Find a Better Way to Apply Spring Lawn Fertilizer in Cedar Rapids

The pandemic has taught us that there’s no lockdown in nature. Spring has already made its way to our doors and we can almost feel the green surge. It’s the time when you should be ready for the first feed of fertilization. Spring lawn fertilizer application in Cedar Rapids becomes much easier when you have the right experts to guide you. Here’s something useful from All American Turf Beauty.

When to fertilize lawn in spring?

In most parts of the country, including the Midwest, the first feeding should take place between mid and late April. You still have time to feed your lawns with fertilizers. Let the soil warm up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can start your spring lawn fertilization schedule.

Often, we make the mistake of fertilizing our lawns too early in spring. In early spring, grasses put a lot of energy into root development. Allow the grass to strengthen the roots and let them prepare for the first feed in late spring when the grasses have a growth surge. Fertilizing in early spring can encourage lush top growth at the expense of root growth.

Plan your spring lawn fertilizer application: 5 applications are a must

After the first feed, wait for second feeding which can happen around mid-May. Continue to fertilize your lawn in Cedar Rapids every 6 to 8 weeks after May. The schedule should continue until October. For the third feed, choose organic fertilizer like manure. It’s proven that organic fertilizer works wonders for your lawns.

Don’t leave your lawn unattended during fall as the grass will continue to grow throughout the season. As the roots dig deeper, they will require more fertilizer to sustain. According to our experts at All American Turf Beauty, fall application is probably the most crucial in the entire year. Choosing a fall fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus and potassium will strengthen the grassroots.

Fertilize your lawn in spring, but don’t overdo it

Don’t let your enthusiasm for seeing your lawn green overpower your reasons. Look at the color of the grass in your lawns. Does it already have a light shade of bright green? It seems that your lawn is healthy. Continue with your lawn care schedule in Cedar Rapids and soon you will see a lush growth.

If you notice a deep, almost blackish-green tinge, it’s most likely that your lawns are heavily fertilized. The dark green comes mostly from excess nitrogen. It’s tough to determine how much fertilizer is required for your lawns if it’s your first year. That’s where our lawn care experts come in. As part of our lawn care program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa we look at the different variables before zeroing down on an application schedule specific to your lawn.

Rethink how to fertilize lawn in Cedar Rapids

When we spoke to homeowners about the lawn fertilization program, many have spoken in favor of using a single turf builder application in early fall. In a way, they are correct, as fall is one of the best times to build the root system. But, they prefer to omit all other fertilizations during summer and spring.

In our experience, however, we’ve found 2 to 3 light applications in each growing year, 1 in spring and the other at midsummer can be helpful. It’s better not to miss your spring fertilizer application. Of course, timing is important and so are other details like the kind of grass found in your region and soil condition.

Balancing weed control with spring fertilization

Now that you know that the best time to fertilize lawn is late spring, maybe you can speak to our turf specialists about weed control. Weed control and fertilization can be done together. Crabgrass, for example, starts to germinate before May. To manage crabgrass and avoid early fertilization, you can use a pre-emergent herbicide. But this must be applied before the seeds germinate.

But not all lawns need crabgrass control. A thick lawn is the best protection against weeds as it reduces light penetration in the soil, covers the crabgrass seeds and prevents germination. Our lawn care specialists recommend a pesticide when required. It’s best not to go for the blanket application while applying spring lawn fertilizers.

Remember this

• Spring lawn fertilizers are recommended. But, if you have fertilized in the previous fall, the slow-release function of the fertilizer will still linger. Wait for late spring to spruce up your lawns.
• Be careful about applying fertilizers; choose a slow-release lawn fertilizer which breaks down nutrients over a longer period of time. With this type of fertilizer, it’s possible to wait between applications.
• Go for granular application of spring lawn fertilizers. It’s easier to have an even, consistent application across the lawn.
• The more you water your lawns, the grass grows. The more the grass grows, the more it needs nutrients/fertilizers. Water your lawns regularly, but look at the fertilizer label to know how much water is required.
• Trust our turf experts for best lawn care services in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

We are getting a lot of calls from our homeowner friends about the first feed of fertilization in April. A lot of them are worried about the condition of their lawns after the snow. Questions on the best time to plant grass seed in Iowa and details about warm-season grass keep popping up.

As we cannot meet you directly, you can call us or contact us through our website. And we promise that we will come back with answers to all your queries in this section. Till then, stay at home and stay safe, we have got you covered with our best lawn care service in Iowa.

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