Tips for a Beautiful, Green and Healthy Lawn

We all want our lawns to be beautiful, green and lush. A beautiful lawn is a healthy lawn, and a healthy lawn is more resistant to weeds, diseases and insects. And a healthy lawn is not that difficult to achieve. All it takes is a basic maintenance program which includes an adequate irrigation system that can deliver the proper amount of water at the correct intervals and the appropriate fertilizer. We suggest using a fertilizer that is high quality, slow release and environmentally safe. It is important that the fertilizer be formulated for the seasonal conditions we have here in Central Oregon. All plant material, including grass, need the same three nutrients to thrive, but they need them in differing amounts - or different percentages - at different times of the year. Lawn fertilizers usually include two additional nutrients. Let’s talk about these different nutrients.

The first nutrient is Nitrogen (N); the main nutrient for new, green growth and deep green blades. All leafy plants, such as grass, need plenty of Nitrogen, so the first number is especially high in lawn fertilizers because grass is continually renewing itself and because it is easily flushed through the soil. The next nutrient is Phosphorus (P), which promotes healthy root development for a strong lawn. This is important for newly installed sod. Potassium (K), the third nutrient listed, improves the overall health of the lawn. It helps the lawn withstand the extreme temperatures here on the High Desert, and defends against diseases. It also is flushed into soil, though not as fast as Nitrogen. Since most soils already contain some Potassium, the ratio of this nutrient to the other two is usually smaller. However, fertilizers applied in the fall will often contain extra Potassium to prepare the lawn for the cold winter months.

The two other nutrients found in lawn fertilizers, having much smaller ratios, are Sulfur (S) and Iron (Fe). Sulfur helps maintain a dark green color, while encouraging vigorous growth. Since we want a lawn to grow at an even, gradual pace, it is important that this number be very low in proportion to the other nutrients. And of course, every lawn needs Iron to maintain a dark green leaf. This is added to fertilizers because poor soil lacks it. Be careful with iron-enriched fertilizers, though. If it is not a non-staining iron, you will see rust spots on any hard surface your fertilizer may come in contact with.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, and you are not intimidated by all of this information, then we recommend purchasing your fertilizer from Round Butte Seed Growers here in Bend. The staff will assist you in choosing the right formula for your lawn. And while you are there, don’t forget to invest in a high quality spreader so you get a uniform application.

If you would rather have a professional care for and fertilize your lawn for you, then give A Cut Above a call. 541-317-2999. We're always glad to help.