When do you winterize lawn

They usually contain little or no organic material. The quick release nitrogen becomes available immediately after application and will continue to release for a couple weeks. The slow release nitrogen i. Moisture is needed to breakdown the outer coating. This provides a steady release of nitrogen for an extended period of time. Different coatings offer different release rates, so look for bags that contain more than one form of slow release nitrogen. These are usually the least expensive fertilizers sometimes selling for less than 10 dollars for a 50 lb bag.

Many homeowners apply this type simply because they are cheap. The 50 lb bags sold at my local feed store have no instructions for use or information on how much to apply leaving the homeowner to guess at the application rate. These fertilizers serve a purpose in the turf industry, but require knowledge and skill to use them properly.

The ingredients of most all non-coated mineral fertilizers release at the same time a soon as water is applied. In addition, they have a very high salt content and must be watered in thoroughly after application to avoid burning the grass.

When used improperly or in excessive amounts, the majority of the nutrients can quickly leach below the root zone and will no longer be available to the grass. Excessive watering or heavy rain only quickens the rate of leaching. If used in small amounts of about a quarter pound of nitrogen per application spaced a couple weeks apart, it should do fine. However, it is much easier and less work to apply a fertilizer designed for lawn winterization. For warm season grasses, the answer is no.

It will generally contain too much nitrogen for that late in the season. Skip the application or purchase a fertilizer containing low nitrogen with about 15 percent Potassium. For lawn winterization of cool season grasses, the answer is yes and no. A complete answer requires a little understanding of spring fertilizers. Some spring fertilizers sold for homeowner use actually contain too much nitrogen for cool season grasses in spring. Fertilizers companies know that the average homeowner is likely to apply fertilizer once a year during the spring.

So the companies will cater to what the homeowner expects to see in their grass rather than what it actually needs. In spring, the grass only needs about. However, it is common to see spring fertilizers with a nitrogen analysis of 25 to 35 or more and with an application rate of 1. It is true that this provides a deep green and fast growth, but it is at the expense of grass health. A well developed fertility program will apply far less nitrogen than what is often recommended for homeowners in spring.

However, that can be a great amount of nitrogen for fall lawn winterization. For best results, your lawn fertilizer should contain less than 50 percent fast release or you will lose a lot to leaching.

Second thing to consider. Are you planning to overseed in the fall? Everything you need to know including the pros and cons, maintenance tips, and insect and disease problems. Which one is right for you, pros and cons, and tips on how to care for each one. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile.

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At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. So, how do you winterize your lawn?

First thing: when do you start? Generally speaking, the harsher your winters, the earlier you need to start prepping your lawn. So, if you live in a colder climate, begin winterizing your lawn in the early fall, even as early as the start of September.

Lawn winterizer fertilizer is a special, slow-release treatment that will provide your lawn with nutrition throughout the colder months. These broad groups of grasses need different winterization treatments. A cool-season grass such as bluegrass needs two applications of a general winterization formula, one in early and in late fall. The cool-season grass stores nutrients ready for the spring, hence this big dose in the fall. Warm- season grasses behave slightly differently to cool-season grasses, so a big application of fertilizer would basically be an overdose.

The easiest way to evenly apply lawn fertilizer is using a spreader. Doing so protects it from rust, moisture, and general wear-and-tear. Finding storage for a lawn mower is sometimes tricky, however.

The easiest solution for push mower storage is your garage. If you have the space, you can tuck the mower into a corner of the garage and cover it with a tarp to keep insects and dust to a minimum.

Or create extra space for lawn mower storage with a pull-down, lift-up shelf. If your garage is large enough, you might also be able to use it for riding lawn mower storage. If not, a small side or backyard shed—either purchased or DIY—serves well as a winter home for your riding lawn mower.

If the only mower storage spot is outside, protect it with a fitted cover or tarp that covers the mower completely.

Use bungee cords, stakes, or heavy rocks to securely fasten the cover in place. While winter lawn care might not be as much fun as gardening in the spring, taking the time to do it right greatly increases your odds of having a lush, green, healthy lawn once warm weather returns once again.

Green Space. How to Winterize Your Lawn. By Michelle Ullman November 21, Save Pin FB More. There are a few other winter lawn treatments that will pay off come spring. Aerating your grass lets water and nutrients reach the roots quickly and easily, and prevents the soil from becoming too hard and compacted.

You can aerate a small lawn with aerating "shoes" or a manual push aerator. Larger stretches of grass call for renting a gas or large push aerator, however. If you have a warm-season lawn that goes dormant during the winter, and you want to keep things green, fall is the time to overseed with annual rye grass.