The Benefits of Late Fall Fertilization
With Halloween over and November here, it is time for people to start thinking of the last things they have to do to ensure their lawn stays healthy over the winter. I am sure you have done the usual aerating and overseeding, but have you fertilized? These are just a few benefits of late fall fertilization; better color, enhanced spring growing, and increased rooting. There are several more benefits of late fall fertilization and because one of Valley Green’s most popular products is our fertilizer mixes, we decided to go over these benefits today. If you need help in deciding what fertilizer to use, contact any of our retail locations and we will be sure to help you.
Why should I fertilize my lawn so late in the season?
As we stated in our introduction, there are many benefits of late fall fertilization. All of these benefits provide the lawn with enough energy to make it through winter. Late fall fertilization enhances root growth. Shoots slow their growth in fall so it is an ideal to feed the roots. Fertilizer also acts as an enhancer for a deeper root system. The stronger roots are, the more likely it is that they will be able to fight off stress from drought, fungus, and weeds in spring and summer.
Late Season Nitrogen Fertilization
This type of fertilization is especially important for lawns that have experienced a dry summer or fall. The application should go on until December. The benefits of late-season nitrogen fertilization are earlier spring green-up, increased shoot density, better spring root growth, and enhanced storage of energy reserves. Green up may actually occur two to six weeks earlier if late fall fertilization is practiced.
How much fertilizer should I apply in late fall?
For most northeast lawns, one pound of fertilizer for every one hundred square feet of lawn is usually efficient. Make sure you carefully read the specification sheet on the specific type of fertilizer you purchase. Too much nitrogen can actually be damaging to lawns. You should also make sure it is slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.
Should I apply fertilizer to my trees in late fall?
Just because trees go dormant in late fall, doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from fertilizer. The tree is still alive and fertilizing it just as it goes dormant allows the tree to develop disease resistance and root development. Excess nutrients will be stored in the tree’s roots and will ensure a healthy spring for it. Fertilizing trees in the fall is especially important if the leaves change color early, the branches have dieback, or have sickly leaves during the growing season. If your trees are experiencing any of the things above, it means they are unhealthy. Fertilizing in late fall will help them recover from the growing season’s stress and ensure lush growth in the spring.