Lawn Care
March 5, 2011
WOULD YOU LIKE A HEALTHY GREEN LAWN THIS SUMMER?
OUR 6 STEP LAWN CARE PROGRAM CAN HELP!
LONGER GRASS IS BETTER
Some people think that healthy lawns look like a putting green. The fact is, longer grass results in longer, healthier roots.
Raising the setting on the lawnmower will do a lot to help grass grow thick and healthy. A thick lawn also helps prevent
weeds.
LAWNS NEED NUTRIENTS
Regular feeding helps the lawn develop healthy roots and blades. Start with a spring feed around the first mow. Follow
with a late summer, fall and late fall feeding to better ensure lush results.
TIPS TO FERTILIZE
There are a lot of options available when choosing fertilizer. Here are some quick fertilizer facts to make the best
recommendation for the customer’s needs.
Fertilizer burns
It’s no secret that having too much fertilizer can burn a lawn. One very distinct advantage of liquid
fertilizer is controlling how much is applied to reduce the possibility of burning the lawn. Granular
fertilizer can be difficult to apply evenly, and using it will likely burn the lawn. To combat a burnt lawn,
be sure to water it generously after fertilization to help the soil take in the nutrients.
Fertilizer is not created equal
In the case of granular vs. liquid fertilizer, the important piece of information is the absorption rate, or
How long it takes to sink into the soil. Most granular fertilizer requires 24-72 hours to become fully
absorbed into the soil. The time for a liquid fertilizer is usually under 24 hours.
SEASONAL APPLICATION
Granular fertilizer is much more effective than liquid fertilizer for pre-winter fertilization. In cold weather, liquid fertilizer
has a hard time penetrating the thatch to sink into soil. In climates that receive snow, a granular fertilization before the
first snowfall can be extremely beneficial to an early spring start. It can help grass become healthier and greener much
faster than without a pre-winter fertilization.
BROADCAST SPREADER FEATURES
Broadcast spreaders throw the material out in a wider swath, sometimes as wide as 8’. If there is a large area to cover,
they can make short work of it. They are, however, a little trickier to use since you need to keep up a steady walking speed
(usually 3 mph) and you need to be moving when you activate the spreader. Some broadcast spreaders come with side
deflectors, which let you get close to sidewalks, beds and driveways without spreading material on these adjacent areas.
