InFluential_Magazine_May_June_2017

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• If you have cool-season grass,
such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue,
bentgrass or ryegrass, the most
important time to fertilize is in
fall and spring when grass begins
“greening up.” Avoid fertilizing
cool-season grasses in the heat of
summer, which could weaken the
turf and promote disease.
• For warm-season grasses, such
as Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass,
centipedegrass, zoysiagrass,
bahiagrass and carpetgrass, the
most important time to feed is at
the start of spring, following the
second mowing, through the end
of summer.
Most new lawns don’t need to
be fertilized until 6-8 weeks after
planting.
How Often to Fertilize
There are a number of factors to
consider about the frequency of
fertilizing, including the type of
grass, the length of growing season,
the type of fertilizer used and
the quality of the lawn you want.
Generally, you should fertilize every
6-8 weeks, but select fertilizers, like
Bayer Advanced Triple Action Lawn
Fertilizer, that have slow-release
forms of nitrogen can feed lawns for
up to 3 months and ensure they are
nourished at all three layers – grass,
roots and soil.
How Much Fertilizer to Apply
First, decide between wet and
dry fertilizer. For most people, dry,
granular lawn fertilizers are easiest
to apply evenly. Before you buy,
determine the square footage of
your lawn and check bag labels
to determine what’s best for your
lawn size, keeping in mind that
application rates are based on
pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Remember, extra fertilizer can be
put back in the bag and saved for a
future application.
How to Use Fertilizer
The best way to apply dry fertilizer
evenly is with a properly operating
fertilizer spreader. How much
fertilizer you apply depends on
the type and model of spreader
you use. Each has settings that are
adjusted according to fertilizer label
recommendations. Avoid fertilizing
by hand, as it can be difficult to
apply evenly.
Fertilizer spreaders come in two
basic types:
• Drop spreaders apply fertilizer
precisely in a band directly below
the spreader.
• Rotary spreaders come in
wheeled and hand-held models
and use a whirling mechanism to
spread fertilizer over a wider area.
Typically, they are less precise than
drop spreaders.
With the right strategy, equipment
and work ethic, it’s possible to grow
the lawn of your dreams. Find
more solutions, tips and advice
at bayeradvanced.com. (Family
Features) l
MAY / JUNE 2017
FLUENTIAL
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