Can I Use Lawn Fertilizer For Trees?

Key Takeaways

Lawn care insights:

• Specific Formulations: Lawn fertilizers are specifically designed for grass and may not provide the appropriate nutrient balance for trees.
• Weed and Feed Risks: Products combining fertilizer with weed killer can harm trees by mistaking them for weeds due to similar characteristics.
• Soil Nourishment: Regular lawn fertilization can benefit soil health overall, indirectly supporting tree nutrition.
• Optimal Tree Fertilizers: Trees thrive on fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content, selected based on soil testing.

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Applying lawn fertilizer can keep your yard looking healthy by encouraging the rich growth of grass. When you're surveying your lush lawn, you might start to wonder: what else can this magical fertilizer do for my yard? Can I use it on my trees or shrubs?

Stop before you apply the fertilizer! That same product that does so much good for your grass could actually harm your trees. Not all fertilizers will work for all plants, especially if weed killer is an ingredient in the fertilizer.

Instead of applying lawn fertilizer across the entire yard and garden, look for fertilizers specifically designed for trees. Read this guide to find out why you need to be careful with your fertilizers and what to do instead to keep your trees healthy.

Can I Use Lawn Fertilizer For Trees?

Lawn fertilizers are not formulated for use on trees and shouldn't be used that way. In most cases, the fertilizer just won't do any good. In the worst-case scenario, "weed and feed" fertilizers can end up harming the tree. 

Maintaining a yard can be expensive, so we may look for options to cut costs. If you have a tree that's looking a little past it's best; then you might consider fertilizing it. 

Lawn fertilizer is designed to nourish plants, so it's natural to assume it can do the same job for trees. And if you have a bottle of lawn fertilizer waiting to be used, this can seem like the simple solution you need.

Things aren't quite that simple. 

The good news is that regularly fertilizing the lawn is likely to leave the soil well nourished anyway, which will benefit the trees. Regular application of fertilizer can improve nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the soil needed for healthy growth. 

But if your trees are looking worse for wear, they may need a direct fertilizer application. Lawn fertilizer is unlikely to be the right choice.

Although many lawn fertilizers won't damage trees, a lot of them just won't do any good. The fertilizers are formulated using specific nutrient balances designed to benefit a specific type of plant. 

The fertilizer that nourishes your lawn won't have the same effect on your trees. It's much better to find a fertilizer designed for tree growth.

And some lawn fertilizers will actively damage the trees. 

What Is Weed And Feed?

Weed and feed is a mixture of fertilizer and weed killer. When you apply it to your lawn, the product should nourish grass while killing weeds. Completing two jobs in one, it's a popular product with many gardeners.

Many trees will have similar features to the weeds you're trying to remove. However, weed killers can struggle to differentiate between weeds and plants with similar characteristics to weeds. The herbicide will kill the weeds but damage the trees simultaneously.

Can Lawn Fertilizer Damage Trees?

A lawn fertilizer won't always damage trees, but the wrong type of fertilizer can cause serious harm. Fertilizers are formulated to do a specific job for a particular plant. Applying it broadly throughout the garden won't have the same effect.

Lawn fertilizer can often damage trees because the fertilizer is designed to kill broadleaf weeds. Weeds can choke a lawn and stop the grass from getting the nutrients it needs. If you have a weed problem, you might consider using a weed and feed.

Unfortunately, broadleaf weeds and deciduous trees have a lot in common. Because of this, the weed killer can attack the trees, mistaking them for weeds.

If you have been using weed and feed and think it's damaging your tree, try applying water across the lawn. A thorough soaking can help disperse and dilute any chemicals remaining in the soil.

Can Lawn Fertilizer Be Used For Other Plants?

Just as lawn fertilizer shouldn't be used for trees, it's best to keep it away from the rest of your plants. This is particularly true if your fertilizer is a weed and feed. The weed killer can damage these non-grasses, mistaking them for weeds. 

Fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in different levels. Lawn fertilizers that don't have a weed-killing element can still potentially be used on other plants, but they're unlikely to have the right balance of ingredients. Using the wrong fertilizer will mean your plants aren't getting the nutrients they need.

What Is The Best Fertilizer For Trees?

