How To Fertilize Short of hiring someone to do the work, there is little you can do to make fertilizing easier than it already is. Learn how much fertilizer your grass requires for the size of your lawn, fill the hopper, set the dial and go.

For the best results, start with a soil test, which will tell you how much fertilizer you should apply and which formulation to use. Soil tests are inexpensive, easy and available at The Home Depot in your area. Follow the directions on the fertilizer bag; most fertilizers are geared to supply about 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen per feeding.

Don't get burned:

Quick-release fertilizers don't have to burn your lawn. Here are some tips for avoiding problems:
  • Always read and follow all directions on the fertilizer bag.
  • Apply a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of water after spreading most fertilizers. Some combination fertilizers should not be watered after application, however, so read the label before pulling out the hose.
  • Never apply more fertilizer than the soil test or fertilizer label calls for.
  • Pay attention to how much you are overlapping each pass to avoid "double-dosing" the grass.
Minimizing fertilizer runoff:

A healthy lawn filters out pollutants as rainwater seeps into soil, replenishing groundwater. Overfertilizing with nitrogen can tax this natural filter. Because some of the nitrogen is water soluble, rain can wash it into the water table. The result: The nitrogen you spent money for isn't working on your lawn — it's making its way to streams and lakes where it encourages algae and weed growth.

When you fertilize properly, only about 3 percent of the nitrogen will end up in the nearby bodies of water. If you overwater, overfertilize or are careless.

Follow These Steps

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  • Step One

    Applying fertilizer
    Follow the directions on the bag carefully. Considering the size of your yard, measure out the right amount of fertilizer needed. Depending on the size of your yard, applying the entire bag may be too much or too little.

  • Step Two

    Fill the spreader while standing on pavement so you can clean up any spills. Be sure to sweep up spills so the nutrients don’t end up down the drain.

  • Step Three

    Begin fertilizing with your spreader at one end of your yard. This will provide a convenient starting and stopping point for each pass. If your lawn is irregularly shaped, make header strips around its entire perimeter.

  • Step Four

    Once the header strips are down, walk back and forth between them, spreading the fertilizer. Begin walking before you open the chute and close it just before you reach the far header to avoid leaving piles of fertilizer at your starting and stopping points. Shut off the spreader if you travel over pavement.
    Walk at a steady pace. Your speed affects the rate at which the fertilizer is applied. A moderate speed is best. Watch for dips in the ground, which can cause the fertilizer to spill out. Walk in a straight line so that the wheel tracks from the first pass will give you a guideline to follow on the next pass.

  • Step Five

    Turn the spreader, shutting it off while you turn, then walk back. If using a rotary spreader, move about 1 to 2 feet away from the previous pass, turn and begin spreading. If using a drop spreader, line up the spreader’s wheel with the wheel track of the previous pass.

  • Step Six

    Unless you’re using a combination fertilizer, water after you fertilize so that it moves down into the soil to the roots. When using combination fertilizers, ensure you are checking the label instructions.

Skill Scale
Varies
Time Required
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Shopping List:

tools

Tape measure

Spreader

materials

Soil test kit

Fertilizer

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