A beautiful, green lawn doesn’t happen by chance—it requires consistent care, including proper fertilization. If you’ve ever wondered why your neighbor’s grass looks so vibrant, chances are they have a solid fertilization routine in place. Applying the right nutrients at the right time plays a crucial role in maintaining a lush, healthy yard.
How Often Should You Fertilize?
Fertilization isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but most lawns benefit from applications three times per year—typically in spring, early summer, and late summer or early fall. In Oregon, for example, the ideal schedule includes applications in April, June, and between late August and early September.
Applying fertilizer at the right time ensures your grass gets the nutrients it needs when it’s actively growing. Over-fertilizing, especially in winter, can disrupt the soil’s natural balance and lead to poor results.
The Role of Soil Testing
Before applying fertilizer, conducting a soil test is essential. This test provides key insights into your lawn’s nutrient levels, helping you determine the exact amount and type of fertilizer needed. While an extra application may not always harm your lawn, guessing can lead to unnecessary waste or potential damage.
Why Fertilization Matters
A well-fertilized lawn isn’t just about aesthetics. Grass that lacks proper nutrients becomes vulnerable to weeds, diseases, and discoloration. In areas like Oregon, where perennial ryegrass is common, under-fertilized lawns can develop issues such as brown blight, rust, and red thread. Regular fertilization strengthens your grass, giving it the resilience to fight off these threats and maintain its vibrancy year-round.
By following a proper fertilization schedule and adjusting based on soil needs, you’ll keep your lawn looking its best while reducing the risk of common turf problems.
A beautiful, green lawn doesn’t happen by chance—it requires consistent care, including proper fertilization. If you’ve ever wondered why your neighbor’s grass looks so vibrant, chances are they have a solid fertilization routine in place. Applying the right nutrients at the right time plays a crucial role in maintaining a lush, healthy yard.
How Often Should You Fertilize?
Fertilization isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but most lawns benefit from applications three times per year—typically in spring, early summer, and late summer or early fall. In Oregon, for example, the ideal schedule includes applications in April, June, and between late August and early September.
Applying fertilizer at the right time ensures your grass gets the nutrients it needs when it’s actively growing. Over-fertilizing, especially in winter, can disrupt the soil’s natural balance and lead to poor results.
The Role of Soil Testing
Before applying fertilizer, conducting a soil test is essential. This test provides key insights into your lawn’s nutrient levels, helping you determine the exact amount and type of fertilizer needed. While an extra application may not always harm your lawn, guessing can lead to unnecessary waste or potential damage.
Why Fertilization Matters
A well-fertilized lawn isn’t just about aesthetics. Grass that lacks proper nutrients becomes vulnerable to weeds, diseases, and discoloration. In areas like Oregon, where perennial ryegrass is common, under-fertilized lawns can develop issues such as brown blight, rust, and red thread. Regular fertilization strengthens your grass, giving it the resilience to fight off these threats and maintain its vibrancy year-round.
By following a proper fertilization schedule and adjusting based on soil needs, you’ll keep your lawn looking its best while reducing the risk of common turf problems.
