Fertilizing Your Lawn


WHAT IS FERTILIZER?

Fertilizer is a substance that improves the mineral composition of the native soil. Richer, more fertile soil, will in turn, promote healthier plant growth. Many elements contribute to the soil's fertility. There are three primary elements (macronutrients) which are needed by plants: Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For optimum plant growth, these elements are needed in large quantities and are not readily available in most soils.


There are also three secondary elements: Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Calcium and magnesium are often supplied when lime is added to the soil. Sulfur is produced from decomposing organic matter…a good reason for leaving the grass clippings on your lawn.
In addition to these major minerals, there are seven micronutrients: Boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chloride (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn). While these minerals are essential for plant growth, they are needed in very small quantities. Micronutrients are also referred to as minor or trace elements.
The right fertilizer analysis in the soil is important for several reasons. First, a healthy plant fights insect and disease damage much better than an unhealthy one. Second, proper fertilization promotes more consistent plant growth and bloom development. Third, it encourages better root development.

 

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS ON THE FERTILIZER BAG MEAN?

There are three numbers listed on each bag of fertilizer. These are literal percentages of N-P-K that are in that bag of fertilizer. For instance, if the numbers read 31-3-10, 31% of the bag is nitrogen, 3% is phosphorus, and 10% is potassium. The numbers will always be printed in the same order… N-P-K. Sometimes the numbers do not add up to 100%. That is because minor elements and fillers can also be included in the bag.

WHAT DOES EACH MAJOR ELEMENT DO?

Nitrogen

  1. Essential in chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.
  2. Encourages a healthy green color.
  3. Promotes vigorous blade, leaf and stem growth.
  4. Improves overall plant health, quality, and density.
  5. Helps plants to withstand environmental stresses.
     

Phosphorus

  1. Like nitrogen, phosphorous is an essential part of photosynthesis.  It transfers solar energy into chemical energy.
  2. Promotes early plant development
  3. Hastens plant maturity.
  4. Promotes bloom and root development.
  5. Helps plants to withstand environmental stresses.


 Potassium

  1. Helps to build proteins and aids in photosynthesis.
  2. Improves fruit quality.
  3. Reduces plant diseases.
  4. Enhances overall plant health and vigor.


WHAT DOES LIME DO?

Just because fertilizer is in the soil doesn't mean that the plant is able to use it. When a soil’s pH level is too acidic or too alkaline, it can severely limit the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.
The pH scale ranges from 1.0 to 14.0. Neutral is 7.0. Anything that is 6.9 and below is in the acidic range. Anything 7.1 and above is the alkaline range. Most plants perform best when the soil’s pH level is 6.5 to 7.2. The southeast’s red clay soil usually has an acidic pH level of around 5.7. Lime is used to raise the soil’s pH level. Therefore, an annual application of 40 pounds of lime per 1000 square feet is generally recommended.
 

WHAT FERTILIZERS SHOULD I USE?

For best results, establish a plan or program of lawn care. A beautiful lawn needs regular applications of fertilizers, weed and insect control products, in addition to proper mowing and watering. Certain turf grasses require more nitrogen (and different application times) than others. For best results, follow the feeding recommendations on the fertilizer bag.
 

For optimum results, we recommend the products found in Pike’s 4-Step Lawn Program for a healthy, weed-free lawn.

    


Pike’s Super Premium Crabgrass Preventer: The best way to control crabgrass is to prevent it in the first place. Pike’s Crabgrass Preventer is a pre-emergent herbicide that puts a barrier on the soil that prevents crabgrass and certain other weed seeds from germinating. To prevent crabgrass, apply this product from February 15 – April 15 before the crabgrass sprouts. In the fall, apply this product from October 1 – November 15 to prevent poa annua (annual bluegrass) and certain other winter weeds.
A word of caution. Do not apply this product if you plan to sow grass seed. Not only will it prevent weed seeds from germinating, it will also prevent your grass seed from germinating.
 

Pike’s Super Premium Starter 18-24-6: Perfect for use when seeding a new lawn, over-seeding an existing lawn or laying down sod. This lawn food gets new lawns off to a strong start. It contains a high amount of phosphorous to promote healthy root and blade development and a slow-release fertilizer that will feed your lawn for up to four months. Not recommended for use on Centipede grass.
 

Pike’s Super Premium Lawn Fertilizer 29-0-5: For use on established turf grasses. Most fertilizers are very effective for two to three weeks after application and then their effectiveness tapers off dramatically. Pike’s Super Premium Lawn Fertilizer contains iron for quick, deep greening and micro-nutrients for a balanced blend. The slow-release fertilizer will continuously feed your lawn for up to four months.

Pike’s Super Premium Weed and Feed 28-0-4: This is a combination product. It has a post-emergent weed control plus a lawn fertilizer. It will control most growing broadleaf weeds while feeding your lawn for a period of up to four months.


HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FERTILIZE?

Some turf grasses are more “hungry” than others. For instance, Bermuda grass thrives on fertilizer and it can be applied up to three times during the growing season. By contrast, Centipede grass prefers acidic soils with low fertility. Centipede should be fertilized only once right after it greens up in April. Also, you rarely, if ever, have to apply lime to a Centipede lawn. For best results, follow the general feeding recommendations below:

TYPE OF TURF GRASS WHEN TO APPLY
Bermuda, Zoysia

Once in the Spring, when grass is at least 50% green.

Once in the Summer (6-8 weeks after the first feeding)

Another application 6 weeks later.
Centipede One application only in the Spring when grass is at least 50% green.
Fescue, Rye

Once in late February or early March.

Again in mide to late April (no later than May 1)

Once in the Fall around October 1.

If seeding in the Fall (around Sept 15 is best), use Starter Fertilizer, then follow with Lawn Fertilizer 4-6 weeks later.