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Fall Lawn Fertilizing

Amy Timmerman - Extension Educator Author

09/12/2024 Added

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Fall is still the most important time to fertilize cool-season turfgrass.

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[00:00:00.100]This week Extension Update on KBRX top dog in county is by Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman.
[00:00:08.220]Fall is still the most important time to fertilize cool-season turfgrass.
[00:00:13.520]Fall fertilization helps promote recovery, builds roots, and increases sugar reserves going into winter.
[00:00:21.580]Key decisions to make in this process include choosing a quality fertilizer and applying the correct amount to your lawn.
[00:00:29.300]Nitrogen, which helps provide nice green color, is the key element when fertilizing lawns.
[00:00:35.140]When looking at the fertilizer bag, the three numbers represent nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in that order.
[00:00:42.540]Phosphorus is generally not suggested in significant amounts unless a soil test has shown a deficiency or when seeding a new lawn.
[00:00:51.320]Potassium is used for hardiness of the plant, however, and is commonly found in winterizer fertilizers sold in fall.
[00:01:00.128]Look on the fertilizer package, usually on the back, for the guaranteed analysis.
[00:01:05.308]This section tells more about the nitrogen and other nutrients in the package.
[00:01:11.060]Look for controlled-release nitrogen in the product.
[00:01:14.260]Controlled-release nitrogen, often referred to as a slow-release or perhaps extended feeding on the package,
[00:01:21.417]will release smaller amounts to the grass over a longer period of time.
[00:01:26.180]This leads to more uniform growth.
[00:01:29.260]Examples of controlled-release nitrogen to look for on the label include
[00:01:34.180]sulfur-coated urea, urea form, coated urea, IBDU, and activated sewage sludge.
[00:01:43.200]Also look for water insoluble nitrogen, or WIN.
[00:01:48.060]These are all examples of good fertilizer sources for use on lawns.
[00:01:53.400]Although more costly, controlled or slow release nitrogen fertilizers are highly suggested for lawn use.
[00:02:01.640]If a fertilizer is 20 percent nitrogen, it takes five pounds of fertilizer to supply this one pound.
[00:02:08.760]Fertilizer labels often have suggested setting guides and also indications on the lawn coverage the bag will provide.
[00:02:17.760]Whether fertilizing once, twice, three times or more a season, early September is a key time.
[00:02:25.080]If the lawn is dry, fertilize right after a rain or irrigate ahead of time for the best results.
[00:02:30.620]What are Current Recommendations for Fertilizer Applications?
[00:02:34.920]Newly seeded areas:
[00:02:37.400]Starter fertilizer with higher levels of Phosphorus should be applied at or slightly after seeding.
[00:02:47.600]A second application of starter fertilizer should then be applied 4 weeks after emergence or mid-October (whichever occurs first).
[00:02:56.820]Newer turf areas that are less than 10 years old or thin turf:
[00:03:02.640]These areas require more fertilizer than older turf areas.
[00:03:07.600]Additionally, turf areas that are thin or were damaged by a pest will also benefit from additional fall N to accelerate recovery prior to winter.
[00:03:17.900]For these sites apply a balanced (50% soluble and 50% slow-release) nitrogen fertilizer in late-August to early-September.
[00:03:27.380]Then make a follow-up application of a quick release fertilizer in mid-October again.
[00:03:33.420]Here we want to aim to apply 0.5 to 1.0 lbs N per 1000 ft2 or buy a fertilizer with your spreader setting on the bag.
[00:03:44.760]And finally for those older lawns with established turf (10+ years old):
[00:03:50.440]One application of a balanced released nitrogen source in mid-September you're going to
[00:03:56.180]look for a fertilizer product with 30 to 50% of the total nitrogen as quick-release/soluble nitrogen.
[00:04:03.400]This will provide even release during the fall.
[00:04:06.640]Aim to apply 0.5 to 1.0 lbs N per 1000 ft2.
[00:04:12.340]If unable to calibrate your spreader, then buy a fertilizer with spreader settings for your fertilizer spreader on the bag.
[00:04:18.780]If you have questions regarding fertilizing your lawn please reach out to your local extension office or visit byf.unl.edu.
[00:04:28.300]This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension.

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