When is it time to fertilize my lawn

When do I start fertlizing my lawn.

This one question I get all the time. Especially during the late winter season.  Most folks think they have to fertlize now or during cold weather.  This is not true but it also depends on the type of grass you have.

Fertilizing your lawn is of utmost importance if you want your lawn to be the talk of the neighborhood.  Lush green lawns are what all home owners want. 

But when why and how should we fertlizer our lawns during the late winter season.  Bermuda grasses will go dormant in most zone areas including the lower elevations of the Southwest.  Soutwestern California and Arizona rarely have freezing temperatures therefore Bermuda grass does not go completley dormant.

We play, exercise, sit, and walk around our lawn sometimes barefooted.  Without  good regular fertlizing our grass will look dry, dead and could be over taken by weeds! 

Bermuda grass is a warm season grass and is used in ballparks,  sports fields and gold courses.  It is very hardy and can tolerate lots of traffic.  It should be fertilized in early spring mid summer and late fall.  Do not fertlize during the cold months.  You will be bascially wasting your hard earned money if you do.

St. Augustine is another grass that thrives in hot climates but does not like colder temperatures.  Follow bermuda grass fertlizing. 

Year round cold weather grasses such as Kentucky blue and Fescue grasses need to be fertilized all year long but only sparingly during winter.  

Most folks are always asking me for the best tips on keeping a beautiful lawn. Here are my best tips.

1. Water according to your zone area.  Overwatering can lead to serious fungus problems. 
2. Fertlize once a month during the spring, summer and fall months for warm weather grasses.
3. Do the same for cold weather grasses but only once or twice during December through February.
4. Always use a grass winterizer in early winter for good rooth growth.  This is not a fertlizer but a vitamin for your grass roots.
5. Observe your lawn consistently for any signs of dry or hazing looking spots.  This could mean grubs or disease.
6. Mow your lawn at least twice per month and go up one notch as the season progesses.  Keep you blades sharp to prevent that brownish at the top look.

Following the above tips could have folks saying…this is the greenest grass I’ve seen since the sixties.

Thanks Paul Guzman

If you have any questions please let us know what they are by commenting below.