When it comes to fertilizing your lawn, there are two main options: granular fertilizer vs liquid fertilizer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences. This will help to decide which one is best for your lawn.
Granular fertilizer is dry and typically comes in a prill form. This is typically applied to the surface of the lawn and then watered in to begin the absorption of nutrients.
Liquid fertilizer is typically more concentrated and it is applied directly to the soil. The liquid form helps the soil to absorb it more quickly.
Granular fertilizer
…is a dry, solid substance that is spread over the lawn and then watered in. It is typically composed of an organic substance such as manure, or a combination of mineral-based fertilizers. This type of fertilizer is often slow-release, meaning that it releases its nutrients gradually over time. Granular fertilizer also tends to be less expensive than liquid fertilizer. This means that it can be more cost-effective for larger lawns.
Benefits of granular fertilizer:
- Granular fertilizer can help the texture of the soil by adding essential nutrients and minerals.
- Easy to Use: you only need a push spreader to apply granular fertilizer to the lawn.
- There are different release rates you can use throughout the season to ensure the lawn is getting the correct amount of nutrients it needs.
- Cost Effective: Granular fertilizer tends to be a cheaper option than liquid fertilizer.
- Environmentally Friendly: Typically made from organic materials. This reduces the risk of environmental damage or harming animals.
Liquid fertilizer
…on the other hand, is a liquid solution that is sprayed directly onto the grass. This type of fertilizer is typically quick-release, meaning that it provides nutrients all at once. This can be beneficial for quickly greening up a lawn. Liquid fertilizer also tends to be more expensive than granular fertilizer. So it may not be the best option for larger lawns.
Benefits of Liquid Fertilizer:
- Increase Nutrient Uptake: Liquid fertilizer allows the plant to absorb nutrients easier. This will help the plant to grow faster and stronger.
- Improved Soil Health: Liquid fertilizer can help with the soil nutrients as well as the soil structure.
- Reduces Environmental Impact: Liquid fertilizer is less likely to leach, this will reduce the risk of runoff and water pollution.
- Easy to Apply: Ideal for large areas or those who do not have a lot of time to apply fertilizer to the lawn.
The size of the lawn
When it comes to deciding which type of fertilizer is best for your lawn, you should consider the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and your budget.
For small lawns, liquid fertilizer can be a good choice as it is quick-acting and can be more cost-effective.
For larger lawns, granular fertilizer may be the better option as it is more cost-effective and can provide more even coverage.
No matter which type of fertilizer you choose, it is important to follow the application instructions carefully in order to ensure that the fertilizer is applied correctly and will not burn your grass. You will need to make sure to follow the instructions and apply the correct amount per square foot, otherwise you are likely to get fertilizer burn. Additionally, it is important to fertilize your lawn at the appropriate times in order to ensure that your grass receives the correct amount of nutrients. During the spring and summer, you will need a slower release fertilizer to ensure the lawn is receiving the correct amount of nutrients. In the winter you will want to apply a fast release fertilizer, this ensures the lawn has the nutrients it needs while in dormancy.
In summary, granular and liquid fertilizers are both viable options for fertilizing your lawn, but it is important to consider your lawn’s size, type of grass, and budget when deciding which one to use. Both types of fertilizer can help to keep your lawn looking lush and green, but it is important to follow the application instructions carefully in order to avoid damaging
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is granular fertilizer?
A: Granular fertilizer is dry and typically comes in a prill form.
Q: Is there a difference in how much nutrient is released using granular fertilizer?
A: Yes, there is a slow release fertilizer, typically used in spring and summer. This allows nutrients to be released over a duration of time. There is also a fast release fertilizer, typically used in fall. This allows the nutrients to be released quickly so that the lawn has the nutrients it needs while in dormancy.
Q: What are the benefits of using a granular fertilizer?
A: With a granular fertilizer you are able to control the amount of nutrients introduced to the turf. Granular fertilizers can also be more cost effective than liquid fertilizer. Also, when using granular fertilizer, you may not be required to fertilize as often.
Q: What equipment is needed to apply granular fertilizer?
A: A broadcast spreader.
Q: What is liquid fertilizer?
A: Liquid fertilizer is liquid solution, typically more concentrated and it is applied directly to the soil. All of the nutrients are included in the liquid.
Q: Can you control how much nutrients are released using a liquid fertilizer?
A: Usually, most liquid fertilizers are a quick or fast release. Meaning, all the nutrients are released at the same time.
Q: What are the benefits of a liquid fertilizer?
A: Liquid fertilizers will help green up a lawn quicker than a slow release granular fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer allows the plant to absorb nutrients easier. This will help the plant to grow faster and stronger.
Q: What equipment is needed to apply a liquid fertilizer?
A: Most liquid fertilizers come in a bottle that can be attached to your garden hose. Once it is attached you will want to walk backwards, to avoid any product getting on you, and apply the product to the lawn.
At Erbert Lawns we’ve combined both granular and liquid into one program. This helps to eliminate the guessing game of when to use granular vs. liquid fertilizer. This ensures that the lawn will be getting all the nutrients it needs at the correct times throughout a growing season. Please call or text us if you would like our help 303-948-6631. We’d love to help!
