There are a lot of options available to a homeowner when they are choosing their fertilizer. Like all consumer products the competition is fierce and the amount of choices available can quickly become overwhelming. Before you go and spend money on fertilizer you need to be as informed as possible.
It's time for some quick fertilizer facts so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Fertilizer burns. It's no secret that having too much fertilizer can burn your lawn. One very distinct advantage of liquid fertilizer is that you can control how much is applied much easier and hence reduce the possibility of burning your lawn. Granular fertilizer can be hard to apply evenly and it's almost a guarantee that you will burn your lawn at least once using it. To combat a burnt lawn be sure to water your lawn generously after you fertilize. This helps your soil take in the nutrients as well as makes burning less likely to occur.
Not all fertilizers are created equal. In the case of granular vs liquid fertilizer the important piece of information is the absorption rate (how long it takes to sink into the soil). Most granular fertilizer requires 24 – 72 hours to become fully absorbed into the soil. The time for a liquid fertilizer is usually under 24 hours.
Seasons matter. Granular fertilizer is much more effective in pre-winter fertilization when compared to liquid fertilizer. In cold weather liquid fertilizer will have a hard time penetrating the thatch to sink into your soil. In climates which receive snow a granular fertilization before the first snowfall can be extremely beneficial to an early spring start. This can help your grass be healthier and greener much faster then without a pre-winter fertilization.
Aerations can benefit your fertilization efforts. Applying liquid fertilizer after an aeration can help the fertilizer absorb into the soil much quicker than usual. Granular applications also receive a similar benefit, but be careful, as too much may penetrate the soil at once and kill your lawn.
In a climate where you experience a lot of rainfall granular fertilizer will be the better choice simply because it is much less likely to be washed away, and the rain will help the fertilizer seep into the soil.
Though it is impossible to make a definitive declaration that one type of fertilizer is better than another, it can be said that liquid fertilizer is much easier for a homeowner to use without burning their lawn.
