At Strong(er) Lawns, LLC we know that fertile soil is not a only a result of applying generic commercial fertilizers. Soil Fertility is more of a result from a balanced approach that comes from adding organic matter, micronutrients, minimal levels of fertilizer, and bio-stimulants. Most soils have the nutrients in them that will bring about a healthy vibrant lawn. The problem is usually that these nutrients are locked up in chemical reactions that need to be corrected through a synergistic approach of applying all of the above substances, not one more than another. We've consistently achieved transformational results in our customers lawns, not only by adding more fertilizers, but also by applying synergistic compounds that allow the soil to make more efficient use of the nutrients. More isn't better, achieving balance is better!

What You Should Know

Careless application techniques or excessive amounts of fertilizer applied at the wrong time of year can result in serious turf damage and contamination of water resources. Successful turf maintenance fertilization requires that you assess your turf’s nutritional requirements, understand fertilizers, know how much to apply and when, and use proper application techniques.

Fertilizer Requirements

Turfgrasses require at least 16 nutrients for normal growth and development. Some nutrients are needed in large amounts, other nutrients only in minute quantities. Nine of the sixteen required nutrients are needed in much larger quantities, called macronutrients, than the other seven.

The micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine are required only in minute amounts and are rarely supplied to turfgrasses through fertilization by most companies.

However, at Strong(er) Lawns we focus them just as much as the macronutrients for a truly complete approach to soil fertility.

Getting The Most Out Of Fertilizer Applications

The following are suggestions for maximizing the efficiency of your nitrogen fertilizer program while minimizing losses to leaching, runoff, and the atmosphere.

1. Soil test. Applications of phosphorus, potassium, and lime according to soil test recommendations allow more efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer by turfgrasses.
2. We only apply nitrogen in amounts needed by the grass species you have in your lawn and are trying to maintain—more is not better.
3. On your lawn, we apply nitrogen fertilizer in multiple applications over the growing season so as to meet the needs of your turf at the appropriate time—usually mid to late spring, late summer, and late fall.
4. When mowing, returning clippings to your lawns can cut nitrogen fertilizer use by up to one-third. Mulch your clippings and leave them on the lawn versus bagging them. 
5. Don’t overwater—too much water can leach nitrogen below root systems and into groundwater.
6. At the appropriate times we use slow-release fertilizers when making infrequent, high-rate applications in areas where soils are prone to leaching.
7. Do not apply nitrogen to lawns under summer dormancy or on frozen surfaces in winter.