3 Mistakes That You Could Make if You Try to Fertilize Your Own Lawn

Even if you fancy yourself as having a green thumb, fertilizing your lawn by yourself instead of hiring a professional is probably not the best idea. Some common mistakes people in Pennsylvania make when attempting to fertilize their lawns include applying too much fertilizer, applying the wrong kind of fertilizer, and fertilizing at the wrong time of year. These common mistakes can result in damage to your lawn, nutrient pollution of waterways, or wasted money on ineffective fertilizer. However, a lawn care professional can provide expertise on the specific needs of your lawn and ensure that fertilization is done correctly and safely.

1. Applying Too Much Fertilizer at Once

Applying too much fertilizer to your lawn at once can cause a host of problems. For starters, applying too much fertilizer at once can burn the grass, resulting in yellow or brown patches on your lawn. This occurs because excess nitrogen in the fertilizer can damage the roots and foliage of the grass, leading to dehydration and ultimately death. Second, excessive fertilizer can cause your grass to grow too quickly, resulting in weak, spindly blades of grass that are more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Additionally, excess fertilizer can create a buildup of salts in the soil, which can harm the roots and prevent the grass from taking up water and nutrients. And lastly, if you live near a canal or stream bed, or if you have a pond on your property, overfertilizing can contribute to nutrient pollution in these waterways, as excess nutrients from runoff can lead to algal blooms and other harmful effects.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Fertilizer

Applying the wrong kind of fertilizer to your lawn can be damaging for a few reasons. Different types of fertilizers contain different ratios of nutrients, and applying the wrong kind of fertilizer can lead to nutrient imbalances that can harm your lawn. For example, nitrogen helps the blades of grass grow, and phosphorus helps the roots of grass grow. Therefore, using a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen but low in phosphorus can cause the blades of grass to grow quickly, but the roots won’t be able to keep up. When this happens, your lawn might look lush and green for a little while, but before long, it will probably turn brown and start to die.

It's also important to choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your specific type of grass and soil. You may want to have your soil tested to determine its nutrient content and pH level; knowing these values can help you choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated to address any deficiencies or imbalances. Furthermore, following the recommended application guidelines for your specific type of grass and soil can help ensure that you are providing your lawn with the nutrients it needs without causing harm.

3. Fertilizing at the Wrong Times of the Year