Get The Most Out Of Your Fertilizer By Getting a Soil Test

At TruGreen, we know that your grass is your pride and joy. The key to keeping your yard healthy is to make sure it is getting all the right nutrients. Done right, and your grass will maintain a deep green color and naturally keep weeds at bay. A healthy lawn begins with the soil where it gets its nutrients and to improve your soil you need to fertilize. Here on some helpful tips on lawn fertilization from the pros at TruGreen.

First Get a Soil Test

Over time, our grass uses up the nutrients in the soil and if you aren’t fertilizing then those nutrients aren’t getting replaced. When soil nutrients are lacking, it can affect the performance of your grass. Without knowing what is in your soil you are just going in blind and you could be doing more harm than good. Getting a soil test can show you exactly what kind of fertilizer your soil needs so you can take the steps to fix it and create the perfect yard.

Fertilizer and Water

A day or two before you apply fertilizer you should give your yard a good soaking. Apply your fertilizer after the grass has dried. Water again to wash the fertilizer off the grass and into the soil. Just don’t water too much or apply before a big storm or it may get washed away. Do not apply fertilizer in times of drought or when your lawn is brown.

Broadcast or Rotary Spreader

A broadcast or rotary spreader is used for larger yards and can either be pushed or pulled by a tractor. Broadcast spreaders sling seed or fertilizer in a wide swath in all directions, making it easier to overlap and provide uniform coverage. Begin by applying fertilizer around the perimeter of your yard. Then, move back and forth across your grass in an orderly pattern, overlapping slightly to ensure an even spread.

Drop Spreader

Drop spreaders may cost a little more but they may be worth it. Drop spreaders, like rotary spreaders, are mounted on two wheels but have a raised handle so you can push. As you walk, the spreader drops the fertilizer directly on the ground beneath instead of slinging it. Drop spreaders are more suited for small lawns or areas that need precise applications. 

Handheld Spreader

For those with smaller lawns or those who want to get some exercise, a handheld spreader is a more economic option. All you have to do is walk up and down your lawn in an even pattern, making sure to slightly overlap each passing. 

Grasscycling

If you live on several acres of land then you probably already do this. Grasscycling is simply mowing without a bag attached and leaving the grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings are a natural fertilizer and provide 25 percent of your lawn’s nutritional needs. These clippings settle back down under your grass and break down over time. 

Call The Lawn Care Experts At TruGreen Midsouth

At TruGreen, we treat your lawn like our own. It is our job to create amazing yards and landscapes. Even though it’s January it’s not too late to sign up for exceptional lawn care service. Our lawn care experts are standing by to take your call.

Call us at 225-465-0665 if you are a Louisiana client, but if you’re from Mississippi, call us at 662-330-1330. Or get a free and easy quote here. Get access to all our tips on pest control, lawn care, tree care, and more by following our monthly blog. Check us out on Facebook for the latest TruGreen deals and news in your area.