Regardless of the application method, you must do it properly if you want your fertilization practices to be safe and effective. You can follow these tips to achieve the best results:
Conduct a soil test before fertilizing: Always start with a soil test to determine your lawn's specific nutrient needs. What works for your neighbor's lawn might not be right for your lawn.
Use the right fertilizer: You can choose the appropriate fertilizer based on your soil test results. The recommendation usually takes factors like soil quality, grass type, local climate, and your lawn's specific nutrient needs into consideration.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Read the manufacturer's instructions on the fertilizer label and follow them carefully. You'll usually find safety precautions and other application recommendations in the packaging.
Fertilize at the right time: Apply fertilizers when your lawn is most likely to absorb the nutrients during its active growth. We'll discuss it in more detail in the section on the best time to apply fertilizer.
Use the appropriate application method: Depending on the fertilizer you're applying, you can choose between the five methods above.
Clean up spills promptly: To prevent runoff, clean up any spills immediately and avoid washing them into the street.
Avoid over-fertilization: Excessive fertilizer can damage plants and contribute to nutrient runoff and water pollution. To avoid applying too much fertilizer, only use the amount recommended in your soil test.
Never apply near natural drainage: Fertilizers should not be applied in areas close to natural drainage to avoid contaminating surface water.
Beware of windy conditions: Avoid fertilizing on windy days to ensure the fertilizer stays where it's needed and doesn't spread to other areas.
Avoid fertilizing before heavy rain: Heavy rainfall can cause nutrient runoff and leaching, wasting your effort and resources. If your lawn is too wet, the soil will not be able to absorb the nutrients properly. But fertilizing before or after a light rain shouldn't be a problem, as long as the ground is not too saturated with water.
Don't fertilize during extreme heat or drought: It's better to apply fertilizers during milder conditions because fertilizing in severe heat or drought can cause fertilizer burn.
