Lawn Fertilizer FAQ's
There are a variety of lawn fertilizers on the market, each touting it's unique benefits over the ones sitting next to it at retail stores, either claiming to be faster acting, or more effective or ... you get the idea.
With so many options available and differing information on how to use them, when to apply, benefits, and so on, we decided to create a blog on what we feel are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to lawn fertilizer.
What are the three main ingredients in fertilizer?
Typically, most fertilizers have Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
Nitrogen is “considered to be the most important nutrient, and plants absorb more nitrogen than any other element.” (The Fertilizer Institute)
Phosphorus supports the photosynthesis of the plant, and Potassium “helps strengthen plants’ abilities to resist disease.” (The Fertilizer Institute)
When is the best time to fertilize your lawn?
According to The Spruce, "The best time for that first application is late spring, just as the green grass is beginning to grow eagerly." Soil temperatures need to be approximately 12 to 13 degrees Celsius or 55 Fahrenheit.
When are the usual application intervals for lawn fertilizer?
The common intervals are at initial growth stage, after periods of dry weather and or drought, and at the end of the summer season to increase resistance to winter kill and lessen fungal growth.
Why should we use natural fertilizers over chemical fertilizers?
Natural fertilizers are of course more earth friendly and less damaging to the environment than chemical fertilizers, as they are made with natural and sustainable ingredients.
Other advantages of organic fertilizers, according to Today's Homeowner, The Debate over Organic vs Chemical Fertilizers:
- "In addition to releasing nutrients, as organic fertilizers break down, they improve the structure of the soil and increase its ability to hold water and nutrients. Over time, organic fertilizers will make your soil–and plants–healthy and strong.
- Since they are the ultimate slow-release fertilizers, it’s very difficult to over fertilize (and harm) your plants.
- There’s little to no risk of toxic buildups of chemicals and salts that can be deadly to plants."
What are the disadvantages of using chemical fertilizers?
Chemical fertilizers will help plants grow, but they will not help to sustain the soil or improve the health of the soil.
"Long-term use of chemical fertilizer can change the soil pH, upset beneficial microbial ecosystems, increase pests, and even contribute to the release of greenhouse gases." (Today's Homeowner)
You also have to be careful about not applying too much and over fertilizing. This can be detrimental to your plants and the ecosystem.
Does ESS offer lawn fertilizer?
Yes! We carry ESLF – Natural Lawn Fertilizer in 2L, 20L or 205L sizes.
Our natural fertilizer is formulated with a unique combination of complex carbohydrates, macro and micronutrients, amino acids, enzymes, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The variety of natural substances aid soil and plant health, helping your lawn green up while helping improve your soil.
ESLF will help:
- improve root development
- suppress weed growth
- enhance the wear and stress tolerance of turf
- provide protection against pathogens and disease
How do you apply ESLF?
ESLF is 100% dispersible in water and can be soil or foliar applied throughout the season without causing leaf burn.
How many applications of ESLF needs to be used per season?
We recommend using this application 2 times per season for lawns at above average condition, although 3 or 4 applications may be used if looking for superior lawn quality.
To learn more about ESLF, click here.
If you have any questions on lawn fertilizer, please contact us at 1-866-444-7174 or info@earth-smart-solutions.com
Sources:
Today's Homeowner, The Debate Over Organic Vs Chemical Fertilizers
The Fertilizer Institute, Fertilizer 101: The Big 3 - Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium | TFI | The Fertilizer Institute
Popular Mechanics, When to Fertilize Lawn – Grass Fertilizer Tips (popularmechanics.com)
The Spruce, When to Apply Spring Lawn Fertilizer