Tips for Green Grass

• Always apply fertiliser at the recommended rate range for best results
• Apply straight after mowing if possible
• Apply at least 3 days before the next cut
• Put a third less fertiliser on grass in shady areas
• There should be moisture available in the soil
• Never apply granular or liquid feed on parched lawns
• If it’s a dry period wait until AFTER a good down pour
• Eye protection is advised as fertiliser can ricochet off hard objects
• Never fill the fertiliser spreader on the lawn
• The best time for weed control is 10 to 20 days after fertilising your lawn
• Overlap spreading gives best results
• Fertilisers can burn the lawn if applied unevenly so don’t buy a cheap spreader or you’ll have to buy a new lawn!

The above assumes the correct amount of fertiliser has been applied, the lawn is healthy, well aerated and doesn't contain a heavy thatch layer. An unhealthy lawn will not respond to fertiliser however well you adhere to the above points.

Factors that reduce fertiliser uptake and response

• Insufficient moisture in the soil
• Too much rain following application
• Thatch that prevents fertiliser getting to the roots
• Compacted lawns that are insufficiently aerated
• Old lawns - usually 20years plus
• Temperature below about 8 degrees
• Turf laid on sand

What this means is that two lawns next to each other can show vastly differing responses to fertiliser.