The best fertilizers for trees tend to have a higher nitrogen ratio. 16-4-8, 12-4-8, or 12-6-6 are all excellent options. To find the very best fertilizer for your trees, you need to do a soil test. This can tell you how much potassium and phosphorus are present in the soil so that you can buy fertilizer accordingly.

The best time to fertilize trees is in October, before the frost sets in. If you forgot to fertilize in the fall, try fertilizing in March or April, when the frost has first cleared. 

By fertilizing in the fall, the root system has an opportunity to absorb nutrients before the coldest winter months. And there should be some fertilizer waiting in the soil for next year's growth. 

Not all trees will need fertilization, but it often helps ensure they have the best chance of new growth. 

Conclusion

You want to avoid using lawn fertilizer on your trees in most cases. The main reason is that lawn fertilizer is rarely formulated to provide trees with the correct balance of nutrients. Therefore, even regular fertilization won't aid growth.

However, some lawn fertilizers that contain weed killers could be damaging your trees. In this case, you should stop use immediately and soak the soil to dilute the chemicals.

If your trees are looking past their best, consider a nitrogen-rich fertilizer explicitly designed for trees. Your yard will soon look lush and healthy with the correct application.

7 Steps To Fix An Over-Fertilized Lawn

Key Takeaways

Insights on lawn recovery:

• Assessing Damage: Evaluate lawn roots to determine the extent of fertilizer damage.
• Watering Adequately: Flush out excess fertilizer by watering the lawn thoroughly.
• Root Inspection: Post-watering, check for new root growth to gauge recovery success.
• New Grass Planting: If necessary, prepare the ground for and plant new grass.

Check out our lawn fertilization services.

Are you getting a little carried away with your lawn fertilizer? We know fertilizer is an easy way of making sure your lawn is healthy and green, but if you start to apply a little too much, you can dry your soil out completely. 

Over-fertilization will turn the grass yellow or brown, or even kill it completely! Over-fertilizing a lawn could cause a burnt appearance, and applying too much Nitrogen over the season can build an excessive thatch layer that could cause disease, prevent sunlight and stop the soil from receiving vital nutrients to share with the roots. 

The good news is that an over-fertilized lawn can still be saved but you need to act as fast as possible. This article tells you what you need to do to fix that over-fertilized lawn whilst also advising on how to apply the right amount of nitrogen throughout the season, and get your grass back to that lush, green color you worked so hard to achieve.

What Caused My Over-Fertilized Lawn?

As you might have guessed, too much fertilizer can cause over-fertilization. However, there are a few other reasons your lawn might appear over-fertilized. If the soil does not drain properly, the salts in your fertilizer can build up and burn the roots, eventually killing them. 

Pet urine can also cause areas of discolored grass since it has a high concentration of nitrogen. Stressed grass is prone to over-fertilization, especially if you have neglected your lawn for a while. The grass will struggle to absorb minerals and nutrients from the fertilizer, meaning it can accumulate too much salt.

Fertilizer burn is when excess minerals build up in the soil and no matter the cause, this can cause yellow or brown withered grass. Though not deadly, this can be difficult to recover and will depend on how much fertilizer is left in the soil, how moist the soil is, and how healthy the grass is. If your grass is only slightly yellow, it can be saved, whereas brown grass might prove trickier.

The main culprit, however, will be over-fertilizing a lawn and this can cause a "burn" or damage.  Applying too much Nitrogen over the season can build an excessive thatch layer that could cause disease, prevent sunlight and stop any nutrients from getting to the roots. 

A maximum of around 4 to 5 lbs of total Nitrogen is the recommendation to be put down on your lawn in one season. Therefore, if the bag says 25-3-10 that simply means 25% of that type of fertilizer is Nitrogen. If you end up putting 4 pounds of that certain fertilizer down per 1,000 square feet, this means you are putting down 1 lb of Nitrogen at the same time and you should put a maximum of 5 applications of that fertilizer down to achieve 5 lbs of Nitrogen throughout the season.

Fixing Your Over-Fertilized Lawn

1. Inspecting The Damage

Before you begin fixing the grass, you need to assess and inspect what damage you are dealing with. You should check the grassroots from different sections of the lawn and have a clear picture of how deep the problem is. 

If the roots look healthy in most parts of the lawn, all you need to do is give your lawn enough water and the grass will grow back. However, if the roots seem dead and crunchy, you might want to consider replanting.

