What Is the Typical Timeline for a Lawn Fertilization Program in Canton and Farmington Hills, MI?

Residential LandscapingResidential Fertilization

Dec 13

What Is the Typical Timeline for a Lawn Fertilization Program in Canton and Farmington Hills, MI?

Having a beautiful, green, and lush lawn results from consistent efforts to ensure its health. Professional lawn technicians are experts at determining what your lawn needs to thrive. Most lawn fertilization programs involve a series of treatments throughout the growing season where various mixtures of nutrients are applied. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the top three nutrients used in fertilizers, but other micronutrients such as sulfur, copper, and magnesium may be added as needed. Here is an example of a fertilization schedule for your lawn in the Canton and Farmington Hills, MI, area.

Spring Fertilization Schedule

In the early spring, when the grass is coming out of dormancy, and the temperature of the soil is about 55 degrees, it is time for the first fertilization application of the growing season. This is generally around mid to late April and is important in strengthening the root system to ensure a healthy season of growth.

At this time, the fertilizer used will likely have a high concentration of nitrogen. However, too much nitrogen can be detrimental to the health of the grass, so it’s important to ensure the correct amount is used. Hiring a lawn care company to care for your lawn fertilization needs will ensure a healthy lawn. The technicians can look at your lawn and determine what it might need based on the appearance of the grass, such as if there are brown spots throughout the lawn.

Another fertilization application is often done sometime between May and June, generally about six to eight weeks after the initial early spring fertilization treatment. During this treatment, pre-emergent weed control may be applied to prevent weeds from sprouting.

Summer Fertilization Schedule

In the summertime, a fertilizer application is generally applied between June and August, approximately six to eight weeks after the late spring application. Since this time of year tends to be hot and there may be heavier foot traffic and drought conditions, fertilizer is especially important during this time to support your lawn. If needed, there may be some post-emergent weed-killer treatments applied.

Fall Fertilization Schedule

In the fall, fertilizer treatments are needed to help the lawn recover from the hot summer and to support the health of the lawn throughout the cold winter months. This application generally takes place between August and November, about six to eight weeks after the summer fertilizer application. This treatment often includes the highest nitrogen percentage of any of the previous applications because it helps the grass remain healthy throughout the winter by having plenty of nutrients stored up in the root system. However, it is essential that the correct amount of nitrogen is used so that the lawn is not damaged.

Fall is also a great time to have your lawn aerated, generally right before a fertilization treatment. Aeration reduces compaction so that the fertilizer, water, and oxygen can reach the root system.

You may also want to consider having a fall cleanup done to remove leaves and other debris. When leaves are left on the grass over the winter months, it can make your lawn susceptible to disease and fungus growth.