Image: Bunning’s Warehouse
If the scorching summer months have done a number on your lawn, now is the perfect time to do some damage control with a good quality lawn fertiliser. While fertilising your lawn may not be the most glamorous job, it’s essential to ensure that the soil has all the nutrients it needs to keep your lawn lush as it transitions into the next season. Choosing the right lawn fertiliser can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To make reviving your lawn simple, keep reading for our complete guide to fertilising your lawn.
Choosing a lawn fertiliser with the right combination of nutrients
Lawn fertiliser blends are made up of a combination of Phosphorus, Nitrogen and Potassium. The ratio of these nutrients in your lawn fertiliser will be different depending on the quality of your soil, the type of turf, and the specific issue you want to target. When selecting a lawn fertiliser, it is important to understand what properties each nutrient brings to the blend and the effect it will have on your lawn:
Phosphorus
Lawn fertilisers rich in phosphorus will help your lawn develop a healthy root system. Results can be achieved with small amounts, so phosphorus is generally a minor ingredient in most fertiliser blends.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is used to improve the quality of the grass, making it thicker lusher, and greener. Nitrogen-deficiency is a common soil issue that will leave your lawn yellow and patchy. In most lawn fertiliser blends, nitrogen will be the main nutrient.
Potassium
Potassium works in your lawn to strengthen the cells of the grass, improving overall health and ensuring it can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Do I need to test the soil before fertilising my lawn?
While it’s not essential to test the PH of your soil before you fertilise, it can help you make a more informed decision when selecting a fertiliser to address specific issues with the quality of your soil. The simplest way to check the PH of your soil is to pick up a soil testing kit from your local hardware store or garden centre. A PH of less than 7 indicates that your soil is acidic and could benefit from a potassium-rich fertiliser while a PH of more than 7 means that your soil is alkaline, and will need some more phosphorus. Soil with a PH of 7 is the sweet spot and provides the best conditions for your turf to thrive.
The fertilising process
It’s important to prepare your lawn before you start fertilising so it is primed to absorb the nutrients on offer. Follow these simple steps to get the best results from your lawn fertiliser:
- Start by aerating your lawn and removing any dead leaves and debris
- Apply your chosen fertiliser
- For best results, water your lawn immediately after application to allow fertiliser to soak into the turf
- Wait at least a week to mow after you fertilise
- Repeat process in early spring, early summer mid to late autumn for a healthy lawn all year round.
If your lawn is still looking patchy after you’ve fertilised it, the problem may not be a lack of nutrients, but rather a lawn disease like dollar spot. Read our blog on identifying and treating common lawn disease to learn more. For more turf tips or to get a quote, contact our friendly team today via our website or on 0490 363 074.