How Fertilizer Affects Lawns
Every lawn needs fertilizer.
Think of your lawn as a crop that gets harvested by mowing, usually weekly.
The soil test indicates whether you gotta correct the pH of the soil by adding lime.
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Slow-Release High-Nitrogen Fertilizer
Lawns need about one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
How this translates into the actual fertilizer amount depends on the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer.
The higher the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer, the less fertilizer you need.
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Lawn fertilizers typically have anN-P-K ratioof 3-1-2 or 4-1-2.
How the fertilizer is released is also important.
Organic fertilizers are by nature slow-release.
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Also, not all nitrogen is created equal.
Special lawn fertilizers contain water-insoluble nitrogen (WIN), which is a slow-release fertilizer.
Look for a fertilizer with at least 50 percent WIN of the total nitrogen content.
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Improved Resistance to Pests and Diseases
A properly fertilized lawn is more resistant to diseases and pests.
For example, a lawn that is low in fertilizer is more susceptible to grub damage.
The healthier the grass, the better it can withstand grubs feeding on the roots of the grass.
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Fertilizing too much at once leads to over-fertilization and killing your lawn.
Always apply granular fertilizer when the grass is dry.
Watering
Giving your lawn extra water helps to dilute and wash away the excess fertilizer.
Delay Mowing
The general rule ofnot cutting your grass shortis especially important if youve over-fertilized your lawn.
First, water the area thoroughly as described above to get rid of the excess fertilizer.
Choosing Fertilizers for Home Lawns.
University of Illinois Extension.
Perry, Leonard.Grow Healthy Lawns with Less Nitrogen.
University of Vermont, Department of Plant and Soil Science.
Bernitz, Nate.How Do I Treat for Grubs in My Lawn?University of New Hampshire Extension.
