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If you have a fairly uniform stand of grass on your lawn, you apply herbicide at least once a year to control weeds, and you water the lawn when stress appears, following these guidelines will provide you with an attractive lawn that adds up to 15% to the value of your property.
Scheduling Fertilizer Applications: There are two options that you can follow. Option #1 is to make the first application in early May and follow this with applications around July 1, during the first two weeks of September and then in late October when you feel the growth of the grass has slowed to the point where you'll not have to mow again that season. Option #2 is to make the early May application and re-apply fertilizer every 6 weeks thereafter.
Rate of Fertilizer Application: To get the proper rate of application, use the spreader setting recommended on the back side of the fertilizer bag. If your brand of spreader isn't listed, look for a telephone number you can call to get the setting for your spreader.
Type of Fertilizer to Buy: If you've not had your soil tested, apply any regular type of turf fertilizer. When a soil test indicates the need for phosphorus, apply turf “starter” fertilizer at least once a year and re-test your soil after 2 to 3 years. For soils testing low in potassium, apply “winterizer” or “late season” fertilizer at least once a year and re-test your soil after 2 to 3 years.
Turf fertilizers range widely in price. As a general rule, the more expensive products apply more uniformly and contain nitrogen that slowly becomes available to the grass over several weeks. The results are more uniform growth and better grass color for a longer period of time.
After Applying Fertilizer: Look for any fertilizer that you've accidentally applied to your driveway and sidewalks and sweep it onto the grass. If rain is not assured within 24 hours after fertilizing, water the lawn for about 30 minutes. This initiates release of nutrients to the grass and greatly reduces the potential for contamination of lakes and streams with nitrogen and phosphorus.
