Types of Lawn Fertilizer: Understanding Synthetic, Organic, Liquid & Granular Products

As a homeowner in North Mississippi, you're invested in your lawn and its role in boosting your property value and curb appeal.

You realize that fertilization is key to maintaining a nourished and healthy lawn that looks attractive. However, navigating the variety of lawn fertilizers can be confusing.

With frequent new research in lawn care science, it can be difficult to determine which information is accurate and up-to-date, making it hard to find trustworthy sources.

Since the type of lawn fertilizer you choose greatly influences your results, it's natural to want to ensure you’re giving your grass the best care.

Let’s explore the differences between synthetic and organic fertilizers, as well as the purposes of liquid and granular lawn fertilizers, so you can make more informed decisions when maintaining your lawn.

Fertilizer 101

As we dive into the different types of lawn fertilizer, it’s helpful to understand what fertilizer is at its core first.

Fertilizer contains three main ingredients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – each having a specific job for lawn growth.

Nitrogen is what makes your lawn green, phosphorus encourages root growth, and potassium helps feed your lawn over time, promoting health and adding strength.

Each type of fertilizer contains a different percentage of these nutrients, and the nutrients are activated when the soil absorbs them and breaks them down.

Why do lawns need fertilization? Your lawn needs water, sunlight, oxygen, and nutrients to grow. But your soil can’t always provide your grass with what it needs. This is because it can be depleted of nutrients.

Building your home and excavating the soil can deplete its nutrients. Fertilization replenishes what your soil lacks, promoting healthy, strong grass that resists weeds, diseases, traffic, and drought.

Many assume simply applying fertilizer will yield results, but it requires correct application and proper ratios. Additionally, your soil must be able to break down and absorb these nutrients for your grass to benefit.

Synthetic Vs. Organic Lawn Fertilizer

Now, let’s discuss the difference between synthetic and organic lawn fertilizers. All fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in balanced amounts; synthetic fertilizers are produced from chemicals, whereas organic fertilizers come from natural sources such as manure.

Synthetic lawn fertilizers are created in laboratories by experts in lawn science, ensuring they are effective and tailored with specific nutrient ratios.

They typically contain more immediately available nutrients that act quickly and are generally more affordable. However, they do not improve soil health and can be less effective if misused.

Organic lawn fertilizers are slow-release, making them easier to apply correctly, and they help improve soil health over time. Because of their gradual effect, it may take longer to see results, and they are usually more costly.

Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so neither is inherently better. At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we prefer synthetic fertilizers for their quick results and cost-effectiveness, but we also prioritize soil rejuvenation for a comprehensive approach.

Granular Lawn Fertilizer vs. Liquid Lawn Fertilizer

Fertilizer is available in two delivery methods: granular and liquid. Granular lawn fertilizer is a slow-release type that distributes more evenly and is easier to apply.

To activate granular fertilizers, watering is necessary.

Liquid lawn fertilizer is water-soluble with some slow-release features; it adheres to plant material, allowing for faster absorption. However, it requires 30 minutes to dry before it becomes rainproof.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we use both types to deliver the best results, customized to each client's lawn needs. Our choices are guided by customer expectations, and we aim for optimal outcomes.

Choose a Lawn Care Company That Cares About You in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS

You likely don’t want to spend all of your time thinking about the differences between types of fertilizers. You have enough to worry about with work and family responsibilities.

You might even realize after reading this that lawn fertilization is a bit more complicated than you thought.

Instead of trying a do-it-yourself approach, consider hiring a professional lawn care company. Your goal would be to choose a company that cares about you and your needs, versus just using the cheapest product to get the job done.

That’s what we feel makes us different. We know you want a great-looking lawn, but we also understand that you may have questions about the product type and application method.

By choosing a company that cares, you can have the peace of mind knowing your lawn is in good hands.

Want to improve your lawn’s health and create a thicker, greener lawn in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS? Lawn & Pest Solutions can help. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we’ll customize a lawn care program that gives you the most attractive lawn on the block.