Fertiliser Application Rates

It takes a bit of practice to get the right amount of fertiliser on your lawn as there are so many variables.

However, all Lawnsmith Fertilisers give a range of application rates, so staying within the range is pretty easy and perfectly acceptable. The lawn will benefit, so don’t get overly bothered about being perfect with your weights and measurements, particularly the first time you apply a product. You can always tweak the spreader controls to put more or less on next time.

Having said that, don’t assume more is better; it isn’t. You can overfeed grass just like everything else. Overfed grass takes on a bluey green colour and grows leaf often at the expense of good roots. It can quickly build a thatch layer, too.

Use a Good Spreader

Just as important is consistency of application so that the same amount comes out of the spreader ALL of the time. Cheap spreaders are often the cause of the problem, as it is difficult to either start, stop, or get a consistent flow. Spending just a few quid on a spreader won’t get you much when you consider all the moving parts. I use the Shoulder or Bag Spreader because it is so completely versatile, exceptionally accurate, 99% reliable and very well priced because there are no wheels or chassis. Even if you can afford gold plated, this is still the best spreader!

Careful with ‘Weed & Feed’

This is one reason for the lack of success of DIY lawn care, as it is very important to be accurate when applying combined ‘weed and feed’ fertiliser products. Too little means the weeds survive, and too much can damage the grass. This won’t happen with the application of our fertilisers because there is a wide and safe application range allowing you to take control (within reason) of the application rate in relation to the prevailing conditions.

Rates for Different Grasses

You may also need to make adjustments due to the type of grasses you have. Lawns containing rye or smooth stalked meadow grass which are in most lawn mixtures will be happy with application rates at the higher end of the fertiliser scale. However, if your lawn is all fescues (fine bristle like grasses) then keep applications on the lean side. It would be worthwhile investing in a knapsack sprayer for liquid applications if you are fertilising an ornamental or fine lawn.

As a guide as to whether to be lean or generous with the quantity, I suggest you aim to be on the lean side and see how the mowing rate and colour improve. Adjust your quantity upwards or supplement the feeding with liquid fertiliser for improvements as required.

Wet vs Dry Lawn Conditions

The application range given for your Lawnsmith Fertilisers should also be adapted due to the weather. If conditions are wet, then growth will be good, so apply your lawn feed at the higher end of the recommended rate. If the weather is dry but you still have ground moisture, then apply at the lower end of the rate scale.

It should go without saying that if it is very dry, you should not apply fertiliser or anything else.