How to Fertilize Your Lawn

The area surrounding your house can have a very positive or negative effect on its appearance. A green, fertile lawn adds beauty and is the envy of the entire neighborhood, as well as anyone that passes by your home. However, weed-free, thick and bright green grass does not come without some attention and pampering. One key element to having a yard everyone admires is to learn how to properly fertilize it.

Things you’ll need:

• Fertilizer spreader
• Fertilizer
• Water hose
• Water

Step 1:
Obtain the proper equipment. The equipment you use can make a difference in the results of your lawn fertilization.

• You will need a fertilizer spreader. There are two main types.
• Choose a rotary spreader for larger lawns.
• For smaller lawns or lawns with areas that need precise fertilizing (around flower beds and landscaping), pick a drop spreader.

Step 2:
Analyze the needs of your lawn depending on the time of year. This will help you determine which type of fertilizer to purchase.

• You will want to use a preventative fertilizer in early spring. This type of product takes care of weeds and diseases before they occur.
• Late spring calls for a high analysis fertilizer that releases nitrogen and also kills weeds that are growing in your lawn.
• Fertilize with a nitrogen release fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks during the summer to keep your lawn looking its best during the peak-growing season.

Step 3:
Use 2 products in the fall. The first should control perennial weeds in the grass. The second will help prepare your lawn for the winter by creating a strong root system.

Step 4:
Open and close your spreader while it is empty to ensure that it works properly.

Step 5:
Fill the spreader with the appropriate fertilizer for the time of year and needs of your lawn. Check the packaging to see the recommended amount.

Step 6:
Adjust the spreader so the release of fertilizer matches the recommended dosage on the fertilizer bag.

Step 7:
Chose an area of your lawn where you wish to begin the fertilization.

Step 8:
Open the mechanism on the spreader.

Step 9:
Walk at a normal pace while spraying the fertilizer. Remain as constant as possible without stopping, slowing or speeding your pace or turning off the spreader.

Step 10:
Cover your entire yard with the fertilizer. Be cautious about not overlapping or skipping areas.

Step 11:
Clean your spreader. Spray the inside and the outside of the spreader with a water hose.

Step 12:
Check to see if the type of fertilizer you chose requires you to water your lawn after application. These details will be listed on the bag.

Tip:

Be careful about choosing a location when cleaning your spreader. You do not want to wash excess fertilizer onto an area of your lawn. Choose your driveway, rocks or concrete for the cleaning.