Fertilizer

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Seasonal Step Program for Fertilizer

Step 1 - Easter Application

Crab Grass Preventative w/ “Dimension10%” 19-0-6

Early application of a preventative is the best way to stop crabgrass, goosesgrass, and other grassy weeds.

Optimal time for application is just as spring hits. Temperatures should hold around 50° to 60° for at least 3 days.

Step 2 - Memorial Day Application

Broad Leaf Weed N Feed w/ “Trimec 25%” 22-3-7

Apply when weeds are young and vigorously growing to stop dandelions, chickweed, knot-weed, plantain, henbit, spurge, and other common weeds.

Optimal time for application is Early Summer. The fertilizer feeds the weed with both nutrients and chemicals to kill the weed.

60° for at least 3 days.

Step 3 - July 4th Application

Premium Lawn Food w/ slow release “Millennium”

Apply in mid summer to help promote a strong healthy lawn during the most stressful months of the years. A good slow release fertilizer will continue to help your lawn maintain growth and fullness.

This is a duel application to stop weeds and help growth.

Step 4 - Labor Day Application - Turf Food/Combo

Additional application of fertilizer for struggling lawns that need extra help.

Step 5 - Thanksgiving Application

Hi Nitrogen Fertilizer

The most important time to fertilize your lawn. The best time to promote new root growth and strengthen your lawn through the winter months as well as next year.

Optimal time for application is two weeks before he ground freezes.

Due to weather conditions actual application may vary. Stop by our store or call 810-629-5200 for more info.

How Fertilizer Feeds Turf
The main course for turf is the fertilizer's Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) formula. However, there's also a variety of secondary and micronutrients needed to keep turf healthy and growing - Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, and Chlorine.

Naturally occurring microorganisms act to breakdown the fertilizer elements into more basic compounds. Soil temperature affects the activity levels of micro-organsims; cold temperatures mean less activity and less breakdown, while warmer temperatures increase activity and breakdown.

Microbial Action

Chemical elements will naturally move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. For example, the higher concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer granule will slowly migrate to the less nutrient-rich soil.

Osmosis

Water interacts with the fertilizer, breaking down the compounds and releasing the nutrients into the soil.

Hydrolysis

Mowing, foot traffic, and other physical handling of the fertilizer particles will cause nutrients to break down and be released into the soil for plant absorption.

Physical Breakdown

Primary Nutrients

	Nitrogen (N)
Key element in turfgrass nutrition Promotes vigorous leaf and stem growth to improve the overall quality of the turf Essential component of the chlorophyll molecule which gives turf its dark green color Involved in regulating the uptake of other key elements

	Phosphorous (P)
Used in the formation and transfer of energy within the plant Influences early root development and growth Encourages plant establishment

	Potassium (K)
Used by the plant in large quantities, second only to nitrogen Key component in the formation of carbohydrates, or food for the plant Encourages rooting and wear tolerance Enhances drought and cold tolerance Key component in cell wall strength and resistance to disease

Fertilizer Nutrient Functions

Secondary Nutrients

	Calcium (Ca)
Strongly influences proper soil pH Essential to strong cell wall structure and cell division Can imporve soil structure, water retention and infiltration

	Magnesuim (Mg)
Plays an important role in photosynthesis and chlorophyll production A necessary component in many essential enzyme systems within the plant Important in aiding the translocation of phosphorous

	Sulfur (S)
Works with nitrogen to produce new protein for plant growth Plays an important role in the utilization of oxygen by the plant Influences the level of activity of soil microorganisms

Micronutrients

Iron (Fe)

Necessary for the formation of the chlorophyll
Iron deficiencies are most common in wet, cold or high pH soils
Aids in the activation of a number of biochemical processes within the plant

Manganese (Mn)

Important to the formation of chlorophyll and the activation of the initial growth process
Generally available in sufficient quantities in the soil

Zinc (Zn)

Necessary for the production of chlorophyll

Copper (Cu)

Important in the synthesis of certain plant growth substances
Serves as an activator for several essential enzymes
Needed only in small quantites; large amounts can be toxic to turfgrass plants
Deficiencies are usually only found in highly alkaline (high pH) organic soils or heavily leeched soils

Chlorine (Cl)

Although essential for proper plant function, only small quantities are required
May help in the regulation of osmotic pressure within the plant cell
Deficiency is rarely observed

Much of the information from this page is taken directly from Lesco.com. Michigan Landscape Supply Takes no credit for images or text directly related to Lesco.

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