Lawn fertilization can be quite confusing. Experts always advise reading the label first, but have you ever taken the time to look at one?
They often read like they are written by chemists and can be quite dull. A fertilizer label displays different numbers, especially three key ones: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) in that order.
Choosing the right N-P-K mix requires understanding your turf and soil needs. You might wonder how much of each element your lawn requires. Fertilizers come in liquid or granular forms, meaning you can spray or spread them.
While options are helpful, you might also be unsure which formulation to use and the best times for application.
Since you likely already have many questions, it's worth noting that fertilizers also include slow-release and quick-release lawn fertilizer formulations. Each type offers specific benefits and is suited for different situations, depending on various factors affecting your lawn.
Let’s dive into lawn fertilization for homeowners in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS, discussing the differences between granular lawn fertilizers and liquid fertilizers, as well as slow-release and quick-release fertilizers, so you can better understand how these products work and what might be best for your lawn.
Now that you have all kinds of lawn fertilizer terms in your head, let’s break them down.
Granular and liquid fertilizers are two common forms of lawn fertilizers, each having their own set of characteristics and advantages.
Granular lawn fertilizers are available in the form of small granules that resemble pellets. They are typically uniform in size and shape.
Liquid fertilizers are solutions that contain dissolved nutrients. They are typically sold in concentrated form and need to be diluted with water before application.
While liquid fertilizers are typically more quickly absorbed and granular fertilizers are more slowly absorbed, you’ll find many formulations exist.
Now, let’s look at the differences between slow-release and quick-release lawn fertilizers.
Quick-release lawn fertilizers, as the name suggests, are designed to provide an immediate burst of nutrients to plants. Typically, they contain high concentrations of essential elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), which are readily available for plant uptake.
The rapid boost of nutrients can be good for addressing deficiencies. The lawn readily absorbs these products. This type of fertilizer is typically more water-soluble, making it dissolve faster in the soil. You should start to see some lawn growth almost immediately with quick-release fertilizer.
But since these products dissolve rapidly, there is a higher risk of nutrient runoff. Additionally, their effects are short-lived compared to those of their slow-release counterparts.
There are times when quick-release lawn fertilizer comes in handy. For instance, if you just planted a lawn and need that quick green-up and want to push top growth to help block weeds from growing in, that’s an excellent time for quick-release fertilizer. Newly hydroseeded lawns can also benefit from quick-release fertilizer during the early stages of growth.
Once your lawn is established, however, using quick-release fertilizer can lead to excessive growth that occurs too quickly. This overabundance of nitrogen can stimulate rapid shoot growth while slowing down root growth and increasing the need for more frequent mowing, which can result in less stress tolerance and slower recovery from any injury to the grass.
Excessive nitrogen can also lead to thinner leaf tissue, resulting in increased moisture loss and a greater water requirement.
Slow-release lawn fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period.
As water-insoluble formulations, these fertilizers are designed to break down slowly, releasing nutrients gradually into the soil. They often come in the form of coated granules, which dissolve gradually in response to environmental factors like temperature and moisture. This slow and steady approach ensures a sustained supply of nutrients to plants over weeks or even months.
A steady supply of nutrients can provide consistent lawn growth and health. These products are less prone to leaching, which minimizes nutrient runoff, and require fewer frequent applications. But they won’t provide an instant green-up effect on your lawn like quick-release fertilizers do.
Many times, lawn care professionals use blends of slow-release and quick-release lawn fertilizers on lawns to provide the best of both types, as they deliver both immediate and long-term results.
For instance, during summer months, you might find your lawn care company uses 25% quick-release and 75 percent slow-release fertilizer to provide some instant green on established lawns, but avoid large spikes in growth so mowing heights remain stable.
However, for a new lawn, you might find lawn care companies using 50% or 60% quick-release fertilizer to help the lawn establish itself and 40% slow-release fertilizer so the grass continues to receive nutrients over time.
Lawn care professionals will not charge a different price for using quick-release or slow-release fertilizers. They’ll develop a program tailored to your Tupelo, Oxford or New Albany, MS lawn’s specific needs to prevent weeds and maintain its health.
Lawn fertilization can be complicated. Knowing what your turf needs at its specific stage of growth can be challenging.
Both slow-release and quick-release lawn fertilizers have their place in your lawn care professional’s toolkit, each offering distinct benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to nourishing your lawn, understanding the unique needs of your grass and the local environmental conditions helps experts make the best choice for your yard.
Does it seem overwhelming to comprehend? Let Lawn & Pest Solutions help. It’s our job to take care of your lawn in the best way possible. We know what your lawn needs and when and can address those nutrient needs at the right time with the right products.
Want to learn more about what Lawn & Pest Solutions can do for your North MS lawn? Get started today with a free quote. We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice. Then you can sit back and enjoy your lawn.