Why Spring Is the Best Time for Lawn Fertilizer Service in Hopewell Junction, NY

When the weather begins to warm up, we all get spring fever. The urge to clean and air out our homes is strong, along with the impatience for the grass to green up. We just want to get outside! But when it comes to fertilizing your Hopewell Junction, NY, lawn, patience pays off. Here is why spring could be the best time for lawn fertilizer service.

What Does Fertilizer Do?

Grass is like any other living thing—it needs food to grow healthy. Fertilizer is formulated to give the soil the nutrients our lawns need to become green, grow thick, and withstand the heat of summer. Three main nutrients are essential to develop such lawns.

First, nitrogen is the nutrient that should be present in the greatest amount. It is required for protein synthesis and the creation of chlorophyll—what makes the grass green. Too much nitrogen can burn the grass, so this is why a slow-release fertilizer works best.

Second is phosphorus, which is necessary in much smaller amounts. This nutrient is responsible for new grass growth and root growth—it supplies the energy needed for those processes.

Third, potassium helps the grass to be more resistant to disease and drought, while helping the lawn bounce back from the traffic of our feet.

All three of these nutrients must be present in the right amounts to encourage thriving grass and future growth.

Related: Using Lawn Fertilizers Responsibly

Why Is Spring a Good Time for Fertilizing?

We should plan to fertilize the grass two times per year—once in the fall and once in the spring. Timing matters: Fertilizer application too early in the spring could result in the product falling on frozen earth and serving no true purpose.

The best time to fertilize is when the air temperatures is at least 55 degrees. If you’re opting for fertilizing in the spring, this is generally around mid to late April when the danger of frost has passed. You will know the time is right when you see the grass just starting to grow, and the bulbs beginning to bloom. You may need a second application a month later and could benefit fertilizer feeding throughout the summer.

Do Not Forget About Watering

Some fertilizers instruct you to water the grass before the application, while others require watering after. Most fertilizers need water to break down the nutrients so that they are available to the grass and the roots. And regular watering once the grass is growing is necessary to support new grass.

Related: 3 Things to Know About Organic Lawn Care in Hopewell Junction, NY

Watch Out for Overapplying

When using fertilizer, some people think a heavy dose is the answer, but actually, too much fertilizer can burn the grass. It’s a careful process that involves nourishing the grass to grow and being careful not to over do it. Moreover, excess fertilizer can wash into the groundwater, where too much will pollute the water that ends up in rivers and streams.

A professional lawn care service takes the guesswork out of lawn fertilization. With services such as spring and fall cleanups, de-thatching, core-aeration, over-seeding, liming and winterizing, and fertilizer, grass experts can take over the work so you can reap the rewards of a gorgeous, lush lawn.