Fertilizer

Five-Step Fertilization and Grassy Weed Control Plan

Step 1: Spring Kickoff

(Late March to Mid-April)

Nitrogen (N): 0.5–0.75 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft., with 50% slow-release nitrogen.
Pre-emergent: Targets crabgrass and foxtail while promoting turf growth.
Timing: Based on soil temperatures consistently reaching 50°F the threshold for crabgrass seed germination.
Watering: If rain isn’t forecasted within 24 hours, apply light irrigation to activate the granules by moving them to the surface of the soil.

Step 2: Second Wave of Defense

(Late Spring)

Nitrogen (N): 0.5–0.75 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft., with 30% slow-release nitrogen.
Pre-emergent: A different mode of action to extend grassy weed prevention.
Post-emergent: Kills germinated crabgrass seedlings (up to the 1-tiller stage).
Reasoning: Prolonged spring rains in recent years have widened the crabgrass germination window. This dual pre-emergent strategy ensures better protection against weeds.
Watering: If rain isn’t forecast within 24 hours, apply light irrigation to activate the granules by moving them to the surface of the soil.

Step 3: Summer Health Maintenance

(Late June early July)

Nitrogen (N): 0.5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft., with 25% slow-release nitrogen.
Potassium (K): A small amount to help support moisture management during hot weather.
Iron (Fe): 2% to maintain a lush, green lawn.
Phosphorus (P): Minimal phosphuros helps starves germinating weeds of essential nutrients.
Additional Option:
Grub Control: Contains nitrogen but lacks potassium and iron. Please scroll down to the grub section for more specific details.

Step 4: Fall Growth Booster

(Late August early September)

Nitrogen (N): 0.75–1 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft., with 50% slow-release nitrogen.
Potassium (K): A small amount continues to support water management and plant health.
Phosphorus (P): Zero phosphorus formula helps prevent weed germination.
Purpose: Encourages turf to outgrow weeds while preparing for cooler weather and the onset of winter dormancy.
Watering: If rain isn’t forecasted within 24 hours, apply light irrigation to activate the granules by moving them to the surface of the soil.

Step 5: Winter Prep (Late Fall)

Nitrogen (N): 1–1.5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft., for extended greening and protection.
Potassium (K): Strengthens cell walls and improves water management during winter months.
Benefits: Promotes winter hardiness, reduces the risk of snow mold, and prepares grass for a strong spring start.
Watering: No watering is needed for this application.

Optional Grub Control

Grub Control and Lawn Health

White grubs can be a frustrating problem for homeowners, as these pests feed on grass roots and weaken the turf. A small number of grubs is natural and generally harmless, but an infestation can cause noticeable damage, such as patches of dead grass that can easily be pulled away from the soil. To confirm grub activity, dig a few inches into the affected area, infestations will reveal many grubs clustered together.

It’s worth noting that other lawn issues, such as disease or drought stress, can mimic the damage caused by grubs. Proper diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary chemical treatments, which can save you time and money.

Grub control products affect more than just grubs; they also harm many beneficial insects and larvae that contribute to your lawn’s health. For this reason, we recommend grub control only if damage caused by grubs has been confirmed in previous seasons.

Our Grub Control Approach

Preventative Grub Control:
- A cost-effective option designed to reduce the likelihood of infestations.
- Limitations: Preventative treatments can be ineffective due to variations in grub species. Weather conditions, such as heavy rain or prolonged heat, may degrade the chemicals before they take effect.

Corrective Treatment with Dylox:
- Recommended for severe infestations.
- Pros: Targets active grubs effectively.
- Cons: Not pollinator-friendly, requires safety precautions, and is more expensive. Dylox should be used sparingly to minimize environmental impact.

Natural Lawn Practices to Prevent Grubs

In addition to chemical treatments, several natural lawn care strategies can help deter grubs:

Reseeding with Fescue: Grubs prefer the softer, easier-to-eat roots of bluegrass. Replacing or mixing bluegrass with fescue can reduce grub damage.

Avoid Overwatering: Saturated soil weakens plants, making them more susceptible to disease and grub infestations. Water only as needed to keep the lawn healthy.

Aerating and Dethatching: These practices improve soil drainage, reducing conditions that attract grubs.

By combining smart lawn practices with targeted treatments, you can protect your lawn from grub damage while maintaining its overall health. Let us know if you’d like an assessment or additional help managing grubs!

Important information you should know.

Customers who have this service should note these tips:

Fertilizer will not activate until it is watered. It's best to water within 24 hours of application.
Watering is especially important for grub control and any summer applications. Grub control can be reduced in effectiveness if allowed to sit without water for too long. Summer applications can result in nitrogen burn if not watered in to the turf.
Clean up is vital. We will clean off sidewalks and driveways to prevent tracking fertilizer into your home. Cleaning up also reduces run off of chemicals. Keeping them out of our sewers and on the lawn, where they belong.