Lawn Care Tip- Spring into Fertilization

With spring here it is time to start fertilizing your lawn (if you haven't already started) to ensure a lush, green lawn that is well hydrated for summer. Early spring is the best time to fertilize your yard. If you wait until late spring to fertilize, the fertilizer just ends up feeding grass weeds or scorches your lawn.

It is important to remember that fertilization, although good for your lawn when applied properly, can also pollute South Florida springs and waterways.  The first thing to remember is that fertilizer nutrients only help to feed your lawn and landscape if they are kept in the root zone of the grass plants. When you keep the nutrients in the root zone you protect springs, prevent waste, save money and support healthy plant growth.

You can generally apply dry (granular) fertilizers, with 35% or more of the nitrogen in a slow release/slowly available form,  safely when done according to package directions. High-percent slow-release/slowly available nitrogen is less likely to be lost below the root zone. If the dry granule fertilizer has less than 35% slow release nitrogen you should use two applications instead of following the package directions.  It is best to use  a lawn fertilizer that has 4% or less phosphorus. Most Florida soils contain enough phosphorus to grow and maintain a lawn healthy. Too much phosphorus can pollute springs and spring runs. If you are concerned about the phosphorous level in your soil have your soil tested to be certain.  Maintain a 10-foot unfertilized buffer area around water bodies and sinkholes to help protect South Florida waterways.