Most types of grass require food and water to grow strong and look great. One of the best ways to help your lawn is to fertilize. There is another process that is vital to your lawn, aerating. What is aerating? Aerating is the process by which small holes are made in the ground so air, water and nutrients can more easily reach your lawn’s roots. This helps the lawn grow stronger. When it comes to fertilizing and aerating, timing is everything.
Fertilize and Aerate In the Fall
In late September you should start the process with aerating followed by fertilizing with one application. This will help your lawn fortify for the upcoming winter, and all know how brutal the winter can be in Chicago. Continue fertilizing once again in October. Lastly, finish the process with a final fertilization in early November. The fertilizer should still penetrate to the roots due to the aeration.
Just Fertilize and Aerate on the Holidays
If you need an easier way to remember to fertilize once a month in the fall, try a simpler approach, fertilize on the holidays. When we say holidays, obviously we don’t mean Christmas. We’re talking about Labor Day, Halloween and before Thanksgiving. This schedule is very easy to remember and still means you get your lawn the proper nutrition when it needs it.
Other Things To Think About
Water! It cannot be said enough. Water! Make sure you water your lawn after every application. You need to keep watering in between applications as well. Your lawn needs water to survive. You cannot always rely on Mother Nature to do it for you. Remember the best time to water is in the early morning and late evening. Watering in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak can burn out your lawn.
If you are following the fall schedule, make sure you avoid the hotter weather. Heat can affect fertilizer and heat can sometimes burn out your grass. That is why we don’t recommend fertilizing in the middle of the summer.
As always, if you’re not sure what to do or how to do, give us call. We would be happy to help!
