Keeping a healthy and visually pleasing lawn often hinges on fertilizer use. Not only does it boost the lawn's resilience against harsh weather and disease, but also enhances its overall health and aesthetic qualities.
When and How to Fertilize
The timing and method of fertilizing are just as vital as the act itself. The two prime windows for fertilizing are during spring and autumn. These seasons each serve a unique purpose; spring fertilization encourages growth and develops resistance against weather and diseases, whereas autumn fertilization lays the groundwork for the lawn's recovery and repair phase.
Remember, while rain can assist the fertilizer to penetrate and dissolve into the soil, it should ideally be light. Heavy rain can wash away the nutrients, making the fertilization process futile. Hence, in the event of torrential rain, make sure to hold off and fertilize after the rain has stopped.
Post Fertilizing Care
Post-fertilization is just as important as the act itself. Make sure to water your lawn if it hasn't rained 48 to 72 hours after fertilization. There's a fine line, though; take care not to overload the soil with water, as oversaturation can hinder the fertilizer's effectiveness.
Additional Tips
- Using a lawn rake or scarifier before fertilizing aids in the process. It helps prepare the ground and ensure the fertilizer is efficiently absorbed.
- One less known practice that can save both time and money is leaving cut grass on the lawn. The cut grass decomposes and provides essential nutrients to the lawn, reducing the need for additional fertilizer.