One of the most common sayings is “Some are good, but not enough is better.” This refers to one of many mistakes new gardeners make when fertilizing. Nobody is perfect, and mistakes are part of gardening. If we didn’t make mistakes, we wouldn’t be able to learn.
Fertilizing errors can help you learn what works and what doesn’t. Learn about seven mistakes you should avoid when applying grass fertilizer.
- You don’t need to do your homework
There is no universal fertilizer that works for all soil types and yard conditions.
Do your research before you buy fertilizer. This will ensure that you don’t use the wrong fertilizer formula, which can cause your grass to die.
To determine if your yard is lacking in nutrients, you could do a soil test. This will help you determine the best nutrient mix. You can also use a soil PH test to determine whether you should use synthetic or organic formulas and when to feed your grass.
Before applying any product, it is a good idea to read the label. It is important not to apply too much or too little.
- Go with whatever is on sale
You would probably like to receive a great offer. This is not the case when fertilizers are concerned.
Low-priced fertilizers are more likely to contain filler and fewer nutrients. To match the required nutrient content, you’ll need to buy more.
So make sure you only purchase high-quality, reliable fertilizers that are worth the extra money. To ensure that the nutrients are in the right amount, it is important to read the product labels. You can also seek out professionals in lawn care to help you choose the right product.
- It is not a good idea to check the weather forecast before fertilizing
You should listen to the weather forecast before applying fertilizer to your yard. Too much rain will wash your grass away after fertilizing it.
Thus, don’t let downpour wash your fertilizer. Apply fertilizer only after heavy rainstorms as nutrients can leach into the soil. Slow-release fertilizer is another option that can provide nutrients over the long term.
Apply small amounts of fast-release fertilizer to your lawn. Too much can cause damage. To ensure your grass doesn’t get burned, be sure to dry the grass blades before you apply fertilizer.
- Prior to applying fertilizer, don’t aerate the lawn
Apply lawn fertilizer to soil that is well-aerated.
Soil aeration is a great way to improve your lawn’s health. It literally makes holes in the soil. These holes allow fertilizer and air into the grass root system.
A core aerator is a tool that pulls soil plugs out of the soil to aerate lawn soil. You can also use digging folk to aerate small lawns. Simply insert the digging folk into the soil and it will do the job quickly and cheaply.
Also, lawn maintenance such as dethatching any dead grass laying over your lawn is something you should consider. A lawn rake can be used to dethatch your lawn.
The soil has been aerated so fertilizer can be applied.
- Overwatering After Fertilizer Application
After applying fertilizer, water your lawn.
Watering will help keep the blades from burning and keeps water out of the soil. Water will also prevent fertilizer from sinking in the soil, allowing it to start working.
Overwatering your grass can cause water to pool at the surface. Overwatering your grass can also cause it to lose nutrients and drown. You will also stop your soil from absorbing air, which can lead to a shallow root system.
After applying fertilizer, water should be poured to soak the soil for about 5 inches.
- Bad timing
Are you able to tell when to fertilize your grass?
Your grass type should determine the fertilizer you apply. If you have warm-season grass (common in the southern regions), fertilizer should be applied during late spring and early summer.
Bluegrass and cool-season grasses like bluegrass should be fertilized in the early autumn. This should be done in October or November before the grass begins to turn yellow due to colder weather. This will help with quick greening in spring.
Avoid fertilizing your lawn in the hottest parts of summer. That is when your lawn should thrive. For the best fertilizer application times, consult your local garden center.
- Not Rotating Active Ingredients
Your grass will become more accustomed to a particular type of fertilizer if it is used for a long time. The grass will develop resistance to the fertilizer and may not respond to it.
You might also consider natural nitrogen sources such as clover. This can transform nitrogen in the air into nutrients for your roots. Clover is resistant to common pests and diseases like lawn grubs.
Avoid Grass Fertilizer Application Mistakes
When applying grass fertilizer, you must be careful. You will get better results and prevent your lawn from being damaged. You can also seek out the assistance of a lawn company to make sure you have all the information that you need.
Arborwise Tree Service is a trusted company that will keep your trees and lawn healthy. We use eco-friendly, efficient solutions to maintain your lawn.
This post was written by Cody O’Connor, owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care. Robert Miller is the owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care, a locally owned and operated tree service company that offers superb lawn care by the most experienced Arborists. Arbor Wise Tree Services is a tree removal clearwater fl company that offers stump removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, fertilization, and tree restoration. We have an extraordinary lawn care industry notoriety covering the Pinellas county area.
