What Are the Types of Lawn Fertilizers and How Do They Work?

Maintaining a lush green lawn always isn’t easy. Most times, nature seems to work against us. It may be that the soil contains nutrients to make your grass grow, but for some reason, it’s not sprouting the way you want. Other times, your lawn might lacks nutrients; that’s when you’ll need to fertilize. Lawn fertilizers give your grass the boost it needs to stay alive even in unfavourable seasons. Fertilizing the lawn is very important because the grass needs certain nutrients to sustain itself. Lawn fertilizers usually contain nitrogen for helping your grass grow blades, potassium for a disease-free and healthy lawn, and phosphorus for making the grass’s root stronger. Read on to learn about the types of fertilizers and how they work.

What Are Lawn Fertilizers?

Lawn fertilizers are products that, when fed into the soil, helps the grass to grow and thrive by providing it with necessary ingredients.

What Are the Types of Lawn Fertilizers?

Lawn fertilizers can be categorized into two, namely: organic and inorganic or synthetic.  

Organic

This type of fertilizer consists of all organic plant food. Some examples include blood meal, alfalfa, and kelp. It’s sometimes called slow-release fertilizers because it takes longer to work, although its effects last much longer.

Synthetic

Inorganic or synthetic fertilizer uses chemicals to improve your lawn. Most commercial fertilizers are synthetic and fast-release, meaning they act quickly, but their effect doesn’t last.

How Does Lawn Fertilizer Work?

When buying a fertilizer bag, you might also notice some three numbers ratios representing each pack’s nutrient amount. Also, NPK will be written alongside it, which implies the three nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients are necessary for your turf’s growth, but before applying, you’ll need to conduct a soil test. The soil test result will determine the type of fertilizer best for your lawn and the amount it requires. Also, determine the best time to use it; it may be in the spring, summer, or fall.

Safety Concerns While Using Fertilizers

There are safety concerns you’ll need to consider when using fertilizers.  Ensure you take precautions for your pets, your environment, and your lawn. Before using the fertilizer, make sure you’re wearing hand gloves. It helps protect your hands from coming in contact with nitrogen present in the fertilizer to avoid chemical burn.

Remember to store the fertilizer from the reach of pets and children. It’s better when stored in a cool, dry place, especially a garden shed or garage.

Carefully follow the instruction on the bag when applying synthetic fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization and keep children and pets off the fertilized lawn, at least until you’ve watered it.Choosing a lawn fertilizer is a tricky business, but you have to decide if you’re looking for a quick, inexpensive solution or a more-lasting albeit costly option. Hopefully, the information contained here will help you make the right choice. Remember to check the fertilizer bag to know the nutrient ratio you’re buying if you opt for the synthetic type or contact Eden Services today to help you.