By Blake Jackson
Labor Day marks an ideal time for Wisconsin homeowners to give their lawns an early fall application of nitrogen.
According to Bruce Spangenberg, a horticulture outreach specialist with the UW-Madison Division of Extension, lawns can benefit from this feeding regardless of the maintenance program being followed.
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for turfgrass throughout the year. It supports healthy growth, improves the lawn’s green appearance, and helps grass develop a dense stand.
A thicker lawn can better withstand foot traffic and naturally compete with weeds, potentially reducing the need for herbicides. Proper mowing combined with timely fertilization is an important part of maintaining healthy turf.
Homeowners should consider three factors when planning a fertilizer application: timing, fertilizer type, and application rate. Early September should generally be part of a lawn’s yearly nitrogen schedule.
For lawns receiving minimal maintenance, the early fall application may be the only fertilizer treatment needed during the year. Nitrogen applied at this time supports important seasonal growth, including development of the root system.
When selecting a fertilizer, pay close attention to the nitrogen source listed in the product’s guaranteed analysis. Fertilizers may contain quick-release or controlled-release nitrogen.
Controlled-release products gradually make nutrients available to grass, providing a steadier supply over a longer period instead of releasing a large amount at once. These products are generally recommended for lawns.
Water-insoluble nitrogen, often identified as WIN on fertilizer labels, is one indication of controlled-release nitrogen. It can be found in both organic and synthetic products. Examples include sulfur-coated or polymer-coated urea, ureaform, and IBDU.
A typical lawn fertilizer application should provide approximately one pound of actual nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet. Products with higher nitrogen percentages require less material to achieve that rate.
Careful application is also essential. Keep fertilizer on the lawn and away from driveways, sidewalks, roads, and other hard surfaces to prevent runoff from carrying nutrients into nearby waterways.
Photo Credit: university-of-wisconsin-madison
Categories: Wisconsin, General