Why Apply Balanced Granular Fertilizer to Your Lawn in Fall?
Why apply balanced granular fertilizer to your lawn in the fall? Because applying a balanced fertilizer at this time of year might be the very best way to prepare your lawn for winter and set it up for a strong spring.
Today, September 24th, Berger Hargis completed the round 5 lawn care application on my yard. For years, I assumed the only time I needed to fertilize my lawn was in the Spring, you know, when things start growing again. I was wrong. As important as Spring fertilization is, so is Fall – maybe more. Would you like to know why?
Strengthens Roots
Winter is approaching; temperatures will drop, snow will fall, and the wind will howl. Cool‑season grasses may stop growing but still need nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the most needed nutrients for root health. When grass has strong root systems, water uptake improves, and the grass anchors more firmly to the turf, helping your lawn survive cold, snow, ice, and wind.
Stores Energy
Have you heard of carb loading? Guess what? Carbohydrates stored in the grass provide energy for your lawn all winter. The Fall fertilization helps your grass not only survive Winter but also thrive next Spring.
Fights Disease
When you feed your lawn in the fall, it is much more resilient to winter diseases. Yes, some lawn diseases thrive in cold and even snow. The potassium in the balanced formula also boosts the grass’s cold tolerance and improves overall plant health.
Suppress Winter Weeds
Many fall fertilizers have pre‑emergent herbicides that slow growth and control winter weeds. But wait, there’s more! A thick, healthy lawn makes it harder to be overrun by crabgrass and other unwanted weeds next Spring!
Why Granular Fertilizer?
Slow-release granular fertilizer, when spread evenly, will continue to nourish your lawn for at least most of the winter. (We never know how long the next winter will last.)
Pro Tip 1
It’s best to apply the fertilizer when the grass is still growing. However, it’s also good to spread it before the first frost, which in central Indiana is historically mid-October.
Pro Tip 2
“We are quickly approaching the best time of the year for controlling most perennial broadleaf weeds here in Indiana. While a good fall fertility program should be the primary approach to reducing weed problems, in most situations, fall is also the best time to apply broadleaf herbicides.” — Purdue Agriculture — Fall broadleaf weed control applications
So, why apply balanced granule fertilizer to your lawn in the fall? Because it strengthens your grass’s root system, fights disease, slows weeds, and helps create a beautiful spring lawn.
How Can We Help You?
Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. Therefore, the company is built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.
If we can answer any questions about your lawn or landscaping, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He can be found at RandyClarkLeadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends, he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like How to Fix Bare Patches in Your Yard.
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