Full Answer
How often should I fertilize my lawn in Canada?
In Canada, where cool-season grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues are dominant, you’ll want to fertilize your lawn twice in the spring and once again in the fall. Each feeding should be spaced at least 6 to 8 weeks apart.
When is the best time to fertilize your lawn?
A lower rate is generally used in spring and early summer than in early and late fall. Organic fertilizers release more nutrients as the temperature and moisture levels increase, so you shouldn't fertilize when conditions are likely to be hot or dry, usually from mid-June to early August.
How much fertilizer should I Feed my lawn in the spring?
As growth may begin below or above this temperature range, keep an eye on your lawn and apply the fertilizer just as the grass starts turning green in the spring. Warm-season grasses should be fed three to four pounds of nitrogen-rich fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn per year.
When is the best time of year to feed grass seed?
A typical schedule, consisting of two feedings, would run as follows: Make your first application in late spring or early summer, which is when the temperature (and, along with it, your warm-season grass) starts to ramp up. Your grass will still be growing actively in late summer and into the fall.
What month should I start fertilizing my lawn?
Apply early spring lawn fertilizer once between February and April, when your grass is starting to green up and begin to actively grow (around the time your lawn first needs to be mowed).
What month Should I fertilize lawn in Ontario?
First lawn fertilizer application should be mid-April when the grass has started to grow. Second application if needed should be done 4 weeks later in mid-May or early June.
When should you fertilize in the spring?
Start with the Soil When it hits 55º F under the surface, it's officially time to fertilize. This typically happens in early spring, around mid- to late-April. Or, just look for growing grass or blooming lilacs. That's always a sure sign it's go time.
Should I fertilize my lawn before or after it rains?
When is the best time to fertilize a lawn – before or after a rain? Too much rain could wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to soak into the soil, so plan to fertilize several days before a heavy rain arrives or several days later.
When should I fertilize my lawn in spring Canada?
You can begin in early spring, once the weather is consistently warm, as part of your seasonal clean-up. Then you can follow up with applications throughout the growing season before it snows.
How cold is too cold to fertilize lawn?
Temperatures below 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit are too cold to fertilize your lawn. At these temperatures, your lawn enters a dormant state to protect itself from the cold. If you fertilize your lawn below these temperatures, you'll feed the weeds instead, and the root growth of your lawn will be stunted.
What happens if you fertilize too early?
Fertilizing too soon can induce nutrient deficiencies and off-color areas in your lawn. This is why many lawns have bright yellow areas in early spring. Nitrogen is readily taken in even under cool soil conditions. The nitrogen then stimulates new green leaves.
When should you not fertilize your lawn?
Do not apply fertilizer on an abnormally hot day, not even in the morning. Wait until the weather cools back down to a normal temperature. You can mow anytime after fertilizing with a granular treatment. With a liquid treatment, wait a day or two.
What is the best lawn fertilizer to use in early spring?
We Recommend Holganix. This product helps make your lawn resistant to traffic, diseases, insects, and weather; it also helps to grow deeper root systems which will give longevity to your lawn. We believe Holganix is the best lawn fertilizer for early spring.
Should I mow before I fertilize?
Ideally, you'll want to mow and rake before fertilizing, so that excess lawn waste is removed and the fertilizer will have an easier time reaching the soil. Aerating your soil before fertilizing can also help; the best times to aerate are when your grass is actively growing, such as in spring or early fall.
Should you fertilize after mowing?
When fertilizing a lawn, it is best to apply fertilizer after the lawn has been mowed so it has a few days to absorb the fertilizer.
Is it OK to put fertilizer on wet grass?
Yes, you can apply fertilizer to wet grass and this may even improve the effectiveness of the fertilizer. That is, provided that the grass is not waterlogged and that you are using granular or liquid fertilizers that are meant to be diluted.
When should I fertilize my lawn in the fall Ontario?
Fertilize turf to help heal damaged lawns The first application should be made in early fall (from mid-August to mid-September). This will help turf recover from damage that occurred during the growing season. Nitrogen and potash stimulate turf growth and repair, and harden off the turf for winter.
When should I fertilize my lawn in spring Ottawa?
The short answer is late April or early May - basically early spring, because the warmer temperatures and extra rainfall will help the fertilizer take full effect. You need to wait until the grass is completely out of its dormant winter phase and actively growing though, otherwise the fertilizer is just wasted.
What's the best lawn fertilizer for spring?
Best Lawn Fertilizers for Early SpringBest Overall – Miracle-Gro Lawn Food.Best for Budget BioAdvanced Weed & Feed Crabgrass Killer Lawn Fertilizer.Best Organic Fertilizer Espoma EOLB30 Organic Lawn Food.
