Three Steps for a Picture Perfect Lawn
By: Justin Hunter, Sales Agronomist
As we get through the last few weeks of cold weather, many are thinking about adding spring fertilizers to their crop ground. One thing that often gets neglected during this time of the year is a lawn fertilizer program. Having a lawn fertilizer plan this spring can lead to a green and healthy lawn throughout the hot summer months. Fertilizers often include a formula stating the percentage of the major nutrients involved. The breakdown of this formula includes nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) written as N-P-K. This spring, applying the proper amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can help you have a green and healthy lawn throughout the summer months. A lawn fertilizer plan can be accomplished in these three simple steps.
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The first step is an April application of a 25-0-6 Crabgrass Preventer, which will provide the nutrients necessary for a great lawn while preventing crabgrass germination. Prevention is key because once crabgrass germinates, it is nearly impossible to eliminate without also killing the grass. This fertilizer will also help green up lawns sooner by bringing the grass out of dormancy.
Step two is a fertilizer that is beneficial for both grass health and weed control: 25-3-3 Weed & Feed with Trimec. Intended for a mid-season treatment in June, it helps control broadleaves such as dandelions, plantains and clovers. Much like the crabgrass preventer, this fertilizer supplies a terrific source of nitrogen which will help green up the lawn. Since nitrogen is mobile in the soil, it’s best to apply it in the spring and summer when the lawn can actively utilize it. This product can also be applied every couple of weeks if needed.
Between August 15 and October 31, it is time to apply a fertilizer with adequate amounts of phosphorus and potassium; we recommend 6-24-24 or 13-13-13. It is important to apply these products in the fall because the weather conditions will help break down the fertilizer’s insoluble crystallized form and convert it into a soluble form that can be taken up by the plants with water. This breakdown will maximize nutrient availability in next year’s spring and summer months. Phosphorus and potassium are also immobile in the soil and promote root health, so lawns treated with these fertilizers will be at an advantage come next year.
If you need to fill in some thin or bare spots, we recommend Choice Sun and Shade lawn seed. With its shade tolerance and disease resistance, this seed blend is especially good for those hard-to-grow areas. One thing to note, avoid overseeding or reseeding when a crabgrass preventer has recently been applied. If the seeding is done within the application residual window, the crabgrass preventer will inhibit the germination of new lawn seed.
Much like growing a good crop, lawns need to be well nourished and maintained to be successful. Applying the proper nutrients and controlling tough weeds is a great start for better lawn care management. Give us a call if you have additional lawn seed or fertilizer questions at 319.679.2281. We’re happy to help!