Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn in Washington State. While some people fertilize their lawns in the spring, fall lawn fertilizing is a great option as well. Some people even fertilize their lawn twice a year – in the spring and fall. To us at G&L Bark & Supply, fall seems like a great time of year because the work is easier in the chilly air of the season.
Getting Started with Fall Lawn Fertilizing
Fertilizing your lawn in the fall is vital to the health of your lawn. You’ll want to make sure your lawn has a balanced diet of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These ingredients will help it grow faster and be more disease resistant. Applying a fall lawn fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus and potassium will help promote better root growth.
When it comes to fall lawn fertilizing, be sure to properly calculate the size of your lawn. This will help you figure out how much fertilizer you’ll need. This includes the area of each shape you have on your lawn. Be sure not to get more than what is recommended for your area – you don’t want to over-fertilize, as this will not only damage your turf, but it will also harm the environment. Excess fertilizer is washed away by rain, and it can be harmful to the water table.
Next, be sure to follow instructions about watering when fall lawn fertilizing. Although it may be tempting to let your lawn go dry in the winter, watering it is necessary to prevent damage. Make sure to water your lawn soon after fertilizing. In addition, if you have leftover fertilizer, store it properly so that you can use it up in the spring.
Best Fall Lawn Fertilizer for Cool Climate Grasses
If you’re unsure which fall lawn fertilizing technique is right for your lawn, just ask one of our experts at G&L Bark & Supply. As our staff will tell you, nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for cool-season grasses, as it stimulates growth and can be depleted in warmer climates. A nitrogen fertilizer can help to replace this lost nutrient and the grass will respond by growing and producing lush, green grass.
Unlike traditional lawn fertilizers, organic lawn fertilizers contain more organic matter than those that are made from synthetic fertilizers. In addition to providing twice as much slow-release nitrogen, organic fertilizers are safer and eco-friendly. They can also be effective for use in lawns that are susceptible to the effects of winter temperatures.
What is the Best time to Apply Fall Lawn Fertilizer?
The best time to apply fall lawn fertilizing depends on your local climate and the health of your lawn. The first application should occur around the end of the summer or at least six to eight weeks before the first hard freeze. Applying fertilizers during this time will give your lawn the best chance of flourishing through the autumn and into the spring.
Fall lawn fertilizing is particularly beneficial for cool season grasses. These lawns typically grow through chilly winters and warm summers, so fall feeding is a crucial step in maintaining them. Specifically, you want to choose a fall fertilizer with higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, as these nutrients promote better root growth.
Best Weed Killer for Fall Lawn Fertilizer
During the early fall, many broadleaf lawn weeds are still active. To combat these weeds, you can use a product that combines fertilizer and weed killer. We have many products available in our showroom to help you keep your grass lush and weed free.
When choosing a weed killer for your lawn, remember that different types of weeds need different treatments. Broadleaf weeds, for example, have broad, flat leaves and grow in soil lacking in key nutrients. These types of weeds need a specific type of herbicide to be effective and the best products will vary depending on their life cycle and climate. Common broadleaf weeds include dandelions, clover and ground ivy.
During fall, you can also take steps to combat tough turf weeds. While warm-season weeds may be dormant, perennial weeds are still actively storing up food reserves. Weed killers work by moving from the leaves to the roots. When applied to the roots, they destroy perennial weeds. For best results, combine a pre-emergent herbicide with a post-emergent one.
Stop on in to chat or call us at 253-535-1614 to discuss your fall lawn fertilizing needs.
