You’ll need a fertilization schedule based on your type of grass, Virginia climate and soil to get that beautiful green lawn you’re hoping for. Most lawns require fertilization anywhere from 2 times to 4 four a year. Cool-season varieties do best with applications in early spring and fall, while warm-weather types are better off getting fed from late spring to summer. It begins with knowing your grass, testing your soil, selecting the proper fertilizer and feeding it at the appropriate times.
Identify Your Grass Type
First, identify what kind of grass you have.
- Cool-season grasses thrive in cooler temperatures and have a tendency to slow their growth when it heats up. Think fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. These grasses are abundant in Moseley and throughout Central Virginia.
- Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda or Zoysia, thrive in the heat but wilt when it gets cooler.
Your fertilization plan depends on this difference. When and how often you feed your lawn hinges on whether your grass thrives in cooler or warmer months.
Do a Soil Test Before Fertilizing
Don’t guess. A soil test shows what your lawn really does need. It indicates nutrient levels, pH and organic content. With that information, you can select a fertilizer that’s right for your yard instead of just grabbing something from the shelf. This prevents you from wasting money and throwing off the balance of your lawn.
Understand Fertilizer N-P-K Ratios
On every bag of fertilizer, there are these three numbers, such as 10-10-10 or 20-8-8. These stand for:
- Nitrogen (N): stimulates growth and increases green color
- Phosphorus (P): helps root development
- Potassium (K) : increases resistance to stress and diseases.
Every season could require a fresh blend. For example a late fall feeding could have more potassium to help roots before the winter.
Seasonal Fertilization Schedule
Here’s a general guide, but tweak it based on your soil test, grass type, and Virginia weather.
For Cool-Season Grasses
- Early Spring: Use a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer to prompt green-up.
- Late Spring / Early Summer: Apply moderate nitrogen. Don’t overdo it.
- Summer: Go light. If you must, use low-nitrogen products or slow-release.
- Early Fall: Apply a balanced formula to promote new growth.
- Late Fall: Use a high-potassium mix to build winter strength.
Plan for 3 to 4 applications annually, depending on the goals of your home lawn.
For Warm-Season Grasses
- Late Spring: First feeding when soil warms up.
- Mid-Summer: Apply nitrogen 2–3 times through the season.
- Late Summer / Early Fall: Last feeding before the grass goes dormant.
Avoid fertilizing too late in fall. It’s not helpful when your grass is shutting down. These lawns also do well with 2 to 4 applications a year.
Correct Application Practices
Timing is important, but so is how you apply the fertilizer.
- For uniform coverage, apply with a broadcast or drop spreader.
- Water after each application. It facilitates absorption of nutrients and prevents the grass from being burned.
- Avoid overdoing it. Grass flourishes fast but is weak with too much nitrogen.
- Apply in the cooler hours of the day: early in the morning or late afternoon.
- Stick with the appropriate intervals so that your lawn has time to soak up the nourishment before the next pass.
We Are The Lawn Experts You Need
The answer to what lawns in Moseley, VA truly deserve is: Willmarth Property Services.
- We know the soil, climate and local grasses.
- We also implement fertilizing, mowing and basic maintenance so you never get behind.
- Help in interpreting a soil test? We got you covered.
- We will work with professional equipment to ensure an even application and know how to avoid the pitfalls commonly made by DIYers.
So when you work with us you’re not just getting a bag of fertilizer. You’re getting a full, customized lawn care plan from a team that knows your local conditions inside and out.
Ready for a Lawn That Turns Heads?
The secret to a beautiful lawn is planning. Start by identifying your grass, test your soil, pick the right fertilizer, and apply it with care. Want expert help? Contact us and book your appointment . Let our team turn your lawn into one of the best-looking yards in the neighborhood.