When should I fertilize my lawn?
Timing: Apply late spring lawn fertilizer once between April and June, six to eight weeks after the early spring feeding. If you have purchased the Scotts® Lawn Care Plan, apply the spring product now. It will help your lawn grow strong roots while killing dandelion, clover, and other listed weeds. The best time to fertilize your lawn Quick answer: Apply lawn fertilizer in the early morning or evening when temperatures are between 50-69°F. For Northern lawns, fertilize in spring and fall. For Southern lawns, fertilize in spring and summer.If lawns were fertilized once in May, you might want to wait until early September to broadcast your second application. A third and final application can be applied in late October or early November, using a fast-release high-nitrogen fertilizer. This late treatment will help the grass to green up faster in spring.Before applying fertilizer to the lawn, it’s important to mow it first to clear away any thatch. This allows the fertilizer to make better contact with the soil. When the spring fertilizer makes better contact with the soil, it will be absorbed more easily by the roots of your grass.Late afternoon or early evening (when there’s still light, of course) is the best time of day to apply lawn fertilizer. Applying it in the heat of a scorching afternoon can cause the sun’s rays to burn your grass—and when your goal is lush and green, burned grass blades simply won’t cut it.Some people treat weeds and insects at this time, but unless there are signs of trouble or a history of problems, we recommend only applying fertilizer. Applying fertilizer to cool-season grass at the end of October or early November is even more important. At that time, apply a fertilizer with a formula of 13-25-12.
What is the best time to fertilize lawn?
The right time to apply fertilizer is when the grass is growing more roots than blades. If your lawn looks thin, late summer and early fall is usually the best time to feed roots more than leaves,” says Rossi. If you only fertilize once a year, do it in September using fall fertilizer. Ideally, you should apply a fertilizer treatment to a dry lawn when there is no rain forecasted for the next couple of days. Fertilizing a wet lawn or applying a treatment before rain can lead to: Uneven distribution: Fertilizer applied to a wet lawn may clump together and not spread evenly.Apply an autumn lawn feed Instead, autumn lawn fertilisers are high in potassium and phosphates which harden the grass in preparation for cold conditions and encourage good root growth over winter. Autumn is also a good time to tackle moss, using an autumn lawn weed and feed product.How Long Does it Take Fertilizer to Work? Most fertilizers start showing results within one to five days after it’s been fully absorbed by your lawn. Slow-release formulas often take a bit longer, but you’ll still likely see a difference in your lawn’s health within a couple of weeks.Apply fertilisers after mowing your lawn, and not before to give it time to soak in before the next cutting. It is best to feed your lawn with fertiliser soon after you mow, so it has at least a few days to absorb the product before you cut it again.
When should you not fertilize?
In general, fertilize plants when you start to see new growth – leaves, buds, roots, etc. Don’t fertilize when plants are very dry or drought-stressed. Water the root area before fertilizing. Fertilize outdoor plants in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or late evening, especially in hot summer weather. Always water in fertilizers well to distribute nutrients throughout the soil profile and to prevent burning.Water in the early morning. The grass plants will be active and will absorb the water they need. Any extra water will evaporate, keeping the grass blades dry and preventing diseases. Watering during the middle of the day is not recommended since much of the water you apply will evaporate before the plants absorb it.
What is the best time to start lawn care?
Mowing too early, especially when frost is still possible, can damage this new growth and slow recovery. For proper spring grass care, wait until you see steady growth and the soil feels firm and dry underfoot. Only then will you know your lawn is actively growing and strong enough to handle mowing. You should stop cutting the grass in either late October or early November, this is when the cutting season comes to an end. Referencing the start of mowing season in spring, mowing should stop when temperatures are consistently 6°C or lower.
What happens if you fertilize in the fall?
Applying lawn food can help replenish frazzled, worn-out grass so it recovers quicker and better. Plus, a fall feeding provides a noticeable greening that lasts longer than an unfed lawn. Give roots a pre-winter nutrient boost: Lawns get hungry, especially as they slow down at the end of the growing season. Wilting and Yellowing Grass Overwatering prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, effectively suffocating them. This lack of oxygen causes the blades to lose their green color, turning them yellow and limp. If left unchecked, this can lead to root rot, making your lawn’s situation go from bad to worse.Applying too much fertilizer to your lawn will cause the nitrogen and salt levels in the soil to increase rapidly, which can damage or even kill the grass. When this happens, it is known as “fertilizer burn” and looks like yellow and brown strips or patches of dead grass.Nitrogen (N) Deficiency When deficient, your lawn will have yellowing leaves (chlorosis), stunted growth, and thin and sparse grass. High rainfall, sandy soils, and excessive mowing may cause nitrogen deficiency.Too much lawn feed can burn the grass or cause rapid growth. Here is a simple guide for green grass without excessive mowing. It takes a bit of practice to get the right amount of fertiliser on your lawn as there are so many variables.
Is October too late to fertilize?
Late Fall Fertilizer Timing (October – November) This last application of fall lawn fertilizer before the winter can make all the difference in the health of your lawn next spring. Taking the time to fertilize in the fall will strengthen your lawn’s roots, giving them a strong base to thrive on next spring. Fertilizing in July and August can also be beneficial. Slow-release fertilization can be an excellent choice of fertilizer in summer months as well, when conditions are right. These grasses thrive in the heat and a well-timed fertilizer boost will enhance their color and thickness.Meanwhile, warm-season grasses should be fertilized between late March and early May, and again between late June and early August. If you’re not sure what type of grass you have, a good rule of thumb to follow is warm-season grass tends to turn brown, while cool-season grass does not.Look for fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content, such as 16-0-8 or 20-2-3, to kickstart your lawn’s growth after dormancy. Nitrogen also helps grass recover from winter stress and encourages a thick, uniform lawn.A good NPK ratio is 3-0-1 or close to it. Warm-season grasses should not be fertilized with nitrogen after mid-September since it can delay dormancy. For mid- to late-fall applications, use a high-potassium fertilizer with fast-release nitrogen for cool-season grasses.For warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, summer is peak growth time, making early-season fertilization — mid-May to early June — ideal. Fertilizing in July and August can also be beneficial. Slow-release fertilization can be an excellent choice of fertilizer in summer months as well, when conditions are right.