2. Removing The Fertilizer

If you have used granular fertilizer, you need to check to see if you have any left on the ground. Find a broom and attempt to sweep it away on any hard surfaces. You should not begin watering if you have not gotten rid of the spilled fertilizer beforehand. This will only add more salt to the soil.

3. Watering The Lawn

Watering the lawn helps to flush away all the excess salts from the grassroots. If you see the burned grass in time, watering will fix the problem quickly. However, you might be wondering how long you should apply the water to the grass. You should water until the soil struggles to soak anymore water in. 

Don’t stick to just watering the over-fertilized areas. Make sure instead, you are applying water evenly on parts that appear healthy. This will help leach the salts across the yard. 

You should make sure your lawn gets a decent amount of water on day one and then for the following 7 days. Make sure you are adding about an inch of water each day. Do this in the morning to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. 

4. Inspecting The Roots

In a lot of cases, watering is the key to fixing an over-fertilized lawn. After around one to two weeks, you should see new growth if you have been watering daily. However, if nothing has changed, you need to inspect the roots. 

Search for any new grassroots. If you find any, you have solved the problem. However, if you can’t, the damage is beyond repair and the only option you have left is to plant new grass.

5. Preparing The Ground For New Grass

If you need to plant new grass, you need to prepare the lawn first. Rake the burned, dead grass from the affected areas of the yard as this will give the water room to penetrate the healthy roots of the new grass. You then need to water the area for a week and wait at least a few days before planting. 

This will help to get rid of the buildup of mineral salts living in the soil. Cleaning the soil is important as it allows the roots to establish themselves quicker and reach deeper into the soil.

6. Planting New Grass

Depending on the size of the lawn and affected areas, you can choose between laying new sod, or simply reseeding your lawn. If only a small area has been affected, you can fix this by reseeding. However, if you are dealing with much larger areas, you may find it easier to sod. 

To get the best results from both methods, you need to make sure you are doing it right. If you are laying sod, be sure that the sod is pushed down enough, so the roots can hold the soil underneath. If you choose to reseed, cover the seeds with a thin layer of straw. This will keep critters and other elements away.

7. Maintaining Your New Grass

Whether you choose to re-sod or reseed, you need to care for the grass so that it can adapt to the new environment. Make sure you are sticking to a watering schedule. This needs to be done daily until the roots have been established, and then you can cut it back to two or three times a week. 

You will also need to think about fertilizer once again, but avoid over-fertilizing this time. You need to apply it correctly and the baby grass will need starter fertilizer 2-3 weeks after planting. 

Before mowing, wait for the grass to reach at least 3 inches. Trimming will make it grow quicker, but doing so before the grass reaches a proper height, may kill it. Moreover, if you let it grow too long and cut off too much at one time, this can cause further damage.

Final Thoughts

We hope by reading this article you have gained a better understanding of how your lawn might have become over-fertilized, as well as taken note of the steps on how to fix this. In a lot of cases, watering can be key to an easy solution, yet if the grass is beyond repair, it’s time to plant new grass. 

For expert advice on lawn care, including fertilization and weed control, visit Cory’s Lawn Service today. Let us provide you with an evaluation on what is happening to your lawn and let us get your lawn back to looking healthy!

Does Lawn Fertilizer Go Bad?

Key Takeaways

Insights on lawn fertilizer stability:

• Shelf Life: Properly stored, unopened lawn fertilizer can remain effective for years.
• Storage Conditions: Moisture and heat significantly reduce fertilizer's efficacy over time.
• Usability: Even clumped fertilizer, if dry, can be broken down and applied effectively.

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If you are new to gardening, you may wonder whether lawn fertilizer goes bad or not. The answer is that it depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the conditions in which you store it. 

In general, fertilizers tend to have a stable chemical balance which means they can last a very long time, and they are made of nutrients that do not break down. However, lawn fertilizers tend to be sensitive to storage temperature and humidity and are susceptible to bacteria and microbes. 

They are also sensitive to sunlight, rain and snow. If any of these factors become a problem, your lawn fertilizer will change its physical properties and lose its overall effectiveness. In some cases, it can even become harmful to lawns. As long as granular fertilizers stay out of extreme weather conditions they should stay stable.

With all this being said, let's dive into the details so you can determine how best to store your fertilizer to maximize its shelf life.

