With a little lawn fertilizer, the grass doesn’t have to be greener on the other side. Fertilization does more than just improve the color. It can help reduce standing water, deter pests, help control weeds, and more. To get the most out of your application, make sure to follow a few guidelines.
Test Your Soil
Before applying lawn fertilizer Pittsburgh PA, note that all fertilizers are the same. To get the best composition match for your lawn, you should test your soil. Testing is best done in the early spring. For the most accurate results, you should pull about a dozen small samples from around your yard and mix them together. Your soil will be tested for key nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. The test will also tell you the pH level.
Watch the Weather
Several aspects of the weather can affect your fertilizer. Watch the temperature. The ideal time for your application is when the soil temperature is around 55 degrees. Rainfall also plays a factor. A light rain before or after fertilization is not a problem. However, if you are expecting heavy rain, you should wait. High humidity should be avoided as well. Many fertilizers will cake together when there is moisture in the air. That leads to an uneven application.
Apply Correct Amount
There is a lot more to fertilizer application than simply throwing some on your lawn. You may be worried that applying too little fertilizer won’t be effective. Did you know that using too much can also be a problem? Excess fertilizer can burn your lawn and seep into groundwater. Your grass may develop an overly dense root system. There are calculators that can help you determine the amount you need.
A few fertilization blunders can lead to undesirable results. Make sure you are well educated or hire a professional to get the best outcome.
