Tuesday, June 28, 2005
When is the Time to Fertilize?
Question: Hi, I live in Boston, Massachusetts and I was wondering if you could tell me what months I need to fertilize . Thank you.”
Thanks so much for your question. Generally speaking, a fall fertilizing is much more effective than fertilizing done in the spring. The reason for this is that in the fall, the grass is going dormant. Roots are busy processing and storing the materials necessary for their next growth cycle. It is then when the fertilizer will strengthen their roots and prepare to grow thick and lush in the early spring. If you've missed the fall fertilizing season, a spring feeding helps, but is much less effective.
Let's talk for a minute about what type of fertilizer is best to use. Experts recommend the use of a fertilizer that feeds the soil as well as the plant. By stimulating both of these areas, you can be sure your lawn system will flourish during the grow season. Always use natural fertilizers that contain controlled-release nitrogen and micronutrients that enhance the humus development.
Another issue to consider is how much to fertilize. As with watering, over fertilizing is bad for your lawn. In fact, it is much better to use too little fertilizer than to use too much. You can tell that you've over fertilized if your lawn gets a burned out look to it. It is easy to develop a thatch problem during this time. Thatch develops when dead, or non-mulched, and decaying plant stems, roots and leaves do not have time to decompose fully relative to new growth taking place. If you let a half an inch of thatch or more develop, it will choke out your healthy lawn. If this is the case, just reduce the amount of fertilizer you use to reverse the process.
Thanks so much for your question. Generally speaking, a fall fertilizing is much more effective than fertilizing done in the spring. The reason for this is that in the fall, the grass is going dormant. Roots are busy processing and storing the materials necessary for their next growth cycle. It is then when the fertilizer will strengthen their roots and prepare to grow thick and lush in the early spring. If you've missed the fall fertilizing season, a spring feeding helps, but is much less effective.
Let's talk for a minute about what type of fertilizer is best to use. Experts recommend the use of a fertilizer that feeds the soil as well as the plant. By stimulating both of these areas, you can be sure your lawn system will flourish during the grow season. Always use natural fertilizers that contain controlled-release nitrogen and micronutrients that enhance the humus development.
Another issue to consider is how much to fertilize. As with watering, over fertilizing is bad for your lawn. In fact, it is much better to use too little fertilizer than to use too much. You can tell that you've over fertilized if your lawn gets a burned out look to it. It is easy to develop a thatch problem during this time. Thatch develops when dead, or non-mulched, and decaying plant stems, roots and leaves do not have time to decompose fully relative to new growth taking place. If you let a half an inch of thatch or more develop, it will choke out your healthy lawn. If this is the case, just reduce the amount of fertilizer you use to reverse the process.
