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Fertilizing Lawns

Fertilize new lawns according to recommendations suggested by the soil test data. Work or rake the fertilizer into the soil prior to seeding. If you haven't had a soil test taken, apply 4 to 6 pounds of a fertilizer such as 19-26-5 per 1,000 square feet on new lawns.

Established lawns require more nitrogen than either phosphorus or potash. Kentucky bluegrass or bluegrass-red fescue mixtures require about three pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per growing season. This is about 15 pounds per season of a 20-3-6 analysis fertilizer.

Do not apply all the fertilizer at one time. Apply one-third of the fertilizer around Columbus Day, one-third about June 15, and one-third about Labor Day. Read and follow all directions on the fertilizer container.

If you remove clippings and heavily water your lawn, it will need about 50 percent more fertilizer.

Lawn fertilizers range from inorganic, high analysis lawn types to "farm type" fertilizer to organic and "slow release" types. When you apply them at the proper rate, you can expect good results from any type. Inorganic fertilizers containing water soluble nitrogen may burn grass if you apply them too heavily. Spread no more than one pound of actual fast release nitrogen per 1,000 square feet at one time. Slow release and organic fertilizers will not burn when you use them within reason.

For future reference, you may want to obtain a copy of Extension bulletin H-244, "A Beautiful Lawn Can Be Yours," which is available at your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

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