Fertilization is an essential part of lawn maintenance, helping to keep your grass healthy and looking good. In this article, we will discuss when and how to fertilize your lawn in spring, outlining the different steps in the process, including picking the ideal fertilizer specific to your needs.
Table of Contents
Assess the Needs of Your Lawn
The first step towards proper lawn fertilization is figuring out the specific needs of your lawn. This is done by establishing exactly what type of grass you have and examining the condition of the soil.
Different types of grass require different nutrients and the condition of the soil determines how well nutrients can be absorbed. Conducting a soil test will tell you its pH level and nutrient content, which will help in picking a fertilizer later on.
The Best Time To Fertilize Lawn Is In Spring
The best time to fertilize your lawn in spring is later in the season. Waiting until late May ensures that your grass has fully woken up after the winter and is growing well. Fertilization at this time will then help to better prepare your lawn for the summer and give it the extra nutrients it needs to thrive.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
It is important to make sure that you have all of the required tools and materials before moving forward with fertilizing your lawn in the spring. This includes:
Fertilizer Spreader
Depending on the size of your lawn, you will need either a drop or broadcast spreader. A drop spreader is more precise and therefore ideal for smaller areas, while a broadcast spreader is better used in larger areas.
High-Quality Fertilizer
Using a high-quality fertilizer will guarantee that your lawn gets the nutrients it needs. We will dive deeper into specific types of fertilizers in the next section.
Protective Gear
To prevent skin irritation when handling the fertilizer, wearing eye protection and gloves is recommended.
Watering Equipment
Your lawn will need to be watered after the fertilizer has been applied to help with absorption and stop burning from occurring.
How to Choose The Best Fertilizer
There are three main aspects that you should look for when choosing the best fertilizer for your lawn in spring:
Nutrient Composition
The fertilizer you pick should have a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for promoting vibrant lawns, helping with grass growth and improving overall health.
Slow-Release Formula
A slow-release formula will steadily provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs over an extended period of time, which helps support consistent growth and lessens the risk of burning from occurring.
Soil and Grass Compatibility
There are certain fertilizers that only work for certain types of grass and soil, so make sure that you pick a fertilizer that is compatible with your lawn.
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Lawn In Spring?
Now, let’s look at the specific types of fertilizers that you could choose for your lawn:
All-Season Fertilizer
As the name suggests, an all-season fertilizer works for every season, not just spring. It also works on any kind of grass, making it a convenient but still high-quality option that will strengthen root systems without burning the lawn.
Spring Fertilizer for New Grass
There are fertilizers that are specifically meant to be used on new grass, so if you have just seeded or sodded your lawn, this is the option for you. These fertilizers typically contain a higher amount of phosphorus for a stronger root system that will promote good growth.
Spring Fertilizer for a Greener Lawn
To have a more lush, greener lawn, go for a fertilizer with 5% iron. This will work on any type of grass and produces fast results.
Weed Preventing Fertilizer
A fertilizer made from corn gluten meal will help prevent weeds from growing in your lawn. It works particularly well on Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass, but should not be used on new grass.
Moss Control Fertilizer
A moss control fertilizer does not just help manage moss growth; it also makes the grass thicker to better fill in bare spaces. It should be applied when moss is actively growing on your lawn.
How to Properly Apply the Fertilizer
When applying your chosen fertilizer, you first need to calibrate the spreader based on the fertilizer’s instructions to guarantee an even distribution. Make sure to walk at a steady pace and avoid overlapping.
After the fertilizer is spread out, gently yet thoroughly wash your lawn in order for the nutrients to dissolve and to help with absorption.
Implement Follow-Up Care
Once your lawn has been fertilized, follow-up care helps maintain the health of your grass. This mainly consists of regular watering, making sure that the soil stays hydrated to better facilitate nutrient absorption.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this article, we have outlined how and when to fertilize your lawn in spring in Ontario, from assessing your lawn’s needs to gathering the required tools to picking the best fertilizer and applying it.
At Queensville Sod, we are your one-stop-shop for sodding and landscaping supplies. For more information about fertilizer and the products we offer, contact us today!
FAQs
When is the right time to fertilize my lawn in spring?
The best time to fertilize your lawn in spring is at the end of the season, around late May. This allows your grass enough time to start growing after winter is over and makes sure that the lawn will thrive throughout the summer.
What fertilizer should I use on my lawn?
The fertilizer you use depends on a variety of factors. The most important aspects to consider are the type of grass you have and the condition of the soil, but you may also want to take into account whether you would like a greener lawn, to prevent weed growth, or control moss.
What happens if I use too much fertilizer on my lawn?
Too much fertilizer can damage your lawn’s root systems and actually kill the grass, making it look burnt, so it is extremely important that you carefully read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer of your choice.
