Why does lawn fertilizer matter for healthy turf?

There are 3 times per year that you will want to focus on fertilizing your lawn. Spring, Summer and Fall. If you are using a high-quality slow release fertilizer, then it should fertilize for approximately two months depending upon its environment.  

The numbers on fertilizer are very important. There are 3 that you usually see.

N (Nitrogen) – Primarily related to growth of the leaves.

Nitrogen is vital for grass to thrive and to promote growth and colour. Too much however, can damage your lawn. If your lawn is deficient in nitrogen it could have slow growth, yellowing and thinning.

P (Phosphorus) – Primarily related to root growth.

Phosphorus will help to stimulate new growth whether from the start or new shoots during its lifetime. If your lawn is deficient in phosphorus it could have a weakened root system.

K (Potassium) – Promotes overall health.

Potassium levels are usually higher in what is called a summer or a fall fertilizer. It will help the grass to function more efficiently which helps protect against disease, drought, and cold resistances. If your lawn is deficient in potassium it could have diseases, discolored tips and many weeds.

A proper fertilizing regimen can make a lawn much healthier and stronger. Think of it as your lawn “eating right”.

Spring

Is when you will want to see something that is going to help get your grass going and help stimulate new growth when you are over seeding. Something like a 16-32-6 lawn fertilizer works well because:

• Early in the season you do not want to over stimulate a lawn coming out of hibernation with too much nitrogen.
• We want to promote new growth, new lawn germination and nice deep roots with enough phosphorus.
• There is a fair amount of rain in our early season in BC so, a lot of potassium isn’t as necessary for drought and cold resistances.

Summer

Is when you will want to see something that is going to help get your grass through the heat and make sure it bounces back nicely in the fall. Something like a 23-3-23 lawn fertilizer works well because:

• A bit more nitrogen is easier handled by the turf when it is not too wet and will help with photosynthesis when we are seeing more sun.
• We do not want too much phosphorus trying to cause the grass to expand into a hard soil, or too much in general.
• We want to beef up the lawns overall heath to enable it to resist drought better with more potassium and help it keep some vigor through the summer.

Fall

Is when you will want to see something that is going to help get your grass through the cold, and make sure it bounces back nicely in the spring. Something like a 15-5-30 lawn fertilizer works well because:

• This time of year requires the least nitrogen because we do not want to give it a big boost right before it hibernates for the winter.
• Primary root expansion focus is in the spring; however, we want some phosphorus to help with a fall over seeding which will help keep a thick lawn in spring and less room for weeds.
• We want to beef up the lawns overall heath to enable it to resist cold better, and handle the potential harsh conditions it could be presented throughout winter.

Here is a link to a website with great additional information if you are so inclined: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/gardening-grass-fertilizer-tips-66756.html

We at MyLawn.Care have taken all of this into account and blended a mix specifically to perform in the British Columbia climate, so that you do not need to worry about this and can just spread it and enjoy the results!

If you would like to hear more on another topic, or have any questions on the above, feel free to comment below or email us at [email protected]. We are here to help!