Lawn, Fertilization

A luxuriant lawn depends on good fertilizing practices.

Fertilization of lawns should be based on type of grass you have, the level of soil fertility and the lawn management used

A lush, green lawn doesn't just happen. It requires good management and tender, loving care.

Soil and Climate considerations…

To begin, you must choose a grass suited to your soil and climate. Then, you must provide adequate fertilization and water, you must control the weeds, and you must keep the lawn free of insects and diseases.

Follow these steps…

Fertilization of lawns should be based on type of grass you have, the level of soil fertility and the lawn management used. For best results, remove grass clippings from your lawn. You'll need more fertilizer, however, than if you leave the clippings on the lawn.

Fertilizer…

In the highly fertile soils, you may not need to add lime, phosphate and potassium except where clippings are removed. Normally, applying a mixed fertilizer in the spring will be sufficient. Apply six to ten pounds of a fertilizer like 8-8-8 or amounts of other fertilizer mixture to provide an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium per one thousand square feet.

On soils of low fertility, apply twelve to fifteen pounds of a fertilizer like 8-8-8 per one thousand square feet in the spring. Throughout the growing season, you'll need to apply one-and-a half to two pounds of ammonium nitrate or other nitrogen fertilizer to supply one-half to three-fifths of apound of nitrogen per one thousand square feet every eight to ten weeks.

Remember: Good care and adequate fertilizer can give you a lush, green lawn.

For more information on lawn fertilization; contact your local County Extension Office.