Lawn Fertilization

You may have noticed that lawn fertilizer has three main elements: nitrogen, phosphate and potash, and the outside of fertilizer bags lists the percentages of those elements in the mix. For example, a bag with 15-15-15 on the outside means the fertilizer mix has equal percentages of each.

Each of these elements serves a particular purpose: Nitrogen grows thick blades that are deep in color; phosphate promotes root growth; potash encourages the development of the root system.

Liquid fertilizer has one large advantage over its dry counterpart - it causes grass to grow much faster. Brown and barren lawns can be revitalized in a matter of days instead of weeks, but you'll pay a higher price for liquid than granular.

A granular fertilizer may take longer to revitalize your grass, but it will last longer as it releases slowly into your lawn over time. Ask your lawn professional which one is best for your property.

If you have a lawn with average soil, then purchasing an evenly balanced fertilizer should produce the results you desire. However, if your soil is too acidic, counteract it by using a fertilizer with a base additive such as alkaline. If your soil has too much base, raise the acidity level by purchasing a fertilizer with an additive such as sulfur. Using these specialty fertilizers will help you produce better results.

Another major benefit to fertilizing your lawn is that as the new, thick grass grows, it will choke out room for weeds. The revitalized root system, as well as the thick lawn, will block weeds from getting a foothold.

Is your yard constantly muddy after rainfall from too much moisture in the soil? Planting grass and using fertilizer can help firm up the soil of your lawn because the new root system growing from the grass seed and fertilizer will require more water-thus soaking up excess moisture and reducing muddy patches.

1. Fertilizer improves the root system as well as the color and thickness of grass blades.
2. Fertilizer has three main components; nitrogen, phosphate and potash.
3. Liquid fertilizer costs more, but causes grass to grow more rapidly.
4. Choose fertilizer based on your soil type.
5. A healthy root system in newly planted grass reduces muddy soil.