Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn is more than just the occasional mowing and watering.

It is both an art and a science – one that requires careful attention, patience, and precision. With the right knowledge and practices, you can create a beautiful landscape that will surely turn heads and add value to your Watkinsville, GA home or business.

This guide is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and tips needed to properly fertilize and control stubborn weeds in your lawn. It covers all aspects of lawn care, including:

• The right type of lawn fertilizers to use
• Year-long fertilization and weed control strategies
• Common lawn problems and solutions
• Reasons to use professional lawn care services

Understanding the basics of lawn fertilization and weed control is key to creating a thriving outdoor space. Armed with this knowledge and the right tools, you can implement a robust lawn care program that will keep your grass green, vibrant, and healthy.

Let’s get started!

The Right Type of Fertilizer to Use for a Healthy, Green Lawn

There has been a long-time debate as to which type of fertilizer is best for lawns. The two most popular options are organic and synthetic fertilizers.

Organic Fertilizers: Best for Long-Term, Eco-Friendly Lawn Care

Organic fertilizer is made from natural materials such as compost and manure. This type of fertilizer provides a slow but steady release of nutrients over time, making it ideal for long-term lawn care maintenance. It also helps to improve soil structure and supports the growth of beneficial microbes in the soil.

The only downside to organic fertilizers is that their nutrient content can be inconsistent. This makes it difficult to target specific nutrient deficiencies in the soil.

Synthetic Fertilizers: Fast-Acting and Targeted Solution

Synthetic fertilizers are made from laboratory-created chemicals and are designed to provide a faster release of nutrients. They have a more balanced nutrient composition than organic fertilizers and are more effective in promoting growth.

They also provide a precise way of addressing specific nutrient deficiencies in the soil and come with added benefits such as weed control, insect control, and disease prevention.

While you can easily purchase fertilizer at any home improvement store, it is important to note that using the wrong type can be detrimental to your lawn. Warm-season grass requires a different type of fertilizer than cool-season grass, and a soil test may also be required to determine the specific nutrients needed to promote healthy growth.

Year-Long Fertilization and Weed Control Strategies to Keep Your Lawn Lush and Healthy

You need to feed your turfgrass with lawn food all year round to keep it looking its best. The key is to fertilize your lawn at the right time, with the right nutrients, and in the right quantities.

Here’s how you should be applying fertilizer and weed control products to your Bishop, GA lawn:

January to February: Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Herbicides

Poa Annua and broadleaf grasses are two of the most common weed types in Statham, GA. At the beginning of the year, the use of pre-emergent herbicides and broadleaf post-emergent herbicides will help to control any breakthrough, while preventing grass seed and weed germination.

March to April: Dithiopyr and Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizer

Dithiopyr is a type of selective pre-emergent herbicide that will help to prevent Crabgrass from germinating while also killing newly emerged weeds. It is important to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the early summer as well, as it will help to green up your lawn and encourage the growth of strong roots.

April to July: Slow-Release Fertilizer and Weed Spot Treatment

As the weather starts to warm up, you should switch to an iron-rich slow-release fertilizer to provide your grass with the nutrients it needs without burning or harming it. You may also need to spot-treat weeds with a post-emergent herbicide if any new emergence were to occur.

July to October: Preparing for Winter Season

Late summer or early autumn is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for winter. Applying pre-emergent herbicides to control Poa Annua and other winter annual weeds is necessary to prevent these weeds from taking over your lawn. A 0-28-25 fertilizer is also needed to prepare your lawn for the colder months ahead – allowing it to store carbohydrates and survive the harsh winter conditions.

November To December: Calcitic Lime with Humics

Before the year ends, you should apply Calcitic Lime to your lawn to balance the pH levels of your soil. The addition of humic will also help to improve the health and structure of your soil while providing additional nutrients to your lawn.

Through these proven and tested strategies, you can give your Bogart, GA lawn the nourishment it needs to stay healthy and lush all year round. You need a robust lawn treatment program specific to your grass type and soil conditions, and at the same time, take into account the season’s demands. By doing so, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn for years to come.

Common Lawn Problems and How to Fix Them

Sometimes, even with the best of care, lawns may suffer from problems such as pests, weed invasions, and diseases. Here are some of the most common lawn problems and how you can fix them:

Unsightly Patches of Dead Grass

Patches of dead grass may be caused by a variety of factors, including pests, diseases, compaction, or insufficient water and nutrients. The best way to treat this is by aerating the soil and applying fertilizer to encourage new growth. Alternatively, you can also over seed the area for instant results.

Pesky Weeds Taking Over Your Lawn

Weeds are a nuisance and can quickly take over your lawn if not treated properly. The best way to get rid of them is to use pre-emergent herbicides, post-emergent herbicides, or mechanical removal. However, the most effective way to address this problem permanently is to hire a professional weed control company.

Problematic Pest Infestations

Pests such as armyworms, grubs, chinch bugs, and mole crickets are some of the most common lawn pests found in the greater Athens, GA area. While some DIY remedies are available, the best way to tackle this issue is to contact a lawn care professional that is experienced in turf pest control.

Poor Drainage Due to Soil Compaction

If your yard is prone to pooling or poor drainage due to soil compaction, you can aerate the area using a garden fork or an aerator machine. This will help to improve the drainage and also provide much-needed oxygen to the roots of your grass.

These are just some of the most common lawn problems and how you can treat them. Keeping your lawn healthy is a year-round process, and with the right fertilization, weed control, and pest control strategies in place, you can rest assured that your lawn will look great season after season.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Lawn Care Expert in Athens, GA

Maintaining a healthy and lush lawn is no easy task. It requires a lot of knowledge and expertise to get the job done right. That’s why it’s highly recommended to hire a professional lawn care company in Athens, GA that can provide you with expert fertilization and weed control services as well as pest and disease control solutions. Professional lawn treatments may seem like an added expense, but they will save you money, time, and energy in the long run.

Turf Pros: The Best Lawn Care Provider in the Greater Athens, GA Area

Whether you’re looking for a one-time treatment or an ongoing lawn care plan for your home or business in Athens, GA – you can trust our team of certified lawn care experts at Turf Pros to provide you with a comprehensive, research-based, and personalized lawn care programs to keep your lawn looking its best. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you achieve the healthy, green lawn of your dreams. Our service areas include Watkinsville, Bishop, Bogart, and Statham but don’t hesitate to call us if you’re in the greater Athens, GA area.