It is very important that you make sure your yard is fertilized and healthy, but it is equally important to make sure that you’re using the RIGHT fertilizer. Using incorrect fertilizer can cause permanent damage to your yard. However, if you get the fertilizer correct, your yard will be significantly more resilient and the most beautiful one in the neighborhood.
There are many different types of fertilizer, so choosing the correct one can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, the Dallas, TX lawn care experts at CGreens are here to help! Here is a list of the important facts to know when selecting a fertilizer.
The first thing to consider when choosing a fertilizer is its make up. Typically, fertilizer is made up of 3 major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When shopping for fertilizer, the percentage of nitrogen is the most important thing to consider. This is important because, the higher the percentage of nitrogen, the less you have to use. The rule of thumb is typically 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. So make sure you know how big your yard is, and how much nitrogen is in your fertilizer.
Types of Nitrogen
Speaking of nitrogen, there are two main types of nitrogen in fertilizers. Those are fast- and controlled-release. Each one has its place, however; it is important to understand what these are in order to keep your yard healthy.
Fast-Release
Fast-release fertilizer is effective in greening soil very quickly and works well when soil is still cold. Typically, this form is cheaper than controlled-release, however, it can be riskier to use. If too much is used it can “burn” your grass. This is when minerals in the fertilizer dry out your grass and in turn your grass. Also, if applied unevenly you can find patches of grass with uneven growth, making your yard appear patch.
Controlled-release
Controlled-release fertilizer is the more common, and higher-recommended form of fertilizer. While it may be more expensive, it rarely burns the grass and encourages more even grass growth. Some of the only draw-backs are that it is usually not as effective in cold soil and does not work as quickly as fast-release.
In addition to these forms of fertilizer, there are other more specialty products out there. These are typically created to fill a more specific need. These include
- Winter Fertilizers – these fertilizers are more effective when the soil is not warm yet or has begun to cool.
- Spring or Fall Weed & Feed – These typically contain a weed killer that is aimed at a variety of weeds depending on the time of year.
For more information on fertilization and weed control services, contact us at CGreens Landscape Management in Dallas, TX. Whether you need to protect your landscape from insects and pests or are looking to give your lawn that thick, green, healthy look, we offer a range of specialized treatment programs to keep your grass & landscape healthy and beautiful all year long. Call 972-231-2870 or visit cgreens.com today.
