Fertilizing your Lawn
In
the Northeastern US you
should fertilize your lawn a minimum of twice a year: late spring and
early fall, which takes advantage of the two peak lawn growth seasons.
If you plan to fertilize three times a year, add an application of
fertilizer during the month of November.
If you were to only
fertilize once a year, September would be the best month to fertilize
your lawn. You say four times a year? Many homeowners find the "1-2-3-4" program
the simplest to use. Most of these 4-step products combine fertilizer
with insect and weed control products (crabgrass control and broadleaf
weed control). Be sure to apply these products according to label directions.
A "complete" chemical fertilizer with
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
Organic
fertilizer?
Many
individuals have moved to an organic approach in their gardens and on
their lawns. One of the old standbys as an organic lawn fertilizer has
been Milorganite™
which is Milwaukee sewage sludge. The typical analysis is a 6-2-0 fertilizer
and 4% Iron. You'll find other organic
fertilizers at your local garden center as well. Generally speaking, expect to pay
more for organic fertilizer.
The goal of a good fertilization program is to promote balanced growth,
creating a thick lawn that can
choke out invasive weeds. Heavy fertilization should be avoided
since it can contribute to lawn disease occurrence and promote excessive thatch.
It's prudent to have a
properly timed fertilization program, using the right rate of
fertilizer, without applying too much. Sometimes less is more.
Begin with a soil test if you are hoping to have the best lawn in the
neighborhood, and work from there.
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