There is a lot of information out there on how to choose the right lawn fertilizer. With so many types of fertilizer on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your yard. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of fertilizer and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is Lawn Fertilizer?
Lawn fertilizer is a material that is applied to the soil to supply nutrients, typically nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that are essential for plant growth. Lawn fertilizer can be in the form of solid granules, liquid solutions, or spikes.
The type of fertilizer you choose will depend on your lawn’s needs.
Types of Lawn Fertilizers
There are three main types of lawn fertilizer:
- Inorganic fertilizers are made from minerals and typically have a high concentration of nutrients. They are fast-acting but can also be harsh on the environment if not used correctly.
- Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials such as compost or manure. They release nutrients slowly and are gentler in the environment, but they may not provide as much of a quick boost to your lawn.
- Synthetic or chemical fertilizers are man-made and usually have a high concentration of nutrients. They are fast-acting but can be harmful to the environment if not used correctly.
The type of fertilizer you choose for your lawn will depend on your goals and preferences.
Which Fertilizer to Use
Fast-release fertilizers
Fast-release fertilizers are made with synthetic chemicals that quickly release nutrients into the soil. These fertilizers are often used on lawns that need a quick boost of growth. However, they can also burn your lawn if you use too much or apply them too often.
Slow-release fertilizers
Slow-release fertilizers are made with natural or synthetic materials that release nutrients slowly over time. These fertilizers are a good choice for lawns that need steady, long-term nutrition. Slow-release fertilizers are less likely to burn your lawn than fast-release fertilizers.
Testing Soil for Lawn
A soil test is the best way to determine which nutrients your lawn needs. Once you have collected the soil sample, send it to a laboratory for testing. The results of the soil test will tell you the pH of your soil and the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium present. Based on the results of the soil test, you can choose a fertilizer that will supply the nutrients your lawn needs.
Best Lawn Fertilizer Ratio and How It Works
The three numbers on a fertilizer package (e.g., 16-04-08) represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the product. The ideal fertilizer for your lawn will have a ratio of N-P-K that matches the results of your soil test. For example, if your soil test shows that your soil is deficient in nitrogen, you would want to choose a fertilizer with a higher percentage of nitrogen.
There are many different types of fertilizer available on the market. The type of fertilizer you choose will depend on your lawn’s needs and the time of year. For example, if you want to promote growth in the spring, you would use a fertilizer with a higher percentage of nitrogen. If you want to promote root growth, you would use a fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphorus.
FAQs About How to Choose the Right Lawn Fertilizer
How do I choose the right fertilizer?
The best way to choose the right fertilizer is to have a soil test done. A soil test will show you the pH of your soil and what nutrients it is lacking. From there, you can choose a fertilizer that will correct those deficiencies.
How do you apply complete fertilizer?
Complete fertilizer can be applied in a number of ways, including:
- Spreading it by hand
- Using a drop spreader
- Using a broadcast spreader
The best way to apply fertilizer is to use a broadcast spreader. This will ensure that the fertilizer is evenly distributed over your entire lawn.
What will happen if we apply fertilizer incorrectly?
If you apply fertilizer incorrectly, it can cause:
- Burning of the grass
- Lawn discoloration
- Poor plant growth
- In extreme cases, death of the grass
It is important to follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid these problems. Over-fertilizing your lawn can be just as harmful as not fertilizing it at all.
