How to Fertilise a Lawn
Why should I fertilise my lawn?
Fertilising your lawn has many benefits. It helps to keep your lawn in a good condition while encouraging strong, dense grass growth. Alongside this, it will help turf recover from general wear and tear and the effects that harsh weather conditions have had on it. As well as improving the appearance of the lawn as a whole, fertilising also has major benefits in keeping weeds and moss at bay.
What is an N:P:K ratio and how will I know what is best for my lawn?
N:P:K ratio refers to the ingredients within a fertiliser. N standing for Nitrogen, P for Phosphorus and K for Potassium. For example, our Amvista G8 Long Life Fertiliser has an N:P:K ratio of 10:0:30 meaning that it contains 10% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus and 30% potassium. Nitrogen helps with growth of the lawn, phosphorus aids rooting and potassium is key for boosting hydration and photosynthesis.
Knowing what is best for your lawn is very tricky as there are so many different fertilisers available. At ProGreen we offer a bespoke Soil Analysis service which allows you to send off a soil sample of your lawn and receive not only laboratory analysed broad-spectrum results, but also an individual recommendation, from our technical experts. This pinpoints which fertilisers will work best for your grass and in the correct quantities - avoiding needless extra expense or accidental damage from incorrect feeding.
When should I fertilise my lawn?
It is recommended that you fertilise your lawn at least twice a year, once in Spring/Summer (March onwards) and once in Autumn/Winter (preferably September/October). Our selection of spring and summer fertilisers deliver high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to satisfy the demands of rapid Spring growth whereas our autumn and winter fertilisers are lower in nitrogen and phosphate and high in potassium and other turf hardening ingredients to ensure that your grass remains healthy throughout Winter and into Spring.
How do I fertilise the lawn?
- To start, ensure that vital lawn maintenance has been carried out for example, weed removal, scarifying and aeration.
- Apply just before rainfall (for granular products) but avoid applying onto wet leaves since granules can stick and burn. Rainfall is required to break down the fertiliser prills and wash into the soil
- Cut the grass before applying the fertiliser as this allows more time for the fertiliser to sink in properly before the next cut is due.
- Depending on which type of fertiliser you have, there will be different ways in which they need to be applied. Granular fertiliser can be applied by hand however, this can cause problems as you cannot tell if you are putting the right/same amount down everywhere. If you put too much in one area you could burn the turf. It is advisable to use a spreader whether that be a handheld spreader or a push along spreader depending on the size of the lawn you are fertilising. Using these pieces of equipment will help to give an even application of the granules across the whole lawn. Liquid fertilisers should be applied with a knapsack sprayer, with the product being diluted down with water following the application rates stated on the label. Alternatively if you have a larger area to treat, a machine powered boom sprayer can be used to apply the fertiliser.
What type of fertilisers are available at ProGreen?
We carry a wide range of fertilisers perfect for any situation. Check out our range of:
Early Spring Fertilisers – perfect for use when you are seeding new grass
Spring and Summer Fertilisers – for application when the lawn and soil warms up in spring and promoting green grass growth
Autumn and Winter Fertiliser – to be applied in the autumn months to help prepare the turf to withstand the colder winter months
Seaweeds and Soil Conditioners – to enhance plant growth and prevent disease
Lawn Treatment Programmes – provides all the products you will need to achieve the perfect lawn
Moss Control and Iron – this range of products not only fertilises your lawn, it also helps control moss.
If you would like further guidance on how to fertilise your lawn, do not hesitate to give our technical advisors a call on 01778 394052 or email us on [email protected]
