Fertilizers supply the nutrients a lawn needs to grow well and remain healthy. Follow these guidelines for proper fertilizing: Use a fertilizer that supplies all 3 major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. For a discussion of plant nutrients, see Nitrogen. Too much nitrogen fertilizer during periods of stress causes lawn diseases. Avoid heavy fertilization during stress periods. Warm-season grasses are under stress during the cool part of the year; cool-season grasses are under stress during hot weather. Spread the fertilizer evenly over the lawn with a drop spreader or a broadcast spreader. Water thoroughly immediately after fertilizer application. This dilutes the dissolved fertilizer and prevents it from burning the lawn. Some general guidelines for feeding grasses: If you live in Zone A (see map in Turfgrass Climate Zones), feed in midspring, early fall, and late fall. If you live in Zone C, fertilize when the grass begins growing in the spring and repeat every 6 weeks until cool weather. If you live in Zone B and your lawn turns brown every winter, follow the directions for Zone C. If the lawn remains green during the winter, feed in early spring, late spring, early fall, and late fall.
Related Links
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium
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