When Do I Fertilize My Lawn?

Posted on May 31st, 2017

This year you plan on having a lawn that puts all of your neighbors’ lawns to shame. However, last year’s lawn was a bit patchy and brown — so what does a person do? The first step in getting your lawn to resemble Fenway Park is to fertilize it at the perfect time.

Know Your Grass Type

Before you head down to the store to grab some fertilizer, find out which type of grass is currently underneath your feet. You will normally have either cool-season or warm season grass. Those with cool-season grass will notice their lawn turning brown during the summer months while those with warm season grass will notice their lawn turning brown during the cooler months of the year. However, there are homeowners who will have a combination of the two types of grasses.

Fertilizing at the Right Time

• Cool-Season Grasses – Since this type of grass will grow mostly during spring and fall, you will need to fertilize in the beginning of these seasons. Of the one to two pounds (per 1,000 square feet) of nitrogen-rich fertilizer you need to apply each year, spread out a majority of it during the fall before temperatures drop below 60 degrees. The remaining fertilizer can be spread in early spring before temperatures rise above 70 degrees.
• Warm-Season Grasses – Since this type of grass grows mostly during the late spring and summer, you will need to fertilize in the early spring as the grass begins to turn green again and then again at the end of summer. Of the three to four pounds (per 1,000 square feet) of nitrogen-rich fertilizer you need to apply each year, spread half before temperatures reach over 80 degrees and the second half after the highest temperatures of the summer have passed.

Making sure you fertilize your lawn at the perfect time can mean the difference between a good and a GREAT looking lawn!

Turf Unlimited is a full service lawn care provider, offering a wide variety of lawn care, fertilization, and pest and weed control services to the Massachusetts or New Hampshire area. For more information about our services call 888-649-9919 and schedule your free, in-home estimate today.

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