FERTILIZATION AND SOD
FERTILIZATION AND SODWhen you install sod for a new lawn, we advise you to apply a starter fertilizer or a root stimulator. When you use a spreader applicator, it helps to ensure an even distribution and smooth surface for your sod.
Moreover, it’s good to avoid seasonal fertilizers, which are often high in nitrogen. This sudden increase in nitrogen can cause stress to the grass while it tries to establish a strong root system. When you order sod from The Grass Store, rest assured that we fertilize it and treat for weeds before harvesting the grass.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FERTILIZE
Any plant needs the essential nutrients required to grow. The nutrients your sod needs most are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. The best fertilizer contains appropriate amounts of each of these nutrients. With the right balance of nutrients, your sod can establish strong roots and last much longer.
Typically, fertilizers list three numbers on the packaging. For instance, one package might list 16-4-8. These numbers represent the percentages of each nutrient available in the fertilizer. When you visit your local garden center, you’ll find that they often have seasonal applications for different varieties of grass. Moreover, they often combine these with weed treatments for your yard.
SHOULD I USE COMPOST?
Composting has risen in popularity over recent years. With growing concerns about waste, people repurpose food matter and other waste to create compost. When you use a think layer of compost on your lawn once or twice a year as it grows, you’ll find it can be quite beneficial.
These benefits come from the organic material found in compost, including nutrients and microbes. Moreover, compost acts as an aide against drought, making your yard more resistant. It can even be a natural aerator in areas with clay soil or compacted soil. Typically, we recommend using a layer of compost that is ¼ inch thick.
Have other questions about fertilization and your yard? Contact our team at The Grass Store or stop by your local garden center. We’re happy to help you work through any maintenance issues.
- Manure Compost– Manure based compost is produced from animal manure mainly poultry manure as the nitrogen source and sawdust as the carbon source. By blending into the proper ratio of carbon to nitrogen it allows the composting process to start. With proper time and temperature intervals, the pile is flipped and composted until maturity is reached
Lawn Top Dressing: Great for top dressing your lawn. Apply 1/4” to 1/2” overly working it down then watering.
Sod Installation: Great to add into soil and tilled into the ground before Sod installation.
- Mushroom Compost- A mature mushroom compost that has been blended and re composted to ensure maturity is reached. It is a light fluffy developed using sawdust as its carbon source and raw mushroom compost as its nitrogen source. A mature Mushroom Compost gives you all the benefits without the smell of the raw product.
~ Great for top dressing, adding into flower beds or using to blend into soil for Vegetable Gardens.