Lawn fertilization is an important part of lawn maintenance – but how do you apply fall lawn fertilizer the right way? And why is the best time to fertilize lawns in the fall?
At Earth Development, we help business owners across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond keep their outdoor spaces healthy and attractive – and that includes proper lawn maintenance. Let’s take a look at how you can keep your lawn healthy by fertilizing in the fall.
Consider the Kind Of Grass You Have
Not every grass is different. Many people have cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass, which experiences peak growth in the spring and the fall. In Minnesota, this is probably the kind of grass that you have.
Fertilizing this kind of grass in the fall is essential as the grassroots are better able to absorb it as it grows.
When To Fertilize Lawn In Fall
Okay, so we know that your grass in the Midwest area is likely to need to be fed in the fall – but when in the fall is the right time?
There are two best times to fertilize lawns in Minnesota. The first is in the early fall, which should be done between mid-August and mid-September. The timing is essential as it will help the lawn grow and recover from any damage that has been done during the summer.
Late fall applications should take place between mid-October and mid-November. This is when the lawn has stopped growing but remains green, and the ground has not yet begun to freeze. The nutrients help encourage deep root growth, ensuring your grass survives the winter.
Benefits of Fertilizing Lawn in Fall
There are lots of reasons why fertilizing in the fall is such a good idea. Whether you’re fertilizing in early or late fall, here are some of the benefits that come from feeding your lawn at this time of year:
- Helps prepare the lawn for winter
- Improves shoot density
- Promotes deep roots in the late fall
- Prolongs the dark green turf color right into the early winter
- Provides storage of carbohydrates
- Keeps your lawn looking healthier for longer
Fall Lawn Fertilizer Application Tips
At Earth Development, we work with businesses across the Midwest, helping them keep their lawns looking great all year round. We help you pick the right fertilizer and our teams of local landscapers ensure it’s applied professionally every time.
We also believe in giving people access to our knowledge, too, which is why we want to share some of our top tips for fertilizing your lawn – should you choose to do this yourself.
Clear Your Lawn: Make sure there is no debris on your lawn that will stop the fertilizer from penetrating the soil.
Walk Slowly When Applying: When walking on your lawn and applying the fertilizer, walk slowly to ensure an even application.
Apply to Moist Soil: Fertilizer takes better when applied to warm soil. Wait for a rainy day and then apply the fertilizer the next day, but try to make sure you do it on a day that no further rain is expected. You’ll need 24 to 48 hours of dry weather for the fertilizer to sink into the soil without being washed away.
Always Read the Instructions: Every fertilizer is different and the bag will contain important instructions to ensure that it is applied properly.
Call Your Local Lawn Fertilizing Experts
Fertilizing your lawn is always important – but making sure you fertilize at the right time is even more important. For help finding the right fertilizer, and for a team of local professionals providing professional lawn fertilizing services, call Earth Development today!