Fertilizer gives grass the nutrients it needs to grow lush, green, and strong. Simply dumping some fertilizer on the lawn isn’t advisable, however. The right fertilization techniques make it easier for roots to soak up valuable nutrients. Find out what proper fertilization entails below.

What Are the Best Steps to Get the Most From Your Fertilizer?

1. Pick 

Before you start, buy the right product. Fertilizers contain three main ingredients—nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Nitrogen helps grass get its green color while potassium encourages a dense root network, and phosphate promotes growth. In spring, opt for fertilizer with a 20-10-5 breakdown of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, respectively.

2. Time

You should fertilize about five times per year. Start in spring and then feed every four to six weeks after that, into October. In winter, growth is dormant, and there's no need to fertilize. Slow-release fertilizers are ideal, as they gradually disperse in the soil instead of getting washed away by rain.

3. Aerate 

Aeration involves creating tiny holes in the soil's surface. This keeps the soil from getting too compact, which can make it harder for roots to get the oxygen and water they need to survive. These holes also make it easier for fertilizer to penetrate the surface and reach hungry roots below.

4. Water 

The more you water your lawn, the more diluted any fertilizer you apply will become. Some granulated fertilizers require moisture in order to break down while other types of fertilizers are easier to absorb if the lawn has been soaked first. Read the fertilizer’s label to be sure.

5. Apply 

Granular fertilizer is ideal as it allows for consistent application. The Fertilizer’s label will likely list an application rate but start with half of what’s recommended. You can always add more later, but you can’t undo the consequences of too much fertilizer, which can result in yellow spots called “fertilizer burn.”

T & N, Inc of Foristell, MO, offers top-quality fertilizer and weed control products that will keep your lawn healthy, lush, and green. They ship throughout the United States. Additionally, they provide grass seeds to homeowners and contractors in the surrounding St. Louis and St. Charles areas. They have been in business since 1988, and are known for their first-rate products and attentive customer care. Discover their custom and premium fertilizer blends online. If you have questions, call (636) 673-2505.