Love Your Lawn-Tips for Growing Killer Grass!
Some people just have the knack for growing grass – their lawns always look picture-perfect. They’re the ones with gorgeous, green, thick, even coverage. And then… there’s most of us. Many homeowners struggle with keeping lawns full, watered correctly, and free of insects. In this lawn care series, we’ll cover common issues and how to overcome them. First up: fertilizers! Here are tips and expert-backed insights to help transform your yard from so-so to stunning. Get ready to take notes!
Start with a Soil Test
To get excellent results, you need to understand what you’re working with. A soil test identifies the type and amount of fertilizer your lawn needs. Too much or too little fertilizer can prevent healthy growth and make your lawn vulnerable to insects and disease. For example, over-fertilizing invites chinch bugs, which feed by piercing the blades of grass. Testing first ensures you apply the right nutrients for a healthy lawn.
Nitrogen Is Your Friend
Choose a fertilizer with at least 30% water-insoluble nitrogen. This slow-release nitrogen provides nutrients over 8–12 weeks for long-lasting color and health. Lower-priced fertilizers containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate break down quickly and produce weaker results. Avoid quick-release nitrogen — it increases soil acidity and doesn’t support microbial activity.
Timing Is Everything
Late spring is ideal for fertilizing. Fertilizing too early in the season causes rapid growth that becomes vulnerable when hot, humid weather arrives. You can also fertilize in late summer and fall. If your soil test recommends lime, apply it in late fall — lime moves slowly through soil and needs time to adjust pH levels. If your test shows you need more than 100 lbs. of limestone per 1,000 sq ft, split the treatment between fall and the following spring.
Thatch… Is It Your Problem?
Thatch is a layer of organic debris between the soil surface and the grass crowns. Removing a plug of turf will reveal the thatch layer. A small amount (½ inch or less) is beneficial — it acts as mulch, moderates soil temperature, and retains moisture. But too much thatch prevents water from reaching the soil, causing root die-off and creating more thatch. It’s also a magnet for insects and disease.
Dethatching is tough, physical work and creates a large mess, so many homeowners bring in professionals. You can also rent a dethatching machine from a local home and garden store. If your thatch layer is over one inch thick, the best solution is to remove the lawn and reseed — most machines simply can’t dig deep enough to clear it out.
Aerate for Light, Breathable Soil
Core aerators remove 3–4 inch plugs of soil, leaving holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate more effectively. Fall is the best time for core aeration, with spring as a secondary option. If your lawn is primarily decorative, aerate every three years. High-traffic yards benefit from annual aeration.
Now that you know the basics of proper fertilization, you’re ready to get started! It’s late spring — time to pick up that slow-release nitrogen. And when you’ve finished, plan ahead for fall lawn care so you’re prepared when cooler weather arrives.
Love your lawn, and it will love you back! For more home care tips and inspiration, visit our Design Studio or connect with our team anytime through our Contact Page.
