Spring is a season of growth; flowers bloom, plants sprout, and trees and bushes develop fresh, green foliage. Fertilizing your lawn in early spring ensures grass roots have the nutrients they need for healthy development. Here’s how fertilization helps.

How Fertilization Supports Springtime Growth

Over the winter, grass roots go dormant and cease growing to conserve energy and survive the cold temperatures. This, coupled with a decrease in sunlight, leaves lawns looking dull and less green by the time spring arrives.

Cool-season turfgrasses do most of their active growing in spring. Applying the fertilizer at the start of the season is ideal. That way, the fertilizer is ready to feed the lawn when the grass needs it.

Fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The nitrogen gives the grass its dark green color; the phosphorous promotes deep root growth; and the potassium makes roots stronger, resulting in grass that is more resistant to diseases and pests.

How to Fertilize Your Yard

First, test the soil. Check for levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to guide your product selection—different fertilizers have various ratios of these substances. Before fertilization, aerate the soil; the tiny holes make it easier for the fertilizer to reach the roots.

When applying fertilizer, distribute an average of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Excess fertilization won't benefit the lawn and can even create yellow patches, known as fertilizer burn. This occurs when the soluble salts found in fertilizers build up on grass blades.

If you need help with your springtime aeration and fertilization, let Nature Plus Lawn & Irrigation of Cincinnati, OH, do the job for you. Their skilled technicians start with a soil test for each new client, ensuring you get a tailor-made lawn care solution. With over 30 years in the business, this locally owned and operated company has a reputation for effective solutions and friendly customer service. Visit their website to review their comprehensive offerings, and call (513) 755-9434 to schedule service.