Should I fertilize after installation? – It is not necessary to fertilize the first year a lawn is installed except with a slow release, low nitrogen, organic fertilizer. We recommend applying Sustane 4-6-4.
When can I start to fertilize after installation? – It is recommended to wait at least 3 months after installation to start a fertilizer program.
How do I know what type of fertilizer and how often to apply after my lawn is established? – Above all, just make sure you are putting some kind of all purpose fertilizer on your lawn 4-5 times a year. Homeowners often get over-whelmed by all the numbers and types of fertilizers, and end up not using anything. By applying 4-5 applications of an all purpose fertilizer between February and November, you’re incorporating nutrients that aren’t available in our high alkaline soils here in Utah that are necessary for a healthy plant. If you plan to use only one fertilizer, the most common number on the front are 24-5-10, 16-16-16, and 19-3-5. For a specific fertilizer program, visit your local garden center (IFA, Steve Reagan, BioGrass Sod Farms, Etc.)
What is a Pre-Emergent? – A pre-emergent is referring to the coating of selective herbicide around the fertilizer pellet. This herbicide will persist in the top inch of soil and stop weed seeds from germinating. It is important to know that a pre-emergent will kill ALL seeds, so if your planning on over-seeding anytime during the season, don’t use a fertilizer with a pre-emergent. We recommend using a pre-emergent every other season, and seeding during the off years.
Benefits Of Having A Lawn
Lawns in suburban and urban areas provide a range of environmental, social, and aesthetic benefits. Biofiltration, which refers to the natural process through which plants filter pollutants from the air and water. Lawns act as living filters, capturing dust, toxins, and other airborne contaminants while absorbing rainwater, preventing runoff, and improving water quality. This process helps reduce pollution, improve the local environment, and promote cleaner air and water for surrounding communities.
In addition to their role in biofiltration, lawns are also significant contributors to carbon sequestration. Through photosynthesis, grass and other plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their roots and soil. This helps reduce the amount of CO2, a major greenhouse gas, which in turn mitigates climate change. Lawns can act as carbon sinks, trapping carbon over time and contributing to global efforts to combat environmental degradation. Moreover, well-maintained grass can help lower temperatures in suburban areas, where the urban heat island effect is common. Lawns provide natural cooling by absorbing sunlight and releasing moisture through transpiration, allowing for more comfortable use of outdoor spaces.
The use of lawns in the landscape may also provide recreational opportunities, aesthetic appeal, and opportunities for relaxation and social interaction. The presence of green lawns encourages outdoor activities, mental well-being, and community cohesion. By maintaining green spaces in urban areas, we not only improve environmental quality but also contribute to the quality of life for residents, providing them with access to nature within urban settings. Whether as a place for children to play, families to gather, or individuals to enjoy nature, lawns play an integral role in sustaining vibrant and livable communities.