NewsFall is the most important time to fertilize your lawn. This is the time for roots to sprout.
The fall is an excellent time to fertilize the grass. Lawns are hungry now and they will develop most of their root systems during this season.
Lawn fertilization is an excellent idea around Labor Day. Lawns are actively growing and this fertilizer promotes vigorous blade growth and stronger root systems.
A soil test is recommended to determine how much fertilizer your grass need. A winterizer fertilizer is usually recommended. Formulations vary, but most winterizer fertilizers are approximately 25-3-10 (25% nitrogen, 3% phosphate and 10% potash). Winterizer fertilizers have somewhat more potash than summer fertilizers. This potash supplement enhances winter hardiness.
Fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen are valuable since they provide a consistent release of nitrogen to the growing plants. They are, however, more pricey.
Follow the fertilizer package’s rates. A standard rate is 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. For reference, one pound of actual nitrogen is in four pounds of a 25% nitrogen fertilizer (such as 25-3-3). Excess nitrogen may cause grass to burn.
In shady areas, lower rates might be employed. They grow more slowly and only need about half as much fertilizer as sunny spots.
To prevent creating dark green stripes in your yard, apply half the fertilizer going back and forth in one direction and the other half going perpendicular to that. For instance, apply half north-south and the other half east-west.
Fertilizing in late September/early October should be avoided. Fertilizing late in autumn can delay the hardening of the turf and make it more susceptible to winter injury.
As a result, weed-and-feed fertilizers are not advised. The most effective time to kill weeds (late September) is not a good time to fertilize the grass. To kill weeds, use a different application.
Fertilization in the early spring is not advised. This promotes leaf development while suppressing root growth. A robust root system is essential for healthy grass.
After fertilizing, water your grass. This improves fertilizer efficacy and minimizes the risk of fertilizer runoff during a strong thunderstorm.
North Dakota State University Extension Horticulturist Tom Kalb wrote this. Photo was made available under a Creative Commons license specified by the photographer: Auntie P.
Related Questions
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What month should I fertilize lawn?
As your grass begins to green up and actively develop in the early spring, apply an early spring lawn fertilizer once between February and April (around the time your lawn first needs to be mowed).
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Can I fertilize my lawn anytime of the year?
The right time to apply fertilizer is when the grass is growing more roots than blades. It is generally in the autumn in the Northeast and Northwest. It’s late spring in the South and Southwest. So in cooler climes, don’t even think about it until Labor Day.
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How many times should you fertilize your lawn a year?
In most cases, you should only need to fertilize your lawn twice a year. You want to be sure you avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. However, this all depends on the type of fertilizer you use. Such as organic vs.
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Is it best to fertilize lawn before or after mowing?
Preferably, you should mow and rake before fertilizing to eliminate extra grass debris and allow the fertilizer to reach the soil more easily. Aerating your soil before fertilizing can also help; the best times to aerate are when your grass is actively growing, such as in spring or early fall.
Sources:
- https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2014-09-08/the-best-time-to-fertilize-your-lawn#:~:text=Fall%20is%20the%20most%20important,root%20systems%20during%20this%20season.