Fertilising might seem like an optional task with lawn care, but fertilising your lawn is one of the most important parts of lawn care. Fertilisers are packed with essential nutrient that help you grow and maintain your lawn, allowing you to have a green and healthy garden. Read on to know more about the best fertiliser for your lawns and when you should use them.
What is the most effective fertiliser?
There are several formulations of fertiliser that you can choose from. The best fertiliser for your lawns will depend on what your lawns need, as well as your lawn care style. Below are some of the different types of fertiliser that lawn owners can use.
Slow-release Fertilisers
Slow-release fertilisers, like their name implies, slowly release the nutrients into your lawn. They do so until the fertiliser is completely dissolved. Using slow-release fertilisers means that you have to fertilize less, but they are more expensive compared the other types of fertilisers.
Fast-release Fertilisers
Fast-release fertilisers release their nutrients more quickly in comparison to slow-release fertilisers. With this type, you have to reapply more frequently and more carefully in smaller amounts. Improper handling of fast-release fertilisers may result to lawn burn, so only use this when you are absolutely sure that you are capable of handling your lawn care.
Controlled Release Fertilisers
This kind of fertiliser releases nutrients when prompted, specifically by the correct levels of moisture and temperature. Because of the controlled release, nutrients are rarely wasted. Controlled release fertilisers are more expensive than slow-fertilisers, but their payoff is particularly good making them a good investment.
Organic Fertilisers
Natural products, such as compost and dry manure, are the usual components of organic fertilisers. While organic fertiliser may be used to improve soil structure when necessary, take note that the nutrient concentration for this kind of fertiliser is relatively small. As such, when handling organic fertilisers, you might need a larger amount in comparison to using more commercial fertilisers. Be wary of the components of your organic fertilisers, especially if there is manure in the mix, as some of them might carry weed seeds.
Weed and Feed Fertilisers
Weed and feed fertilisers are there to help you rid your lawn of pesky weeds. You should be especially careful when applying them around trees, shrubs, and garden plants since this kind of fertiliser may negatively affect them. It is best to identify what kind of weed is growing on your lawn first, to make sure that you are using the correct kind of fertiliser.
When should I apply fertiliser to my lawn?
The best time to apply fertiliser to your lawns is during early spring. Note that it is best to check the soil temperature beforehand, with the ideal temperature being 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have any means of checking the soil temperature, your best indicator would be how green the grass is. If the grass is beginning to turn greener and if some of the flowers start blooming, this is a good sign that you should start applying fertiliser to your lawn.
Once you start fertilising your lawn, you need to work out a fertilization schedule. Most fertilisers have a recommended schedule on their labels, but if you feel that you should do something else for your lawn, consult with a reputable lawn and reticulation company for advice. These professionals will advise you how to best take care of your lawn and you can avoid any problems caused by improper fertilization.
What are some of the best practices when applying fertiliser?
Ensuring that your lawn grows healthy doesn’t just stop with applying the fertiliser. There are several things you should remember when working with fertilisers. Here are some of the top tips when fertilising:
Use granule fertilisers
This first tip should be taken with a grain of salt. When professionals apply fertilisers, they usually have the proper tools, such as a tanker truck, to ensure that the fertiliser is applied evenly. On the other hand, homeowners usually don’t have that option. If you are planning to do the fertilising yourself, it would be best to use granule fertilisers via spreader to ensure the proper distribution of the fertiliser.
Water your lawn appropriately
Overwatering is already detrimental to your lawn’s health, but it is even more important to not how much you water your lawn when you’re using fertiliser. As you water more frequently, you will need to use more fertiliser to supplement the growth of the grass. More importantly, read up on your fertiliser’s instructions as to when you should water your lawn. Some fertilisers require that you water your lawn beforehand to ensure that the fertiliser is absorbed properly.
Never over-apply
Just like watering, there is such a thing as overapplying when using fertilisers. Check the label for the appropriate fertiliser rate, then use only half of that for the first application. Too much fertiliser might burn and kill the grass, so it’s better to apply too little this time around.
Sweep over excess granules
This is more of a budget hack than anything else. When you’re working with granule fertilisers, more often than not, you will find that the spreader will throw fertiliser on your sidewalk, patio, or driveway. Rather than letting the granules be, sweep over them and store them back onto the original bag to save up some money. This also helps with the environment as excess fertiliser contributes to pollution.
Fertilise your gardens
Fertilising your gardens might seem like a tedious task, but it is absolutely necessary if you want a green and healthy garden. Pick a fertiliser that suits your garden needs and lawn care style and follow instructions carefully to avoid any mishaps along the way. If you’re still confused, you can always refer back to this article for the basics or contact Green Oasis Lawn and Reticulation to help you out with fertilising your lawn.
