Having The Best Lawn On The Block

Spreading fertilizer before precipitation can be a healthy practice yet there is a gamble. Applying too early in the season can be wasteful. If soil temperatures are not ready for plant growth (above 55 degrees) then the root system is not prepared to take up nutrients. The rain/snow can leach nutrients pass the root zone making a wasteful application.

Also watch out for applying fertilizer prior to heavy rainfall. These rainfalls can wash nutrients off the surface which contaminates local water sources. It is important to apply correctly because fertilizers are geared to provide enough nutrients to the root zone for the turf or desired plants.

Using an irrigation system to water in nutrients can be far more effective because you can control how much water is applied. Most fertilizer bags tell you how much product to apply and whether it requires irrigation water or not. Follow the label, these products go through plenty of testing to arrive at desired results. Not sure how to calibrate a fertilizer spreader? Click here for a short video on how to do so correctly. 

Not sure how your irrigation system is performing? Click here for a detailed video on how to perform an irrigation audit (There is a lot of snow on the course, you have time to watch it). Of course you can go to a Colorado State Extension office for an audit kit but you can also do the audit with just a few items from your home. After referring to the video, you can swap out catch cans by using old tuna cans. Tape measures and stop watches are things you can probably find around your home. For measuring water, use a measuring cup from the kitchen. Your goals will be to find uniformity and determining how long your system needs to run to apply a certain amount of water.

Spending time performing these two functions in the spring will be key to having the best lawn in the neighborhood all summer long.