How To Fertilize a Lawn

Many homeowners pride themselves on lush, green lawns, but achieving that perfect carpet of grass requires more than regular mowing and watering. Proper fertilization is key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. This guide will explore steps and techniques for effectively fertilizing your lawn. This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and host Kevin O’Connor demonstrate the process in the video above, showcasing the tools and methods needed for success.

Lawn Fertilization

Fertilizing your lawn is a necessary part of lawn care that provides essential nutrients to promote healthy growth and vibrant color.

Why Fertilize Your Lawn?

Fertilizing your lawn serves several important purposes, from improving its appearance to enhancing its overall health. It provides nutrients that may be lacking in the soil, promoting vigorous root growth and boosting plant vitality. Regular fertilization also enhances the lawn’s ability to resist diseases and pests while improving its resilience to drought and temperature extremes. 

Additionally, a well-fertilized lawn grows thicker and more lush, potentially contributing to a healthier and more visually pleasing landscape.

When to Fertilize

The best times to apply fertilizer depend on your grass type and climate. For cool-season grasses, fertilization is most effective in early spring and fall, while warm-season grasses benefit from fertilizing in late spring and summer. For optimal results, it’s important to avoid fertilizing during periods of drought or extreme heat and apply fertilizer when the grass is actively growing.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Selecting the appropriate fertilizer is important for achieving optimal results. Different fertilizers offer varied benefits, so choosing one that fits your lawn’s needs is important.

Types of Fertilizers

There are several types of fertilizers available, each with unique characteristics:

• Granular fertilizers: Easy to apply and provide slow-release nutrients
• Liquid fertilizers: Quick-acting and ideal for spot treatments
• Organic fertilizers: Made from natural materials and improve soil health
• Synthetic fertilizers: Provide precise nutrient ratios and fast results

Selecting the right type depends on lawn size, soil health, and personal preference. Organic options can enhance soil quality, while synthetic ones deliver fast results.

Understanding Fertilizer Numbers

Fertilizer packages display three numbers, known as the N-P-K ratio. These numbers indicate:

• N (Nitrogen): Promotes leaf growth and green color
• P (Phosphorus): Supports root development
• K (Potassium): Enhances overall plant health and stress resistance

Based on your lawn’s needs and soil test results, choose a fertilizer with an appropriate N-P-K ratio to promote balanced nutrient provision.

Tools for Fertilizing

Having the right tools is necessary for effectively fertilizing your lawn. Cook demonstrates using two primary spreaders, each suitable for different lawn sizes and types.

Drop Spreaders

Drop spreaders include a hopper designed to hold the fertilizer. This adjustable setting controls the application rate and wheels that turn an agitator, which drops the fertilizer directly below the spreader. These spreaders allow for accurate coverage, making them suitable for areas requiring precise distribution, such as small or medium-sized lawns.

Broadcast Spreaders

Broadcast or rotary spreaders offer several advantages, including a larger hopper capacity and the ability to distribute fertilizer in a wide, fan-like pattern. They cover more ground quickly, making them ideal for open areas, especially those away from flower beds or driveways. Broadcast spreaders can save time and cover extensive lawns efficiently, making them a preferred choice for many homeowners.

Steps to Fertilize Your Lawn

Successfully fertilizing your lawn involves several necessary steps for even distribution and effectiveness. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Test your soil to determine its nutrient needs.
2. Choose the appropriate fertilizer based on soil test results.
3. Calculate the square footage of your lawn to determine the amount needed.
4. Adjust the spreader settings according to the fertilizer package instructions.
5. Apply a header strip around the perimeter of your lawn for optimal coverage.
6. Fill in the rest of the lawn using a back-and-forth pattern for even distribution.
7. Slightly overlap each pass to create consistent coverage.
8. Water the lawn thoroughly after fertilizing to aid nutrient absorption.

Cook demonstrates the importance of maintaining a steady walking pace and proper overlapping technique to distribute fertilizer evenly. Mastering these techniques can significantly enhance the results.

Tips for Effective Fertilization

To maximize the benefits of fertilizing your lawn, consider these effective tips:

• Always read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer package
• Avoid fertilizing during rainy periods to prevent runoff
• Don’t over-fertilize, as this can damage your lawn and contribute to water pollution
• Use a deflector shield on your spreader when fertilizing near driveways or sidewalks
• Clean and lubricate your spreader after each use to maintain its effectiveness

These fertilization efforts enhance lawn health without adverse environmental effects.

Maintaining Your Lawn After Fertilization

After fertilizing your lawn, proper maintenance is encouraged to achieve the best results. This will keep your lawn healthy and vibrant.

Watering

Watering is incredibly important for the absorption and effectiveness of fertilizer. Deep watering encourages strong, deep-root growth while avoiding overwatering prevents nutrient runoff. Adjusting the watering frequency based on rainfall and soil moisture levels is important for optimal results.

Mowing

Proper mowing practices complement fertilization and promote healthy lawn growth. Maintaining the recommended mowing height for your grass type helps prevent stress while avoiding removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time keeps the lawn strong. Additionally, keeping mower blades sharp provides clean cuts and prevents damage to the grass.

Ongoing Care

Continue to monitor your lawn’s health and appearance to address issues promptly:

• Watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies or overfertilization to prevent damage
• Address weed issues promptly to avoid competition for nutrients
• Consider overseeding thin areas to maintain a lush, full lawn throughout the year

Regular monitoring and timely interventions can help maintain a lush and appealing lawn.

Our Conclusion

By understanding the process, choosing the right tools and fertilizers, and following proper application techniques, you can achieve a lush, green lawn that enhances your home’s curb appeal. Remember to tailor your fertilization schedule to your grass type and climate for the best results.