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These fertilizers release nutrients to feed the lawn slowly, and less is wasted through leaching or runoff into our streams. Look for the words "natural organic" or "slow-release" on the bag. When you fertilize, do it moderately.
Don't be fooled by the color
Healthy lawns are a medium green color, depending on the variety of grass. The darkest green turf, which many people strive for, is not in fact the healthiest turf. Overfertilized lawns are more prone to disease, thatch buildup, and drought damage.
Once or twice a year is all you need
With slow-release or organic fertilizers, you can fertilize just twice a year, in mid - to late May and again in early September. If you choose to fertilize only once, the fall application is most important.
Get to know your soil
Soils west of the Cascades are often low in calcium. Apply lime in the spring or fall if a soil test shows a calcium deficiency or acid soil conditions (pH less than 5). Remember, grasscycling returns valuable nutrients to the soil every time you mow!
Fertilizer: How much is enough?
WSU recommends that home lawns receive 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogen (in a balanced fertilizer) per 1,000 square feet of lawn each year. Grasscycling can supply at least one-quarter of that. Split the rest between May and September applications. Avoid fertilizing in the early spring because it makes lawns grow too fast (unless your lawn needs help recovering from disease or insect damage). Wait until May.
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