Fertilization is one of the best maintenance tasks that you can do for your lawn. This is because fertilizer provides essential nutrients that will help your lawn thrive. The reality is that our soil is not optimal for growing grass here in North Texas.
But lawn fertilization can change that.
However, in order to get the most out of this important service, you need to understand what you’re doing. Fertilizer mistakes can do more harm than good!
Knowing when to apply fertilizer in North Texas as well as some of the best practices for applying these products is key. Homeowners don’t always realize the importance of timing and technique when it comes to fertilizing grass in Texas.
When performed improperly, you might not get the full benefits…or, even worse, you could end up burning your lawn. We’ll help set you up for success with the best advice on fertilization.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Why is fertilizing grass in Texas so important?
When to fertilize your lawn in North Texas
How to fertilize your lawn in Texas
Can I mow after fertilizing grass in Texas?
Choosing a lawn fertilization service in North Texas
Choosing Grassperson for fertilizing grass in Texas…and more
As we mentioned, fertilizing grass is all about supplying vital nutrients to the soil. The truth is, our soils simply aren’t well-suited to growing healthy grass. When you try to grow grass without fertilizer, you must rely on what’s already in the soil.
Unfortunately, most suburban soil is depleted of nutrients.
But fertilizer can change that.
Fertilizer provides essential nutrients to improve turf color and thickness, to help the grass stand up against environmental pressures, and aid in healthy turf root development.
The bottom line is that a properly fertilized lawn will be a healthier lawn.
It’s most important to fertilize your lawn during the active growing season. Fertilization can be backed off when the lawn goes dormant. Here in North Texas, that means fertilizing April through September.
Your lawn has different needs at different times of the year which should be taken into account when fertilizing. The rates of application will change with the different seasons.
Fertilization benefits will also change. An early spring application of fertilizer will help to start your lawn off on the right foot. Sometimes this first application is considered a “wake-up fertilizer” for the lawn, which will help your lawn as it begins growing again.
A late Summer application in the August-September timeframe will continue to promote healthy growth until early Fall.
This is arguably one of the most important fertilization applications because it helps to set a foundation for the winter months to come. It also helps set the lawn up for success in the spring. You’ll notice your lawn will “green up” before your first round of spring fertilization. This is due to the foundation set by fall fertilization.
Nutrients like Potassium are also helping to prepare the grass for the coming colder weather, strengthening it against damage. Plus, nutrients like Nitrogen will be stored in the soil and help the grass to “green up” come spring.
In addition, keep in mind that fertilizer must be watered in, so if there’s no rain in the forecast after it is applied, plan on running your sprinkler system for the recommended time based on your sprinkler heads (rotor or spray head).
Understanding how to fertilize a lawn properly is critical to your success. There’s so much more to this service than just dumping down some fertilizer and calling it a day. You have to take care to perform this service properly.
First and foremost, you want to make sure that you select the best fertilizer for North Texas lawns. It is important to know that not all fertilizer is the same. The bag that you’re picking up at the hardware store is not going to be as high-quality as a commercial-grade fertilizer that a professional lawn care company is investing in.
Of course, this is also an area where some lawn care companies skimp.
If you have decided to utilize a professional lawn care company to help with your yard, make sure you’re working with a conscientious lawn care company that cares about delivering top-notch results with the best products.
Once you have your product, fertilizer is applied via a granular application that should be spread uniformly throughout the lawn.
Applying the product evenly is important. Homeowners often accidentally over apply fertilizer in some areas, which can lead to fertilizer burn. This can lead to bare spots in the yard.
You do not want to under apply, either, as this can deter from your results. Focus on applying the proper amount of fertilizer and spreading it evenly across the lawn.
At the end of the day, lawn fertilization is truly best performed by a professional who will have the right equipment and the best products to deliver amazing results.
One of the common questions that we get is whether or not mowing after fertilization is okay?
Our recommendation is to give the mower a rest for at least 24 hours after a fertilizer application so the product can absorb into the soil.
It’s a myth that the mower is going to suck up the fertilizer. But it’s more about moving it all around and negatively impacting the even distribution of the product.
In addition, we typically apply weed control products at the same time as fertilizing and these need to be absorbed by the grass plant in order to work.
If you mow the lawn before the weed control product is fully soaked in, you could impact the effectiveness of the product. Weed control products work by being absorbed through the weed tissue and down to the roots. Give your mowing a rest for at least a 24-hour period to let all the products do their job.
Although it may seem like all lawn fertilizer companies are doing the same thing, the fact is, there are some important differences. One of the biggest differences has to do with the products that they utilize. Some homeowners mistakenly assume that all fertilizer products are the same but this simply isn’t the case.
You want to make sure that your lawn care company is investing in high-quality products.
On the same token, as we already mentioned, timing matters. Unfortunately, even some lawn care companies underestimate the importance of putting fertilizer down in the optimal time frame and will just toss it down whenever is convenient for them.
However, applying a low-quality fertilizer product or applying it improperly (at the wrong rate of application) or at the wrong time of year could lead to poor results. If you’re going to invest in professional lawn care services, you want to get the most out of them!
Of course, keep in mind that fertilization is just one of many important lawn care services. The best lawn care is a combination of multiple efforts. You want to make sure that you choose a lawn care company that is handling everything your lawn needs.
In looking at the big picture, the biggest battle that we fight is against weeds. Weeds can impact the overall look of the lawn which is why effective pre-emergent and post-emergent weed controls are also such important services. Sometimes, as lawns go into a period of dormancy, we are asked if we can back off on performing any services. Most homeowners do understand that their lawns don’t need to be “fed” while they “sleep.”
But this is such an important time for pre-emergents. This is why a full program (that includes changes to services as the seasons change) is going to get the best results.
In addition, proper irrigation, mowing, and aeration and overseeding are also essential services. All of these services ultimately work together to create the results that you’re after.
When it comes to having the best lawn on the block, your choice in lawn care companies can make a big difference. Choosing the best lawn care program, that includes a high-quality, properly applied lawn fertilizer, is going to have a direct impact on your results.
If you’re serious about getting the best-looking lawn on the block then it would benefit you to put some thought and research into the company that you choose.
With that effort, you’ll be able to gain the peace of mind that you made a wise choice and that you’re reaping the benefits as a result.
Ready for a great-looking lawn at your Flower Mound, Highland Village, or Lewisville, TX home? Get a free quote and get ready to have the best lawn on the block.