thanks so much for your kind words and I am so happy to help. Thanks for sharing this information, I hope it helps.
Gardening is something that I grew up with. My parents have a house with a large garden, and a lot of plants, flower and vegetables have been cultivated each year when I was growing up. When to fertilize the lawn was always a topic during those years.
Your article also speaks about other factors that impact the health of your lawn, which is a nice touch to the article and good information. Even if I have grown up with a large lawn to take care of, I was not aware of the difference between cool-season lawns and warm-season lawns and the impact f fertilizing at the wrong moment in time. But that explains some of the difficulties I have experienced with my own lawn and I will make sure that I will use this information to my own lawns benefit.
The additional tips on grooming your lawn to the best of its abilities is something I will save and use for my own lawn. I an diligent in using the correct cutting height on my lawnmower when I am cutting our lawn. That is one of your tips that already are using.
By the way, when should you start to fertilize already made lawns (pre-grown grass),the one type that you just roll out and voila you have new lawn?
Having a lawn thats beautiful and healthy is so amazing. Once we get the know-how of taking care of it. The best time to install a lawn depends on the type lawn and the season that its most actively growing. In my opinion wait once your newly installed lawn establishes by showing signs of top growth which may be 2-3 weeks after installation you can begin to fertilize. Hope this helps.