Keeping Lawns Healthy – Fall Fertilization is Key!
Summer takes a lot out of the lawn, including the roots of the grass. In summer, grass roots get smaller as the top growth uses its underground reserves to stay alive. An application of fall nutrients (ie. fertilizer or compost) promotes root growth and prepares the lawn as it goes into winter.
Fall is the most important season for adding nutrients to the lawn. Turf grasses are about the last plant in the landscape to go dormant in winter and one of the earliest to break dormancy in spring. Most of the plant’s root development occurs in these cooler temperatures.
When it comes to fall lawn nutrients, the critical ingredient is the type and amount of nitrogen in the mix. Nitrogen is a key element to overall plant health. Nitrogen helps plants stay green, encourages plant cell development, and strengthens roots. However, it moves or dissipates quickly through the soil, which is why nutrients are an important ingredient in fall fertilizers. Slow-release nitrogen releases the nutrients in a controlled, steady manner. Because it releases slowly, more of the nitrogen is absorbed by the plant. This is better for the plant and better for the environment. A fall nutrient mix should have at least 30 percent slow-release nitrogen, according to most county extension agents.
Let an ABC Lawn Care Specialist handle all your fall fertilization needs!