How do I fertilize my lawn in the spring?
Fertilize lightly in early spring with either slow-release or quick-release fertilizer. Time your fertilization schedule to use up all the fertilizer before the onset of hot summer weather, when cool-season grasses often go dormant.
Myth 1: Fertilize Each Month
Less is more when is comes to fertilizer – in most cases. It’s much more important to focus on high quality fertilizer rather than how many times you apply it. At the end of the day your aim is to have the healthiest lawn by using the least amount of fertilizer and herbicide.
Myth 2: The More Often I Fertilize The Better
False! A lawn care company using a very high-quality fertilizer will treat your lawn less often than if you’re applying it. Product quality is the contributing factor – a high quality product will do more work in one application, than a low quality one could in 2 or 3.
Myth 3: Using The Same Fertilizer Each Time Is A Good Idea
Your lawn requires different nutrients at different times of the year. In the plan we previously developed, the ratios of the nutrients differed for each application. It’s always tempting to hunt for a “one size fits all” solution, the reality is you need the right tools for the job.
How long does lawn fertilizer last?from bobvila.com
Some time-released brands will slowly distribute nutrients over a two- to eight-month period, so leave sufficient time between applications to avoid over fertilization, which could damage your lawn.
How long does it take to spread grass fertilizer?from scotts.com
With a spreader, some grass fertilizer, and 15 minutes, you can be on your way to a thicker, greener lawn.
Why Fertilize?from scotts.com
Just like we need more nutrients than water can provide to survive, so does your lawn. Feeding your lawn 4 times a year with a product like Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Food helps it stay green and grow thick. Maintaining a thick, lush lawn helps prevent weed seeds from sprouting and moving in. Check out our article, The Benefits of Fertilizing Your Lawn, to learn more.
How to prevent crabgrass in lawn?from scotts.com
Prevent Crabgrass Early On. You can prevent crabgrass while feeding your lawn in the spring with Scotts® Turf Builder® Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food. Then, 8 weeks later, kill broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover while fertilizing your grass with Scotts® Turf Builder® Weed & Feed 3.
What happens if you fertilize your lawn at the wrong time?from bobvila.com
But if you fertilize at the wrong time or over-treat your lawn, you could encourage weed growth or possibly burn the grass. To avoid damaging your lawn, consider this rule of thumb: The best time to fertilize is when your grass is actively growing—and this, in turn, is determined by where you live and what type of grass you have.
Why do you feed your lawn in the fall?from scotts.com
Doing your fall lawn fertilization now will strengthen roots and increase nitrogen storage for a healthy, green lawn next spring.
What nutrients do you need for grass?from bobvila.com
Grass requires small amounts of many nutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulfur to name a few). Macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are needed in larger quantities. Nitrogen—which promotes growth and gives grass its green color—is the nutrient your lawn needs the most of.
How long does lawn fertilizer last?
Some time-released brands will slowly distribute nutrients over a two- to eight-month period, so leave sufficient time between applications to avoid over fertilization, which could damage your lawn.
What happens if you fertilize your lawn at the wrong time?
But if you fertilize at the wrong time or over-treat your lawn, you could encourage weed growth or possibly burn the grass. To avoid damaging your lawn, consider this rule of thumb: The best time to fertilize is when your grass is actively growing—and this, in turn, is determined by where you live and what type of grass you have.
What is the best grass to grow in the summer?
These grasses are tough, and they form a thick lawn cover that becomes denser over time. The four major types of warm-season grasses are Bermuda grass, centipede grass, St. Augustine grass, kikuyu grass, and zoysia grass.
When do grasses go dormant?
Cool-season grasses prefer lower temperatures and have two peak growing periods: one in the early spring, just after winter dormancy, and another in the early fall. High summer temperatures and lack of water may cause cool-weather grasses to go dormant until chilly temps arrive and water is more readily available.
Is fertilizer good for a green lawn?
A: As the saying goes, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” But if this year you want that green lawn on your side, fertilizer can be an effective ally.
Does nitrogen help with grass growth?
Nitrogen, a key component of fertilizer, contains a growth stimulant that could increase unwanted weed growth if applied during dormancy. If you’ve endured a long winter and the grass is not yet growing, don’t be afraid to delay your scheduled fertilizing treatment.
Do grasses turn brown in the summer?
Warm-season grasses will turn brown after the first frost, while cool-season grasses will generally stay green all year long in the cool and transitional zones. They will not, however, survive the summer months if the temperatures become excessively high.
Why is nitrogen fertilizer better than other fertilizers?
Fertilizers with a slow-release form of nitrogen are better because they release nutrients uniformly, and there is less risk that excess fertilizer will leach away from the root zone. How often and how much you should fertilize depends on the type of soil, the type of grass, and site and weather conditions.
