Fertilizer is one of the most important tools in your lawn and landscape toolbox, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. When used correctly, fertilizer can help your grass grow thicker, your plants bloom brighter, and your trees stay strong season after season. But if you get the timing wrong or apply the wrong type, it can do more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know about fertilizing your yard the right way.
Why Fertilizer Matters
Plants, like people, need nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilizer supplements the natural nutrients in your soil that may have been depleted over time. The key nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each plays a different role in promoting growth, strengthening roots, and building resistance to disease and drought.
Timing Is Everything
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is applying fertilizer at the wrong time. Timing depends on what you’re fertilizing:
-
Lawns: For cool-season grasses, the best times are early spring and fall. For warm-season grasses, late spring through summer is ideal. Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat or drought.
-
Gardens: Fertilize annuals and perennials in early spring as growth starts. You can add another round mid-season if needed.
-
Trees and Shrubs: These benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as they begin to grow again after winter.
Applying fertilizer at the right time supports healthy growth and helps avoid waste and runoff.
Types of Fertilizer
There are several kinds of fertilizer to choose from. The best one for you depends on your goals and your landscape:
-
Granular and Liquid: Granular fertilizers are easy to apply and provide long-term results. Liquid fertilizers act quickly and are great for giving plants a fast boost.
-
Slow-Release and Quick-Release: Slow-release options deliver nutrients over time and reduce the risk of burning your plants. Quick-release types work fast but need to be reapplied more often.
-
Organic and Synthetic: Organic fertilizers improve soil health naturally, but take more time to show results. Synthetic fertilizers act faster but must be applied carefully to avoid overfeeding or runoff.
A soil test is the best way to know what your yard needs. Testing helps you avoid over-application and saves you money.
How to Apply It Right
Even with the correct fertilizer and timing, how you apply it makes all the difference:
-
Don’t overdo it. Using too much fertilizer can damage your plants and pollute waterways.
-
Apply evenly and water it in unless the label says otherwise.
-
Keep fertilizer off driveways, sidewalks, and patios to prevent runoff.
-
Use the right tools. A spreader works best for lawns, measuring scoops are great for gardens, and trees may benefit from deep root feeding.
If you’re unsure what your landscape needs, we’re here to help.
Let SAB Handle It
At SAB Lawn & Landscaping, we take the guesswork out of fertilizing. Our team can test your soil, choose the right products, and apply them with care. Whether your lawn looks thin, your garden is underwhelming, or your trees need a boost, we’ll build a plan to get your yard back on track.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start growing a healthier, greener landscape.
Skip to content