Fertilizer provides necessary nutrients that soil sometimes lacks, promoting strong, vibrant plant growth. Proper application is crucial for nourishing a lawn or garden without causing harm. Mishandling fertilizer can lead to nutrient waste, water contamination, and chemical burn on the foliage, appearing as brown or yellow patches. Uniform application ensures plants receive a steady, balanced diet for optimal health.
Selecting the Right Fertilizer Type
The initial decision involves choosing between two forms: granular or liquid fertilizer. Granular fertilizers, typically applied using a spreader, are composed of solid pellets that break down slowly when exposed to moisture. This slow-release mechanism provides sustained, long-term feeding with fewer applications required throughout the growing season.
Liquid fertilizers are diluted in water and sprayed onto the area, offering immediate nutrient availability because they are already dissolved. This rapid absorption is beneficial for quickly addressing a nutrient deficiency or boosting struggling plants. The product label displays the NPK ratio, representing the percentage by weight of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen promotes leafy green growth, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium aids in overall plant resilience.
Preparing for Application and Optimal Timing
Successful fertilization starts with accurate area measurement. Determining the square footage is necessary to calculate the exact amount of fertilizer required based on the product’s label recommendations. Over-application wastes product and increases the risk of fertilizer burn and harmful nutrient runoff.
Timing the application to coincide with the plant’s active growing season, such as early spring or early fall for cool-season grasses, ensures maximum benefit. Fertilizer should be applied when temperatures are moderate (55°F to 85°F) and during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon. Applying during extreme heat can stress the turf and increase the chances of foliage burn.
Apply granular fertilizer to a dry lawn scheduled to receive water or light rainfall shortly after application. Avoid heavy rain, as it can wash away the product before it dissolves, leading to uneven feeding and environmental contamination. Before filling the hopper, the spreader must be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s setting specified on the fertilizer bag to ensure the correct delivery rate. Wearing protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, is necessary when handling concentrated fertilizer products.
Step-by-Step Application Techniques
For granular fertilizer application, establish a perimeter pass, often called a header strip, first. This provides a clean area for turning the spreader without stopping the flow of granules and should be applied at the same rate as the rest of the lawn. Once the perimeter is complete, proceed with the main application in parallel rows, moving back and forth across the area like mowing a lawn.
Maintaining a consistent walking pace is important, as the rate of product dispensed from a rotary spreader is affected by the operator’s speed. Uniform coverage is achieved by employing a half-width overlap technique. This method involves aiming the edge of the new pass so the fertilizer lands near the wheel tracks of the previous pass, balancing the spreader’s bell-shaped distribution pattern.
The flow of granules must be stopped every time the spreader is paused, turned, or crosses a paved area. Failing to close the hopper lever before stopping results in a concentrated pile of fertilizer, causing a severe burn spot. If using liquid fertilizer, spray the solution evenly over the grass or foliage using consistent back-and-forth passes. Liquid products require steady movement to prevent pooling and subsequent plant damage from over-concentration.
Post-Application Procedures
Immediately after spreading granular fertilizer, water it into the soil to begin dissolution and prevent chemical burn on the foliage. The high salt content of the granules can draw moisture out of the grass blades if left sitting on the surface, causing fertilizer burn. A light but thorough watering (about a quarter-inch) is needed to wash the granules off the blades and move them into the root zone.
Avoid watering too heavily, as excessive water can cause nutrients to leach out of the root zone or run off the surface. Any stray granules that landed on sidewalks, driveways, or patios must be swept back onto the lawn or collected immediately. This cleanup prevents the granules from dissolving and washing into storm drains and local waterways, contributing to nutrient pollution.
Equipment maintenance is necessary; the spreader must be thoroughly rinsed with water after each use. Cleaning the spreader removes corrosive fertilizer residue, protecting mechanical components and ensuring the device remains calibrated for future applications. Leftover fertilizer should be sealed tightly in its original packaging and stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.