Why do you check your lawn?
Check your lawn often to detect pests or other problems early .
Why do you water grass in the morning?
Water in the morning. Watering in the morning reduces water lost from evaporation and wind. Watering in the evening leaves the grass wet for longer, increasing the risk of disease. Grass growing near large trees may need to be watered more often, because the tree roots absorb much of the soil's water.
What is the purpose of lawn clippings?
Lawn clippings compost, slowly releasing nitrogen for the grass.
How many nutrients are in fertilizer?
Mix it into the soil before seeding or laying sod, or spread it in a thin layer raked over your existing lawn. Commercial fertilizers usually contain three major nutrients: The three numbers on the packaging show the proportions of these nutrients.
How tall should grass be cut?
Grass cut at a height of 6 to 8 cm (2 ½ to 3 inches) will develop a deep, extensive root system and grow thicker. Grass this height helps the soil to retain its moisture better.
When does Kentucky bluegrass turn green again?
Common grass varieties like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues will turn green again when regular moisture conditions return.
How often should you fertilize your lawn?
Advice widely varies on this, as you may have already seen. The exact answer will depend on the type of fertilizer you’re using — a slow-release fertilizer will last longer and require fewer applications. However, a typical synthetic fertilizer will be fast-acting, but will require more frequent applications.
When should you fertilize your lawn?
While the late summer is indeed an ideal time to fertilize, the best time to apply your fertilizer will also vary depending on the type of grass you have.
What happens if you over-fertilize your lawn?
Whatever you do, don’t throw caution to wind and fertilize your lawn just because you can. When using synthetic fertilizers, over-fertilization can actually do more damage than if you didn’t fertilize at all.
Early Spring
The first spring feeding should be applied in the early Spring. Apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Green Max™ Lawn Food 27-0-2 with 5% Iron in any growing season to any grass type, including newly seeded and sodded areas. An early Spring feeding promotes strong roots and helps grass green-up out of dormancy from the winter.
Late Spring
Follow up your early spring application with a late spring fertilizer application 6 to 8 weeks later. Summer heat is coming, for your second spring application, use Scotts® Turf Builder® SummerGuard® Lawn Food 34-0-0 with EveryDrop® Technology to help build deep root systems that help to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant when it's hot.
Fall
In the fall (usually right after around Labor Day), do your final first fall feeding.
Homeowners often lose interest in lawn care when summer wanes. Here's why you shouldn't skip that last fertilizer application of the season this fall
It’s easy to think that because the calendar has turned over to Fall, that you’re done with lawn care for the year. Surely you don’t need to fertilize this time of year, right? Wrong. Your final fertilizer application of the year is the most important one. Let’s explain.
When To Fertilizer Your Lawn in the Fall
The best time to apply your last fertilizer application is between August 15 and October 1. Ideally, your last lawn feeding should take place six to eight weeks before the average first frost in your area. So, if this date is Oct 10, like it is in Minneapolis/St. Paul, you should target August 15 to September 1 as your last application.
What Fertilizer To Use in the Fall
The answer here depends on local ordinances or state laws. Some states do not allow the use of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus (the middle number*).
How to Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall
Approach your fall fertilizer application just as you would any other. Follow the coverage recommendation for the chosen product. It’s always a good idea to split the application in half and then make two passes in different directions.
When to fertilize a lawn in fall
The best time to fertilize a lawn in fall can depend on the climate in which you live and how temperate your falls and winters are. 'September and October are the best months for applying fall fertilizer but it should ideally be applied in early fall (September) when possible,' recommends Jonathan Hill, lawn expert at Rolawn.
Why fall fertilizing is important
Just like fertilizing evergreens, fertilizing a lawn in fall has a range of benefits that you will continue to see the results of into the next year and beyond. In fact, it is one of the main ways to make a lawn green and thick.
What is the best fertilizer for lawns in fall?
The best fertilizer to apply to a lawn in fall is high in nitrogen, especially if you have a cool season grass in your yard. Aim to apply one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
Should you fertilize or seed first in the fall?
If you are seeding a new lawn or looking into overseeding your lawn, always fertilize before sewing new seeds. It is best to apply them immediately after one another for the best effect and to help the new seeds germinate and take root.
Why is fertilizing grass important?
Summer is tough on grass, thanks to heat, drought, foot traffic, and insects. Fertilizing helps protect and strengthen it.
Why do you feed your lawn in the fall?
Doing your fall lawn fertilization now will strengthen roots and increase nitrogen storage for a healthy, green lawn next spring.
When does a lawn wake up hungry?
Your lawn wakes up hungry in the spring! Fertlizing it strengthens roots and gets it off to a good start.
