Many myths surrounding lawn fertilizing go around among the lawn mower companies and the farming community, but those myths can be detrimental to your grass if followed. In this blog, we will uncover all the myths and their reality regarding fertilizing your lawns. Don’t follow the misconceptions but make informed decisions regarding your property for the sake of your well-being.
Lawn Fertilizing Myths: What They Say and What Is True
Imagine you’re sick and end up in a hospital; you went to the doctor and asked for a diagnosis, and he gave you the right medicine that would work, along with a proper prescription explaining the dose quantity and timings. What would happen if you overdosed? Umm! You might know the answer to that, and what would happen if you kept on taking those medications even after you had been cured? The side effects will start showing up.
Now imagine the same scenario, replacing yourself with your lawn and the medications with fertilizers. The myth that goes around among farmers or lawn mowers is that maybe fertilizer is always the right solution, and it is the food for grass. Have a look at some of the common misconceptions and why they’re harmful.
1. More fertilizer = better lawn
One of the most common myths regarding lawn fertilizing is maybe more means better. Is medicine overdose right? Or does more spice mean better taste? Neither, right? The same goes for the fertilizing situation.
| Myth | Reality |
| Applying extra fertilizer will lead to a better, lusher, and healthier lawn. | Overuse of fertilizer, particularly nitrogen, can result in fertilizer burn, which can kill the grass by turning it brown or yellow. Nitrogen is seriously detrimental to a plant’s health. Additionally, it weakens the grass, increasing its susceptibility to pests and diseases. It can also cause waterway nutrient pollution. |
2. Every fertilizer is equal: it will do the same job
Another misconception is that every fertilizer does the same job and will fix any issue on hand whatsoever.
| Myth | Reality |
| Any fertilizer will be right for your lawn and will do the job for your lawn. | Different fertilizers are designed to meet particular needs and have different nutrient ratios, just like different medications are made for different types of cures. Using the wrong kind or applying it improperly can result in runoff, burning, or imbalances. |
3. Fertilizing in spring is the best approach
Furthermore, a lot of people believe that since plants regrow in the spring, this might be the ideal time of year to apply fertilizer.
| Myth | Reality |
| Spring is the only or best time to fertilize your lawn. | The best time to fertilize depends on your grass type and climate. For instance, warm-season grasses do best with fertilization in late spring and summer, whereas cool-season grasses benefit from both spring and fall applications. Inappropriate usage can damage the lawn and prevent nutrients from being absorbed. |
4. Watering the lawn every day, especially after fertilizing
Did you know that roots get stronger by deep, infrequent watering, roughly 1 inch per week? Although watering is important, it depends on the crop type and even the timing.
| Myth | Reality |
| Daily watering is essential to keep the lawn healthy, and watering immediately after fertilizing is always recommended. | Shallow root systems are stimulated by frequent, shallow watering; the grass is more vulnerable to drought and heat. Granular fertilizer should ideally not be watered for at least 24 hours after application to allow it to start decomposing and releasing nutrients. |
5. Testing the soil is optional
Can the doctor give medicine without diagnosing the problem first? So, how can the farmer apply a fertilizer without testing the soil first?
| Myth | Reality |
| You can apply any fertilizer without understanding your soil’s composition first. | Soil testing is important because it helps in determining the pH level and nutrient imbalances in your soil. This will help you in selecting the right fertilizer and its application rates, preventing misapplication and fostering the best possible lawn health. |
6. Fertilizer is plant food
Another very common misconception is that fertilizer is the plant’s food, and it needs it every time.
| Myth | Reality |
| Fertilizer directly feeds your grass plants. | Plants produce their food through the process of photosynthesis. Fertilizers only support it; they provide the essential nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which support healthy growth and help with this natural process. However, the natural food production of the plant cannot be replaced by fertilizers. |
Conclusion:
By understanding these common myths, misconceptions, and mistakes that lawn companies, residents, or even farmers make, we can make informed decisions regarding adopting the right fertilization practices. You can avoid harming your lawn (unintentionally or unknowingly) by fostering a vibrant, healthy turf.
FAQs
What are the side effects of lawn fertilizer?
Irritation to the skin, eyes, or nose in case of direct contact, and stomach problems in case of swallowing.
How much do fertilizers cost?
The granular fertilizer costs around $150 to $350, whereas just for weeds and insects, they cost around $150 to $250.
Why is nitrogen bad for your plants?
Excessive nitrogen can make plants susceptible to weeds and insects, can delay fruit productivity, or can cause nutrient imbalances leading to fertilizer burn.