Adding the proper nutrients to your lawn is important to give it everything it needs to grow green and healthy. Fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), make a huge difference in keeping your lawn vibrant and nourished. Also, understanding fertilizer ratio formulations of NPK ensures that your lawn gets the nutrients that it lacks.
At TurfXpert, we offer fertilization services with routine treatments for lawns in Woodstock, Roswell, Alpharetta, and surrounding areas in northern Georgia. Whether your lawn includes cool-season grasses or warm-season grasses, applying fertilizers with the right formula at the right time can benefit your lawn in the long run.
Top 3 Main Ingredients of Lawn Fertilizer
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are three of the key ingredients used in lawn fertilizers. They are referred to as NPK.
1. Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is essentially food used to help with photosynthesis. This fertilizer nutrient improves the thickness of the grass and creates that beautiful green color in your grass. Here are a few signs that your lawn has low nitrogen levels: if it turns yellow despite watering, the grass doesn’t grow quickly, diseases are present in your lawn, or if the grass turf starts getting thinner.
2. Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus is the key element plants need for good root development. High-phosphorus fertilizer has the nickname of “Bloom Booster” because it increases the blooming ability of plants and flowers. Phosphorus also produces vigorous grass growth since it works to help the roots grow deeper and stronger. High levels of Phosphorus fertilizer are applied to the soil before installing new grass. A phosphorus deficiency causes stunted growth of your grass.
3. Potassium (K)
Potassium promotes healthy plant growth and strength to fight off disease and stressors. This nutrient also aids in drought and cold tolerance and helps in the process of photosynthesis. On the other hand, a shortage of potassium causes stunted grass growth and yellowing leaves.
Understanding Lawn Fertilizer Ratio Numbers
You will see three large numbers on every fertilizer label, such as 24-8-16, 6-4-4, and many more combinations. These numbers represent the percentage of the three main nutrients essential for healthy plant growth: nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK). They are always listed in the same order. Each of the nutrients impacts plant growth differently, and the ratio you choose should depend on the specific needs of your lawn.
The first number is the percentage of nitrogen. For a bag of 24-18-16, it would include 24 percent of total nitrogen. With each nitrogen application, your grass will grow and develop a rich green color. We will use a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen to create a darker green lawn.
The second number is the percentage of phosphorus. For a bag that has 24-18-16, it would contain 18 percent phosphorus. Since phosphorus aids in root development, it should be used when sowing a new lawn.
The third number is the percentage of potassium. For a bag of 24-18-16, you would get 16 percent potassium in the mix. Use high-potassium fertilizer to protect your lawn from extreme temperatures or insects and diseases.
The sum of percentages doesn't really equal 100 percent; it's because other micronutrient fillers are mixed in with a bag of fertilizer, such as zinc or sulfur. These fillers help to distribute the nutrients evenly over your lawn.
Our lawn care professionals can help you decide your lawn's need for fertilizer and match those needs with the right NPK ratio.
Nourish your lawn with the right combination of fertilizer nutrients. Contact our lawn care experts today!
Beautiful lawns don’t just happen; the secret to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn is understanding the basics of fertilization. In addition, maintaining the long-term health and beauty of your grass requires knowing the main nutrients your lawn needs, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
At TurfXpert, our lawn care pros can provide the right dose of fertilizer nutrients that your lawn deserves. We offer specialized fertilization treatments for both cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses in Woodstock, Roswell, Alpharetta, and throughout northern Georgia.
Contact us to develop a fertilization plan and exactly what your lawn needs by calling us at (833) 444-8873 today!
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