With countless lawn care plans available today, finding a fertilizer program that truly delivers a beautiful, vibrant, and resilient lawn can be a challenge. After extensive testing, we have found that a structured, five-application fertilizer schedule is one of the most effective ways to promote strong growth and rich color throughout the year.
Understanding Fertilizer Program Numbers
When selecting a fertilizer, you’ll notice a series of three numbers—such as 13-0-0 or 19-0-2. These numbers indicate the percentage by weight of:
- Nitrogen (N): The first number, essential for boosting plant growth and greening.
- Phosphorus (P): The second number, crucial for overall growth, enhanced color, and robust root development.
- Potassium (K): The third number, important for general plant health and stress tolerance.
The Five Applications
1. Early Spring – 13-0-0 with Prodiamine
The first application uses a 13-0-0 fertilizer, which contains 13% nitrogen. High nitrogen content is ideal in early spring as it jump-starts growth. This formulation is further enhanced with prodiamine, a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents weeds and crabgrass from germinating. You want to attack crabgrass before it can spread!
When to apply: Early March to early April, ensuring the lawn is treated before unwanted weeds take hold.
2. Mid-Spring to Early Summer – 19-0-2 with 50% Slow Release (With Optional Grub Control)
For the second application, a 19-0-2 fertilizer is used. With 19% nitrogen and 2% phosphorus, this blend supports ongoing growth while enhancing root development and overall color. The slow-release formulation releases 50% of its nutrients at a time, minimizing the risk of burning the grass during warmer weather.
When to apply: Late May to early July. An option to add pre-emergent grub control is available, which slightly adjusts the timing to late June/July and modifies the blend to include IMI .20% plus a 15-0-0 formulation with 40% slow release.
3. Late Summer – 19-0-2 with 50% Slow Release (Again)
The third application mirrors the second, reinforcing the lawn’s nutrient uptake during the heat of the season. This repeated application ensures continuous nutrient supply and gradual feeding to support sustained growth and color.
When to apply: Late August to early September, maintaining the lawn’s resilience as temperatures begin to dip.
4. Early Fall – 22-0-2
As the growing season winds down, a 22-0-2 fertilizer is applied. With an even higher nitrogen concentration (22%), this blend rapidly boosts growth and ensures that your lawn retains its lush, vibrant appearance as it transitions into cooler weather.
When to apply: Early October, to give your lawn a final growth surge before winter.
5. Late Fall – 19-0-2 with 50% Slow Release (Final Touch)
To finish the year, the program calls for one last application of the 19-0-2 fertilizer with 50% slow release. This final feeding helps the grass recover from summer stresses and prepares it for the winter months by maintaining a steady supply of nutrients.
When to apply: Late October to early November, ensuring the lawn is well-nourished heading into dormancy.
Enhancing Soil Quality: Beyond the Basic Fertilizer Program
In addition to the five step fertilizer program, we also offer broadleaf spray control 2x during the growing season. Once in the spring and one time in late summer/early fall. During the hot summer months, we will also do spot spraying if there are any pesky weeds rising up. There are also other fertilizers that can address the immediate nutritional needs of your lawn. Fertilizers like gypsum and Milogranite offer additional benefits:
- Gypsum: Improves soil structure by aiding in the breakdown of compacted soil, allowing roots to penetrate more easily.
- Milogranite: Supplies essential nutrients such as calcium and sulfur, further enhancing soil fertility and supporting overall plant health.
Conclusion
Achieving a lush, healthy lawn is more than just choosing a fertilizer—it’s about timing and balance. By following this five-application program from Conserv FS, we ensure that grass receives the right blend of nutrients at the optimal times throughout the growing season. With early spring weed prevention, mid-season growth support, and fall applications to boost color and prepare for winter, this program offers a comprehensive approach to lawn care that is both effective and efficient.
Enjoy a lawn that not only looks beautiful but also stands up to the challenges of changing seasons and varying weather conditions! Contact us today to begin your fertilizer program and get one step closer to a healthy and vibrant lawn.