Everyone knows lawns need “fertilizer,” but have you ever wondered what exactly goes into that fertilizer? Several ingredients are key components in all fertilizers, but understanding what each mineral does and why it’s important will help you choose the best fertilizer for your grass.
Understanding Lawn Fertilizer
Macronutrients
Three key elements go into all fertilizers: nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). These are what are called “macronutrients.” Each of them helps your grass perform vital functions. When you see fertilizer at the store, you’ll notice the containers have a series of three numbers. 3-1-2 or 4-1-2, for example. This number tells you the ratio of the three macronutrients. The first number is nitrogen, the second phosphorous, and the third potassium.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen fertilizer helps with rapid growth, which is ideal for adding to lawns in spring and kickstart the growing season. It also helps with leaf development, chlorophyll formation, and photosynthesis. Nitrogen in fertilizer comes in two different forms: slow-release and quick-release. Each of them has pros and cons, and it all depends on what your lawn care goals are.
Fast-Release nitrogen fertilizer will provide a quick response and is more affordable than other fertilizer choices. However, it may cause a large flush of growth, and if not applied evenly, you could see uneven growth. Some parts of the lawn may appear greener than others. It can also burn grass if you over-apply and then dissolve rapidly into the soil, so you may need to reapply it 
in a month.
Slow-release, also known as controlled-release, creates a more uniform growth, is less likely to burn the grass, and won’t dissolve quickly. These types tend to be more pricy and may not produce as fast of a result. Be sure to discuss your gardening goals with your lawn fertilizer company so you can achieve the yard of your dreams!
Phosphorous
This nutrient is essential for early root growth and aids in seed formation. Further, it helps the grass mature faster, so you enjoy the newly green lawn.
Potassium
This mineral is what helps your grass toughen up. Keeping a balanced potassium level in your lawn will help your grass regulate its processes, make it more tolerant to stress and drought, and, like phosphorous, potassium aids with root growth and stem development.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc. We refer to them as micronutrients because they’re all essential to grass’s health, but they’re needed in smaller amounts. These all assist with chlorophyll production, photosynthesis, DNA synthesis, disease resistance, sugar translocation, and more.
Forms Of Fertilizer
The last thing to consider is what form your fertilizer comes in. Some release faster than others; some are less expensive if you have a tight budget.
Granular
Granular fertilizer gives you more control over the nourishment of your lawn. It’s sold in various time-release formulas.
Liquid
If you’re looking to green things up fast, this is the option for you. Generally, they are less expensive than other forms, like organic, and they often are sold with hose attachments so you can distribute them more conveniently.
Organic
This could include agriculture manure or DIY fertilizer like compost. Organic fertilizers will slowly release nutrients into the soil as they naturally break down over time.
Synthetic
These types of fertilizer are water-soluble and fast-acting, which helps you achieve more immediate results. This may be the choice if your lawn has extensive damage. Be sure to as your lawn fertilizer service which option is best!
Get The Best Lawn Fertilizer From Flowers Turf & Pest Management
All lawns need love, but here in Florida, the sandy soil means extra TLC. The six-step lawn care program from Flowers Turf & Pest Management provides all the macro and micro-nutrients your grass needs. We also offer grub control to keep that manicured lawn free from hungry bugs. To learn more or schedule an appointment, give us a call at 321-254-1929 or contact us online here. To stay up to date on the latest lawn care news, be sure to check out our monthly blog. And for the latest service offerings and deals, like us on Facebook!