Lawn Fertilizer Mistakes To Avoid
From purchasing the right seeds for your climate to even installing a state-of-the-art sprinkler system, you are ready to create a lawn that your neighbors will envy. Applying the right fertilizer at the correct rate is another critical part of creating an enviable lawn. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not know how to properly use lawn fertilizer, which can be devastating to your grass. Here are a few of the most common lawn fertilizing mistakes to avoid.
Foregoing Lawn Testing
Fertilizers are specially formulated to provide your soil with the proper amounts of nutrients to ensure your lawn is healthy and strong. However, you will not know which type of fertilizer your soil needs unless you have your soil tested. Soil testing is a very simple, straightforward process that you can do on your own or can have done by a professional.
You can purchase a soil test at your local hardware store or home improvement store or take a sample of your soil to your nearby extension office. A professional service will also come to your backyard and take samples. The results of these samples will help ensure you purchase the right fertilizer.
Purchasing the Wrong Fertilizer
Whether you have your soil tested or decide to move forward without the test, it is critical to purchase the correct fertilizer. Typically, you can read the back of the fertilizer package and it will tell you based upon the type of grass in your yard which fertilizer you should choose. If you did have your soil tested, choose the fertilizer that has the recommended balance of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium that your yard needs to thrive.
You can also choose a fertilizer to meet your yard's specific needs. For example, you can choose a fertilizer that will help eliminate certain types of unwanted grass and weeds or to help your lawn recover from the stress of winter or the summer heat.
Applying Too Much or Too Little Fertilizer
Finally, the best way to ensure you apply the correct amount of fertilizer to your lawn is to refer to the package directions and purchase a fertilizer spreader that allows you to adjust settings to ensure you apply the product at the correct rate. Make sure to water your lawn prior to applying the fertilizer, take your time, and apply the fertilizer to the outer edges of your lawn first. Work your way toward the center of the lawn with the spreader until the fertilizer is applied evenly.
From foregoing a soil test to purchasing the wrong type of fertilizer for your soil's needs, there are several lawn fertilizer mistakes you should avoid.
For more information, contact a local lawn care company like Topeka's Affordable Lawn Care LLC.