If you did a hearty fertilise of your lawn in spring, it is likely due for another application. A majority of the common, slow release fertilisers will provide nutrients for your lawn for up to 12 weeks – this means that if you fertilised in early – mid spring, around this time is a great top-up choice.
So, here is a guide on how to get the most out of your summer fertilising!
There are a few reasons as to why you should fertilise your lawn in summer:
If you are unsure in any way, always speak to your local lawn specialist for a little extra help and information.
When it comes to applying fertiliser during the warmer months, make sure you consider the following:
When getting ready to apply fertiliser, always make sure you read the label carefully. As a general guide, 20g per square metre is a good estimate to work by – so 2kg will do a 100m² lawn area – however always read your fertiliser label first.
Do not apply fertiliser in the middle of the day, when the temperature is at its hottest. When possible, fertilise late in the afternoon or early in the morning and, if the temperature is due to be really hot, try and wait until another day if possible.
After you have applied your fertiliser, you must ensure you thoroughly water the area. If you do not, you run the risk of burning the leaf of your lawn – which is not something that you want!
If you don’t have a pop-up irrigation system, it’s a good idea to apply fertiliser before rain where possible to save water. You can also set up a sprinkler or water it well by hand with a hose, however always ensure your sprinkler has a large reach and can offer a good drenching. Everything you need to know about watering your lawn can be found here.
Note: If a lot of rain is forecast, it may be best to wait as the fertiliser could be significantly displaced or washed away.
Always make sure you apply fertiliser to dry lawn, not wet! Fertilising an already wet lawn can cause damage to an already wet leaf that is now being subjected to fertiliser – not ideal.
If your lawn has an pH imbalance, fertilising won’t be as effective. Test your soil’s pH level to ensure your lawn is able to absorb the nutrients it requires, instead of applying additional fertiliser, as this could be potentially harmful. More information regarding lawn pH levels can be found here.
If you put too much fertiliser on your lawn in summer, or apply it incorrectly, you may find yourself with a lawn suffering from leaf burn. Leaf burn shows itself as a scorching or burning of your turf and can occur if fertiliser is applied during the heat of the day or if applied to an already wet lawn. Fertilisers contain salts which can draw moisture from the leaf, resulting in browning or yellowing discolouration and even root damage.
If your lawn is suffering from leaf burn, definitely consider using Lawn Rescue. Lawn Rescue is designed to restore lawns that have lost colour and appearance due to drought, heat or lack of water and nutrients. This makes it a good option to use in summer in general, but also if your lawn has suffered from some leaf burn.
Another option you can consider is ColourGuard, especially if your lawn has lost a lot of its vibrant green colour due to leaf burn. ColourGuard is a natural pigment with a liquid fertiliser, and it’s a great solution to keep your grass green and to save water at the same time. If you are primarily looking for an instant green up and your lawn has slowed in growth due to high temperatures, ColourGuard is the perfect solution. ColourGuard does however grow out with the existing leaf, so if your lawn is growing quickly it may be best to look at alternative fertiliser options like Lawn Rescue or a slow release granular fertiliser instead for more long-lasting results.
If you would like to know a little more about fertilising and your lawn head to one or more of the below:
References:
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