4 Tips For Fertilizing Your Front Yard

Spring – Summer – Fall – Winter

A recent OnePoll study revealed that one in two American homeowners think their home exterior lacks curb appeal. If you also feel the same, it may be time to revamp your front yard to look much more appealing. The front exterior of your house is one of the prominent things people notice about your home, so it is vital to keep it as lush and attractive as possible. One of the best ways to keep your front yard looking great is to apply fertilizer for a green and healthy glow. Here are some tips for applying fertilizer to your front yard correctly.

1. Don’t over apply

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Fertilizer application is one of the many gardening tasks you can carry out without professional help. Every fertilizer label lists the recommended application rate, but some garden experts recommend not following it. Instead, start by applying around half of what the manufacturer recommends. Also, apply fertilizer around the front yard’s perimeter and fill in the middle, working in a single direction. Then, spread it again while moving in a perpendicular direction. The crisscrossing pattern ensures excellent coverage and prevents over-application. According to many experts, too little is always better than too much when it comes to fertilizer application. Consequently, it is always better to apply too little than too much since heavy fertilizer doses waste money and easily kill the grass.

2. Fertilize at the right time

Many landscaping experts agree that the best time to feed your lawn is during spring when the soil temperature is about 55º F (12.7 º C). An easy way to know when the soil has reached the ideal temperature for fertilization is to watch out for blooming lilacs and grass growth. Alternatively, you can purchase and use a soil thermometer for improved accuracy. Although you can fertilize your lawn throughout the year, spring fertilization is the most vital. Indeed spring application will enhance lawn growth more than any other fertilization in the year.

It is advisable to include pre and post-emergent weed treatment during spring fertilization to prevent broadleaf weeds from flourishing, so keep this in mind. Post-emergent treatment handles any weeds that have already grown, while pre-emergent treatment is a timely preventative measure to stop weeds that may come during summer. Summer is another great time to lightly apply fertilizer, so keep this in mind. In fact, effective fertilization is one of the best summer lawn care tips you will receive from many experts – if you wish to promote growth and lushness throughout the season’s drought and heat. Fall fertilization is also crucial, but you must apply it with seed to boost germination and stay on top of weed control. Finally, apply fertilizer during winter to keep it healthy and green during the cold season and ready to flourish during spring.

3. Opt for granules

You have likely observed that professional landscapers drive up in tanker trucks and spray your lawns in a short time anytime you call on them to apply fertilizer. They are used to doing this many times a week and know how to factor in the wind and ensure that each part of your front yard gets enough coverage. In addition, they have the right equipment to perform the job in the most effective way possible. On the other hand, homeowners like you should use granules when applying fertilizer because they are easy to apply with spreaders. Indeed, granular fertilizer is quite easy to apply with a spreader compared to spraying, which can be difficult because homeowners may struggle to maintain an even and accurate application across the entire yard.

4. Remember to water

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that outdoor water use is responsible for over 30% of total household water usage on average. Your front yard, gardens, and lawns undoubtedly account for a significant portion of your outdoor water usage. Contrary to what several people think, the more you water your yard, the more fertilizer you must feed it. More water means more growth, which translates to more fertilizer because grass uses more nutrients as it grows. It will help to fertilize your lawn every six weeks if you own an automatic sprinkler system. However, it is best to wait an extra two weeks between feedings if you don’t own a sprinkler system. Furthermore, remember to read the fertilizer label to determine whether to water the yard before or after application. Granulated fertilizers need moisture to break down, while other fertilizers need the grass to be soaked before applying.