Besides good lawn maintenance, the nutrient profile of your soil is one of the most important factors in the health and appearance of your grass. For this reason, many homeowners try to fertilize their lawn regularly in order to keep it lush, green, and free of weeds and pests. The only downside to this is that, with the variety of different fertilizers on the market, it can be hard to know which one you need. We here at Lawn Connections want to make it easier to decide which is best for your lawn.

Soil Test

Before you can start shopping for lawn fertilizer, you need an idea of your lawn’s nutrient profile. A soil test will reveal what’s lacking. You can buy do-it-yourself kits, but these aren’t always accurate. It’s better to have it done by professional lawn fertilization services.

NPK

NPK refers to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the most critical nutrients for a vibrant lawn. Different products contain these elements in varying quantities, so you need to choose one that addresses any deficiencies. It should be noted, however, that products containing all these nutrients aren’t always ideal for your lawn. You may only need a product containing one or two of them in certain percentages. Your Keller landscaper may be able to recommend the appropriate ratios based on the results of your soil test.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is what makes your grass green and lush. If it’s low in this nutrient, growth will be stunted, color vibrancy will suffer and it may even turn yellow. Nitrogen is easily leached from the soil by rainfall.

Phosphorus

This mineral is responsible for healthy root development, rapid growth, and proper coloration. Too little in your soil can result in slow growth and cause the blades to turn purple. However, soil usually retains this nutrient well, so you may not need a fertilizer with additional phosphorus.

Potassium

Potassium encourages hardiness in the grass. One way it does this is by making your lawn more tolerant of changes in weather patterns, which is especially important in regions susceptible to cold and drought. It also increases disease resistance, helps grass synthesize food, and promotes thick, sturdy growth. It disappears from soil quickly, but not as fast as nitrogen.

If your lawn is looking a little under the weather, our lawn care service can help. Call Lawn Connections today at 817-231-0042.