As winter transitions into spring and spring paves the way for summer, you patiently wait for your lawn to burst into the colorful spectacle of your desire. But it doesn’t happen overnight or without thoughtful preparation. You have to start paying more attention to your lawn from early spring to help it thrive with thick growth and vibrant hues, and continue to keep it in its best shape in other seasons as well. Of the various things, you know the critical role fertilization plays here. Grass can absorb nutrients during its active growing phase. Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season species grow in 60–75 °F air temperatures and stop during summer heat. Warm-season species flourish in higher temperatures after the first frost. Any fertilization effort made without considering these aspects is wasted and ends up promoting weeds.
You can free yourself from these worries by hiring a service that specializes in lawn care Lancaster PA. They know which fertilizer to choose, when to fertilize your lawn, and how. Here are some critical insights into lawn fertilization to help you understand why lawn care specialists matter most.
Fundamentals of lawn fertilization
Early spring fertilization efforts can be rewarding when done in March or April, when soil temperatures are 55–60 °F. The first warm-season fertilization is usually done in late May, when soil temperatures rise to 60–65 °F. After summer stress, mid-August is a good time for this type of lawn work. At this time, soil temperatures generally decline, making it ideal for cool-season turf. Then, mid-October is another suitable month for this job. However, the timing of fertilization also depends on the grass type. Apart from this, knowing the soil quality is also essential. Only a proper soil test can reveal its nutrient and pH levels.
Once these areas are covered, the actual fertilization process can start. Experts will measure the total turf area to set up the spreader. They will then trim the lawn and remove all debris to ensure the fertilizer reaches the soil easily. At the same time, they will first spread fertilizer along the perimeter and then move straight. Watering will be done immediately after this.
Common fertilization mistakes made by homeowners
Some people find lawn fertilization amusing and take on this responsibility, forgetting that even the slightest mistake can deprive their lawn of aesthetic beauty and health. For example, one should not fertilize their lawn right before a thunderstorm, as it can wash nitrogen into streams or drains. Then, applying fertilizer in early spring when the soil temperature is less than 55 °F can be another costly mistake. Lawn growth can look lush on the top, but the grass roots will be shallow, and you can expect diseases. Some people apply a thick layer of fertilizer, expecting faster growth. Unfortunately, overapplication can harm the blades, and thick thatch can also develop, increasing your mowing workload. It is also essential to recognize that warm-season and cool-season grasses require different types of fertilizers. Choosing a one-size-fits-all solution will be a blunder.
The success of lawn care activities, such as fertilization, depends on understanding the local climate and turf quality. Lancaster, PA, experiences four seasons, each affecting your lawn’s health differently through changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Lawn care specialists can be trusted with these minute details.