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Types of Fertilizers

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Lawns need a large amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. A good ratio to help your lawn grow is three parts nitrogen, two parts of potassium, and one part of phosphorus, The three numbers found on a fertilizer package tell you the percentage of the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium by weight. These numbers are often called NPK.

• Nitrogen (N) – 78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen. When this nitrogen combines with natural gas, ammonia is formed. Nitrogen is the nutrient most required by our lawns. A high level of nitrogen gives your lawn a rich green color and develops fast shoots. However, too much nitrogen can cause excessive top growth. Another determining factor in choosing nitrogen fertilizers is what kind of nitrogen is actually in the product. Nitrogen fertilizer may have fast-release or controlled-release nitrogen. Most often for lawns, fertilizers containing controlled-release nitrogen sources are suggested for most applications.

o Controlled-release – Help to supply a more uniform grass growth that is not as likely to burn. With the controlled release products you may not see the quick greening of the grass. Losses through soil or air are less likely with the controlled-release fertilizers.

o Fast-release – Help to green up your grass quickly but may cause a large flush of growth. They provide the nitrogen to cold soils but also are more likely to burn your grass. Losses through soil or air are more likely with a fast-release fertilizer. The fast-release products are typically less expensive than the controlled-release.

• Phosphorus (P) – Phosphorous is found in natural geological deposits. It helps build the root system and helps to fight against disease in your lawn.

• Potassium (K) – Potassium protects our lawns in the winter from cold temperatures and helps to protect against weeds and insects. It ensures that the water we put on our lawns is used efficiently.

The following are different types of fertilizers available for your use:

• Complete Fertilizers – A complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the same product along with other needed nutrients. The makers of fertilizer will take these nutrients from nature and put them into a form that our plants and lawns can use.

• Balanced Fertilizers – A balanced fertilizer provides nutrients in a predetermined ratio that is designed to meet the lawn requirements for your particular elements.

• Weed and Feed – A fertilizer that contains a broadleaf killer for weeds. The weed and feed type fertilizer is a contact killer that is only effective on actively growing weeds. Weed and Feed fertilizers should not be used with new seeding or sodding. They are best used in the springtime on established lawns.

• Pre-emergents – A weed killer that must be applied before the weeds germinate. They do not work if the weeds are actively growing. Pre-emergents are normally used to prevent crabgrass from growing. Pre-emergent can be mixed with fertilizer and spread in the early spring. Crabgrass normally germinates at a ground temperature of 60 degrees.

• Post-emergents – A contact killer that is only effective if the weeds are actively growing. Post-emergents will not kill weeds that have not begun to germinate.

• Starter fertilizer - Designed for new lawns and have a little less nitrogen and some phosphorous to get the roots off to a good start.

• Winterizer Fall Fertilizer – Helps prepare your lawn for winter by promoting stronger root development. Winterizers also help to provide a thicker and greener lawn in the fall. If you use a winterizer you should see a quicker greening in your lawn in the spring.

Next Page: Methods of Applying Fertilizer

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