Share:

If you want to boost the curb appeal of your home or business, improving the landscape with new grass is one of your best options. However, in order to be a savvy steward of your yard, it’s crucial to practice proper maintenance. Because plants don’t get all the nutrients they need from the soil, fertilizer is crucial for healthy grass growth. However, the type of fertilizer you choose will depend on the type of grass you have installed. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know when searching for the right fertilizer ratios and products. 

What You Should Know About Fertilizing Your New Grass

What Does Fertilizer Consist Of?

Traditional fertilizer contains three key ingredients which plants don’t get in large enough quantities from the soil. The first is nitrogen, which fortifies plants with full and strong leaves; the second is potassium, which helps the greenery survive when there’s a lack of water and declining temperatures; and the third is phosphorus, which promotes more extensive root growth. 

How Do You Determine the Right Ratios?

Fertilizers differ by their ratios of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Every fertilizer will have three numbers, which represent the percentages of each of these elements. With the help of a lawn care expert, you can determine where your soil falls on the pH scale and which elements are in too low supply.

The type of grass you plant also affects the type of fertilizer you choose. For instance, a lawn with St. Augustine grass should receive three to four applications of fertilizer per year at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. The soil pH should fall between 6.0 and 8.5 for St. Augustine to thrive. Bermuda grass, on the other hand, grows best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It requires monthly applications of nitrogen at a rate of 3/4 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. The professional that installs your grass or turf will recommend the best fertilizing schedule and products for your needs. 

Should You Get Fast-Release or Controlled-Release?

landscapeAnother consideration you’ll need to make is whether to opt for a product that goes into effect immediately or over time. If your greenery is struggling with fading color or wilted growth in an overly dry season, a fast-release fertilizer is best as it will act quickly to promote growth. On the downside, it can cause a profusion of growth even larger than you planned. Your other alternative is a slow-release fertilizer, which provides more consistent growth, and is more ideal in a rainy season, when immediate reinforcements are less urgent.  

 

If you want to improve the appearance of your home or commercial landscape, reach out to the lawn care specialists at Alii Turf, in Wahiawa, HI. The local business supplies multiple types of grass, including St. Augustine, Emerald Zoysia, and Tifway Bermuda, and will help you find the perfect fertilizer to meet your new turf’s unique needs. To request a quote, call (808) 293-8873 or send a message through the company’s website

tracking