How to Fertilise Your Lawn Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks

The Ultimate Guide to Fertilising Your Lawn

Maintaining a healthy lawn isn’t just about regular mowing or watering. Fertilising plays a key role in keeping your grass lush, green and resistant to weeds and diseases. Understanding how and when to use lawn fertiliser is crucial to achieving professional-looking results without overcomplicating the process.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about fertilising your lawn, from choosing the right type of fertiliser to applying it at the correct times.

Why is Fertilising Important for Lawn Care?

Grass requires nutrients to grow and while soil naturally contains some of these, it often isn’t enough to sustain a vibrant lawn. Lawn fertiliser replenishes essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients contribute to:

1. Healthy Growth: Nitrogen encourages lush, green blades of grass.
2. Root Development: Phosphorus strengthens roots and helps grass establish itself.
3. Stress Resistance: Potassium improves resilience to drought, disease and extreme temperatures.

Regular fertilising as part of your lawn care routine ensures your grass gets everything it needs to thrive.

Choosing the Right Lawn Fertiliser

Not all lawn fertilisers are created equal. Picking the right one depends on your lawn’s specific needs, the time of year and your soil conditions. Here are the main types to consider:

1. Granular Fertilisers: Easy to spread and long-lasting, granular fertilisers are ideal for slow, steady nutrient release. They’re available in two types:
   • Quick-Release: Provides immediate nutrients but needs frequent reapplication.
   • Slow-Release: Lasts longer, requiring fewer applications.
2. Liquid Fertilisers: These deliver nutrients quickly and are easy to apply using a hose sprayer. Liquid fertilisers are great for immediate results but need regular reapplication.
3. Organic Fertilisers: Made from natural materials like compost or bone meal organic options improve soil health over time while releasing nutrients gradually.
4. Specialised Fertilisers: Some fertilisers are formulated for specific purposes, such as weed-and-feed products or high-potassium blends for autumn use.

Tip: Conduct a soil test to determine your lawn’s nutrient requirements. This will help you choose the right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (often indicated as NPK ratios on fertiliser packaging).

When to Fertilise Your Lawn

Timing is crucial when it comes to fertilising. Applying fertiliser at the wrong time can lead to wasted effort or even harm your lawn. Here’s a breakdown of when to fertilise throughout the year:

Spring

• When to Fertilise: Apply the first dose of fertiliser in early spring, once the grass starts growing actively.
• What to Use: Use a fertiliser high in nitrogen to promote strong growth and a vibrant green colour.
• Why It Matters: Fertilising in spring kick-starts your lawn’s recovery from winter dormancy.

Summer

• When to Fertilise: Mid to late summer but only if your lawn is actively growing and not stressed by heat or drought.
• What to Use: Opt for a balanced fertiliser or one with slow-release nitrogen.
• Why It Matters: Summer fertilising helps your grass maintain its health during periods of high stress.

Autumn

• When to Fertilise: Apply fertiliser in early to mid-autumn, before the first frost.
• What to Use: Use a fertiliser high in potassium to strengthen roots and improve winter resistance.
• Why It Matters: Prepping your lawn for winter ensures it comes back stronger in spring.

Winter

• When to Fertilise: Fertiliser is typically not needed during winter unless you live in a region with mild winters and your grass stays active.
• What to Use: If necessary, apply a light potassium-rich fertiliser.
• Why It Matters: Winter fertilisation can support grass survival in milder climates.

How to Apply Lawn Fertiliser

Proper application techniques are just as important as choosing the right fertiliser. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Prepare Your Lawn: Mow the grass a few days before fertilising, ensuring it’s not too long or too short. Remove any debris like leaves or twigs.
2. Choose the Right Weather: Apply fertiliser when the grass is dry but rain is expected within a day or two. This helps the fertiliser soak into the soil without being washed away.
3. Spread Evenly: Use a broadcast spreader for granular fertilisers to ensure even coverage. For liquid fertilisers, use a hose-end sprayer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Water In: After applying granular fertiliser, water your lawn lightly to help nutrients penetrate the soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can wash fertiliser away.
5. Avoid Overlapping: Overlapping passes with a spreader or sprayer can lead to over-fertilisation in some areas, which can burn your grass. Be precise and follow a consistent pattern.
6. Clean Up: Sweep up any fertiliser that lands on hard surfaces like driveways or patios to prevent runoff into waterways.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes when fertilising. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Over-fertilising: Applying too much fertiliser can lead to “fertiliser burn,” where the grass turns yellow or brown. Always follow the recommended application rates.
2. Wrong Timing: Fertilising too early or late can waste nutrients and harm your lawn. Stick to the seasonal schedule outlined above.
3. Neglecting Soil Health: Fertiliser can’t fix poor soil. Combine fertilising with good soil care practices, such as aeration and adding organic matter.
4. Ignoring Water Needs: Fertiliser needs water to activate. Without proper watering, it won’t penetrate the root zone effectively.

Combining Fertiliser with Other Lawn Care Practices

Fertilising alone won’t guarantee a perfect lawn. Combine it with these essential lawn care practices for the best results:

• Aerate the Soil: Aeration allows fertiliser to reach the roots more effectively by reducing soil compaction.
• Overseed Thin Areas: Overseeding in autumn ensures that your lawn stays dense and weed-free.
• Mow Correctly: Regular mowing at the right height keeps your grass healthy and encourages even growth.
• Control Weeds and Pests: Address issues promptly to prevent them from affecting your lawn’s health.

Keep Your Lawn Thriving Year-Round

Fertilising is an essential part of lawn care that ensures your grass remains healthy, vibrant and resilient throughout the year. By understanding your lawn’s needs, choosing the right fertiliser and applying it at the correct times, you can achieve professional-looking results. For more tips on lawn care and fertiliser recommendations, visit Turffit’s resource centre and explore their range of lawn care products.