Lawn Fertilizer Basic Facts - The information you REALLY need to know.

1.  The Analysis: N-P-K  Ratio

    N = Nitrogen      Nitrogen promotes top growth and a health green color.  (Excessive nitrogen in the humid summer can promote disease)

     P=Phosphorus   Phosphorus promotes good root development and growth. (Most important when starting new seed)

    K=Potassium      Potassium promotes a better vascular system for strong stems and transfer of nutrients as well as stress resistance and cold                                  hardiness.

2.  Primary Micro Nutrients :

    Iron is required for chlorophyll synthesis to keep a green lawn (Can reduce amount of needed nitrogen)

    Sulfur  to help neutralize alkaline soil & helps prevent some types of fungus (Can reduce amount of needed nitrogen)

3. Nitrogen release rates :

    There are three basic forms of nitrogen in fertilizer

      Ammoniacal (Fast release high burn potential) Highly soluable   Low cost   

      Urea (Fast release - moderate-high burn potential) Highly soluble   Low Cost

      Sulfur-Coated or Poly-coated Urea (Slow-release very-low burn potential) WIN or water insoluble   Higher Cost

    A balanced fertilizer is always a better choice. 

4.  Percent and Amount  of ingredients :

          Many fertilizers claim to cover 5000sq.ft.  some have 15#  some have 18#  and others have 20#   Check out the percent of  N-P-K  and other nutrients versus the weight of the bag of fertlilzer.   Most chain stores and supply houses offer ag grade products that appear to be cheap but the truth is in the numbers.