Spring is here, and with it comes the opportunity to get your lawn off to a strong start for the growing season. While maintaining your lawn year round is essential, one of the most important steps in achieving a lush and healthy lawn is to fertilize it in the spring. Using lawn fertilizer during spring not only promotes healthy growth and vibrant color, but also helps to prevent weeds and disease.
Does the Timing of Fertilizer Matter?
Timing is important. It’s best to fertilize your lawn in the early spring, just as the grass is beginning to grow. This allows the fertilizer for grass to be absorbed by the roots and provide the necessary nutrients for growth. However, you should be sure to avoid fertilizing when the ground is wet, or the grass is covered in dew, as this can lead to the fertilizer being washed away.
How Fertilizer Benefits Your Lawn
A lush, healthy-looking lawn is not the only reason to fertilize in early spring. There are additional benefits to gain:
Promoting Strong Roots: The right fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients that your grass needs to grow and thrive from the roots up. Just like any other plant, grass requires a balance of nutrients to support healthy growth. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three primary macronutrients that your grass needs in order to have strong roots, healthy foliage, and to resist disease and pests.
Preventing Weeds: Fertilizing your lawn in the spring also helps to prevent weeds from taking over. A thick and healthy lawn is less susceptible to weed invasion. Fertilizer can help to thicken up your lawn and fill in bare spots, making it more difficult for weeds to take hold. However, it is important to choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your specific grass type and to follow the instructions carefully, as over-fertilization can actually promote weed growth.
Protecting From Disease: Grass that is weak and malnourished is more susceptible to diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, and leaf spot. By providing your grass with the proper nutrients, you can help it to stay strong and healthy, reducing the likelihood of disease.
What Fertilizer to Use in Spring
When it comes to fertilizing your lawn in the spring, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is important to choose the right type of fertilizer as there are many different types on the market, each with its own blend of nutrients. Be sure to choose a lawn fertilizer that is appropriate for your specific grass type and to follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to apply the fertilizer evenly and at the proper rate. Uneven application can result in patchy growth and can leave your lawn looking unsightly. It is also important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can damage your lawn and lead to environmental problems.
Let Natural Green Systems Help Your Lawn Thrive
Fertilizing your lawn in the spring is essential in promoting healthy growth, preventing weeds, and reducing the likelihood of disease. By choosing the right fertilizer and applying it at the proper time and rate, your lawn will remain healthy. The professional technicians at Natural Green Systems Pest & Lawn are here to help with all of your lawn’s fertilization needs. We will test your soil to ensure that your lawn gets the right nutrition that it needs, design a fertilizer program that is suited to your lawn, and complete lime applications where necessary.
Looking to improve the look of your lawn in Central or Southern Maryland? Get started today with a free quote from Natural Green Systems Pest & Lawn. We can work together to prepare a customized plan so you can have the kind of lawn you love.
