A healthy lawn is a living ecosystem that relies on balanced nutrients, proper soil conditions, and consistent care. Fertilizing your lawn correctly can increase grass density, strengthen roots, and even help prevent weeds and pests. Did you know that a properly fertilized lawn can grow up to 30% thicker than one left untreated? For homeowners in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Saskatoon, understanding how to fertilize lawn efficiently can help you with year-round green, resilient turf.
Proper preparation ensures your lawn absorbs nutrients evenly and grows optimally, preventing wasted fertilizer and patchy growth.
Before fertilizing, measure the nutrient levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are the primary components of most fertilizers. Check the soil pH to determine if amendments like lime are necessary. Assess the organic matter content as well; if it’s low, consider enhancing your lawn with Yard Dawgs’ super juice or sea kelp to improve soil health and nutrient absorption.
Knowing your grass type is essential. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, respond best to fertilization in spring and fall. Warm-season grasses, in contrast, benefit more from applications in late spring and summer. Each grass species has unique nutrient requirements, which affect the choice of fertilizer and the application rate.
Calculate the square footage of your lawn to determine the correct amount of fertilizer. For rectangular or square lawns, multiply length by width. Circular areas require 3.14 times the radius squared, and irregular lawns should be divided into sections for accurate measurement. Accurate calculation ensures your lawn receives the right amount of nutrients without over- or under-fertilizing.
Granular fertilizers release nutrients gradually, feeding grass over an extended period, while liquid fertilizers are absorbed quickly through leaves and roots. Yard Dawgs often combines traditional fertilizer with treatments like liquid aeration and super juice, providing maximum growth, stronger roots, and improved soil health.
For granular fertilizer, a broadcast or drop spreader is recommended. Broadcast spreaders cover large areas quickly, while drop spreaders allow for precise application. For liquid fertilizers, a hose-end sprayer works well for smaller lawns, and a backpack sprayer is best for larger areas. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and closed-toe shoes to prevent burns or irritation.
Mow the lawn two to three days before applying fertilizer to ensure even coverage. Remove debris such as leaves, sticks, or other obstructions so the fertilizer reaches the soil. Lightly water the lawn one to two days before application; the soil should be moist, but the grass blades should be dry. This improves nutrient absorption and prevents burning.
Read the fertilizer label carefully and calibrate your spreader according to the recommended settings. Walk in straight, parallel lines, then repeat perpendicular to create a grid pattern for even distribution. Avoid overlapping excessively, as this can damage the grass. Proper calibration and walking pace are crucial to avoid over- or under-fertilizing.
Prepare the liquid fertilizer according to the label, either using ready-to-use formulas or mixing concentrated products in a tank. Spray evenly across the lawn while moving at a steady pace to avoid puddles or untreated spots. Apply in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and allow the grass to absorb nutrients efficiently.
After fertilizing, water granular fertilizers lightly to help nutrients penetrate the soil, while liquid fertilizers generally require waiting until the grass is dry unless instructed otherwise. Avoid mowing for at least 48 hours to allow full nutrient absorption. Monitor the lawn for uneven growth or sparse patches, which may benefit from follow-up treatments or slit-seeding. A well-fertilized lawn also becomes denser, naturally reducing weeds and improving the effectiveness of weed control services.
Even with careful DIY effort, achieving consistent, healthy results can be challenging. Yard Dawgs’ team combines fertilizer applications with complementary services like mechanical aeration, liquid aeration, sea kelp, and super juice to strengthen roots, improve soil structure, and enhance nutrient uptake.
Understanding how to fertilize a lawn is key to maintaining a green, thriving yard. Proper preparation, accurate measurement, correct timing, and suitable fertilizer types all contribute to better absorption and stronger grass. DIY methods can work for small patches, but professional fertilization ensures consistent, season-long results, especially when combined with other Yard Dawgs services like weed control, aeration, and liquid treatments.
Yard Dawgs delivers personalized, expert care that keeps lawns healthy, thick, and weed-free, so that your yard is the envy of the neighborhood.