If you live in Pittsburgh, the best time for fertilizing your lawn is in the spring when the lilacs begin to flower and your yard starts to green. When you fertilize in the spring, your lawn will get the nutrients needed after surviving Pittsburgh’s long winters.<\/p>
Understanding Fertilizer<\/b><\/p>
Before anything, make sure you know and understand the soil. You can do this by performing a simple soil pH test, which can tell you what levels of nutrients your soil is currently at and ultimately where it should be for the best results. When you purchase fertilizer, there will be three numbers on the label of the container. These are the numbers of the primary nutrients nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate which are needed to keep your lawn healthy. This means if the bag reads 20-5-10, then it will have 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphate and 10% potassium. The remainder of the bag will contain filler material which makes it easier to apply.<\/p>
Slow-release Fertilizer<\/strong><\/p> When using a slow release fertilizer, there will be a long wait between applications. It takes longer for the nutrients to break down. Depending on how much you water, you can reapply every 6-8 weeks instead of every four weeks. The best kind of slow-release fertilizer is one that contains nitrogen but not an overabundance. If overused, it will make the grass grow faster which means you’ll be mowing more frequently. Apply between 2-3 pounds of nitrogen that extends over the entire growing season.<\/p> You also might want to consider using a granular fertilizer if you really want to treat your lawn right. Granular fertilizer can be applied more accurately and consistently than different types of fertilizer, there forth better results.<\/p> Regular Watering<\/strong><\/p> When you water your lawn often, you will need to increase the use of fertilizer. When a lawn is regularly watered, then the growth rate increases so the grass will need more fertilizer. When it grows, it uses more nutrients and if you have a sprinkler system, fertilizing every six weeks will ensure a healthy lawn.<\/p> Before you apply the fertilizer granules, make sure to read the label on how much water will be needed. Some granules will require you to use water before it can break down. But, some fertilizers want the lawn wet with about a quarter inch of water before application.<\/p>