Late spring marks a pivotal time for lawn care enthusiasts as we transition into a season of vibrant growth and renewal. Whether you’re tending to a new lawn or nursing an established one back to health, a well-planned late spring fertilizer schedule can make all the difference. Let’s delve into the essential steps for fertilization, overseeding, and aerifying to ensure your lawn flourishes throughout the season.
Apply April 21st – May 21st
First and foremost, let’s talk about fertilization. For both new lawns and established ones in recovery, we recommend using a balanced fertilizer such as 19-19-19. This formulation provides a comprehensive blend of essential nutrients to promote healthy root development and lush greenery. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound per 1,000 square feet of lawn area to ensure even coverage and optimal absorption.
Next up, overseeding is a crucial step in revitalizing your lawn’s appearance and resilience. For new lawns, this helps fill in any sparse areas and establish a dense, uniform turf. For established lawns in recovery, overseeding breathes new life into weakened or thinning areas. Choose the appropriate grass seed for your region—10 pounds of Fescue or 2.5 pounds of Bluegrass per 1,000 square feet of lawn area—and spread evenly over the targeted areas.
Aeration plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy root growth and improving overall lawn health. By aerifying, you alleviate soil compaction and enhance air and water circulation to the root zone, fostering optimal nutrient uptake. For Fescue, follow these steps: aerify the lawn, leaving the plugs in place, then apply 5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet, followed by fertilizer application (19-19-19), and thoroughly water the lawn.
Pro Tip for Fescue:
1. Apply 5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
2. Aerify the lawn, leaving the plugs in place.
3. Apply an additional 5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
4. Apply fertilizer (19-19-19) evenly across the lawn.
5. Thoroughly water the lawn to ensure proper seed germination and nutrient absorption.
For Bluegrass:
For Bluegrass overseeding, follow steps 2 through 5 after aerification, and apply 2.5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn area.
By adhering to this comprehensive late spring fertilizer schedule, you’re setting your lawn up for success. From promoting robust growth to enhancing resilience and density, each step plays a crucial role in cultivating a vibrant, healthy lawn that you can enjoy throughout the season and beyond. Happy lawn care!
