New-Lawn-Fertilizing
Give Your New Grass A Good Start
New-Lawn-Fertilizing
The recommendations for fertilizing new lawns or turfgrass areas differ from those for an established lawn. The main reason for these differences is due to the ability to incorporate fertilizer before the turf is established. Nitrogen Recommendations For New-Lawn-Fertilizing An initial nitrogen (N) application of 0.5 lb N/1000 sq ft is recommended at the time of establishment for a new home lawn or commercial turfgrass area. If the grass is established from seed, incorporate N fertilizer into the surface 1/2 to 1 inch of soil. Either rake the fertilizer into the soil along with the seed or till it in just before planting. If the grass is established from sod, N fertilizer should be applied over the sod the day after it is laid and watered in lightly. Sod is watered heavily immediately after it is laid, so it is important to delay fertilization or the N will be leached below the root zone. An additional 0.5 lb N/1000 sq ft (22 lb/acre) should be applied 2 weeks after seedling emergence or sodding and watered in. After this, the rates and timing of N fertilization are based on the recommendations for established lawns. Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendations After preparing the site and testing the soil, broadcast the recommended amounts of P and K and incorporate the fertilizer into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. I recommend soil testing to determine the appropriate amounts of P&K prior to planting or sodding. Contact the University of Minnesota or your local Agriculture Extension Unit and they can provide you with soil testing, including the recommendation on what to apply based on your soil conditions. If you do not test the soil, then buy a lawn starter fertilizer and work that into the soil prior to seeding or sodding and this will help. Phosphorus and K applications before planting are very important, because both elements are relatively immobile in most soils. Top dress applications following establishment will move very slowly through the soil, so it will be difficult to make substantial changes in P and K fertility levels after the grass is planted. Soil preparation before seeding or sodding offers an opportunity to make basic P and K applications by placing these nutrients in the plant root zone. Establishment of turf is usually quicker with adequate P in the root zone. Current law allows application of P fertilizer to turfgrass during the establishment year. Soil tests for P and K are especially important before planting, because they permit an accurate assessment of fertilizer needs.
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