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Soil color is deceiving... and does not indicate the fertility; and the darkest may  be poorest in nutrients.  While grasses will survive without fertilization, they will not do so and look and perform to the standards we set for them today.  A healthy, green, lush lawn is generally a result of a correct fertilization program.

How often you fertilize also depends on the intensity of maintenance.  Low maintenance lawns require less fertilization (cool season - in fall / warm season in spring and early summer).  Medium maintenance lawns usually have one additional fertilization added to the schedule.  For cool season lawns this is generally in spring and for warm season lawns a fall application is added.  High maintenance lawns are fertilized on a more precision application during the most active growing months.

• FERTILIZING NEW LAWNS
• FERTILIZING COOL SEASON LAWNS
• FERTILIZING WARM SEASON LAWNS
• Note: Seedland does not sell weed & feeds. - Consult your local garden center for this product availability.

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	LAWN FERTILIZER	LAWN WINTERIZER	LAWN STARTER
	NURSERY & LANDSCAPE	AZALEA FOOD	ROSE FOOD

Cool Season Grasses: With the exception of Bermuda and Zoysia (both warm season grasses); grasses in the temperate area (cool season grasses  - Fescues, Bluegrasses and Ryegrasses) do well with one to two light feedings in the early fall to promote root growth but not heavy enough to promote top growing. Mid spring feeding will help promote top growth and thicker foliage development. Never heavily fertilize in the summer or late spring and do not use a fast acting fertilizer on a cool season grass late in spring.

Fall feedings are certainly the best, as it helps the grass to store more carbohydrates which allows your cool season grass to survive the harsh winter dormancy period and come out growing strong in the spring.

HOW MUCH TO APPLY? Read Lawn Fertilization Rates.

Warm Season Grasses: Warm season grasses grow the most in late spring to early summer.  This is the time that they need the additional nutrients supplied by fertilizers available.  A first application in early spring (when grass starts to green up and frost danger is past) will help the grass to start growing.  

Each variety needs varying amounts of fertilization and nitrogen levels during the growing season to continue healthy root development and increased foliage. The amount is dependant upon the specific variety, (look at the appropriate web page for fertilization rates), soil fertility, and the climatic conditions, watering schedules and the type of fertilizer that will be added.

Due to the growing season in the south, fertilizers should be applied on a regular basis wherever lawns stay green all year.  In the colder areas of the south, warm grasses will most likely go dormant, but still need to be fed in preparation for the spring warm-up. Early spring and early fall feedings are good times for full fertilization and other nutrients to be added for a good root system to continue and develop more intensively in preparation for the stress of the heat of summer.  Do not fertilize warm season grasses in late fall as this could make the grass more susceptible to cold weather injury.

FERTILIZE DURING THE SUMMER?

Summer Fertilization of warm season grasses can be handled during the summer by light applications of fertilizers. The time-released fertilizers are easy for the homeowner to manage and won’t burn the grass if sufficient rainfall occurs or systematic watering is available.  The level of maintenance you wish to provide (more fertilizer = more work, more mowing more disease control monitoring and more water) will determine how many applications you make to your grass.  Higher maintenance could require monthly applications, but usually in smaller more precise amounts of nutrients.  Do not fertilizer cool season grasses during the summer.

HOW MUCH TO APPLY? Read Lawn Fertilization Rates.

Soil testing before fall or spring will give you the edge on the balance of other nutrients that may need to be added for the healthiest lawn. Over-fertilization is certainly more harmful than under-fertilization. The phrase "if a little will do I’ll apply more" concept does not apply to a good fertilization program.  Contact your local county extension service about getting your lawn soil tested. --- You can check you PH and make basic soil tests on your own with test kits from Seedland.

STARTER FERTILIZERS - For seeding, sodding or sprigging.