How Long Does Lawn Fertilizer Last?

The shelf life of any lawn fertilizer depends on whether it is dry or liquid fertilizer and whether it is an organic or chemical fertilizer. 

Does Granular Fertilizer Go Bad?

Dry fertilizer tends to come in granular form. It looks like tiny pellets or grains, and it can be scattered over a field or lawn just as a seed is. The pellets sink into the soil over time and slowly dissolve, at which point the nutrients transfer into the soil and fertilize your lawn.

The most common type of fertilizer is a dry organic fertilizer, and it most often contains potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. These three naturally occurring chemicals are ideal for plant health, and they are less harmful to grass than other non-organic chemicals. 

Organic dry fertilizers will not burn your lawn even if you overuse them because they are slow working and mild-natured. 

Because the chemical balance within granular fertilizers is stable, they do not change their properties over time and go bad. However, if they are exposed to humidity, inadequate storage temperatures, or bacteria, granular fertilizers will begin to break down and lose their potency.

Does Liquid Fertilizer Go Bad?

Liquid lawn fertilizers are popular because they work more quickly than dry, granular fertilizers. They do not need to break down and dissolve as dry pellets do, so they can start fertilizing your lawn immediately. However, they also tend to have a shorter shelf life than dry fertilizers.

There are two main types of liquid fertilizer, mineral and organic.

Mineral fertilizers are made through a chemical process and are particularly potent. If stored correctly, they can last between 8 and 10 years (check expiration date). You need to remember to give them a good shake before each use.

Organic liquid fertilizer is made from various organic matter, and it often has a shorter shelf life than its mineral counterpart because it does not contain the same stabilizing chemicals. 

The best advice is to check the bottle to gauge the shelf life of a new brand of this style of fertilizer. Once opened, the degradation process will begin immediately, and there is little you can do to slow it down.

Once bad, organic liquid fertilizers can harm or 'burn' your lawn.

Does Compost Go Bad?

Compost is an excellent source of natural fertilizer. As a general rule, it never "goes bad" so long as it is kept in the right conditions; however, it will begin to decompose and break down over time naturally. 

The hotter and more humid the environment, the faster your compost will break down, so try to keep it cool and dry.

How Do You Know if Fertilizer Has Gone Bad?

The best way to tell whether a lawn fertilizer has gone bad is to study its physical properties. The key factors to look out for include:

• Has its texture changed?

• Has the smell changed?

• Has the color changed?

• Are bugs or mold present?

• Is the bottle bulging?

What Happens When Liquid Fertilizer Goes Bad?

Liquid fertilizer, particularly organic liquid fertilizer, is vulnerable to bacteria and mold. Once you open the original packaging, the lack of chemicals and pesticides in this fertilizer means that organisms and microbes will begin to invade naturally and without much trouble.

The mold and bacteria may create gasses that cause the bottle to bulge and the liquid to smell strange. Over time, the smell may become more pronounced and nasty, and the thickness of the fluid may increase. You should avoid pouring it on your lawn at this stage as the bacteria can be harmful to grass and soil.

What Happens When Dry Fertilizer Goes Bad?

When dry fertilizer goes bad, it becomes clumpy and harder. It is easy to spot because it becomes more challenging to scatter and pour. 

However, this does not mean that the fertilizer is no longer helpful, only that humidity and temperature have caused the pellets to sweat and cling together. To reverse the state, you need to dig and break up the clumps and leave your fertilizer to dry out in a cool, dry place.

The same is true if your granular fertilizer develops mold on its surface. The mold can be removed by removing the top layer and drying the fertilizer out.

If animals and insects infest your dry fertilizer and leave feces in it, avoid using the fertilizer as the bacteria they spread can be harmful to plants and soil. 

What are the Best Storage Methods for Lawn Fertilizer?

The best way to store your fertilizer is to read the bottle, bag, or label and follow the manufacturer's instructions as closely as possible. That being said, here are a few cardinal rules that you can follow to maximize your fertilizer's shelf life:

• Always store your fertilizer in its original packaging because this contains the ingredients and chemical information specific to each product.

• Store your fertilizer in a cool, dry place that is not damp and is free from water sources and puddles. Ideally, the humidity level should be no higher than 70%.

• Store your fertilizer away from direct sunlight.

• Store your fertilizer in a locked area away from pets and children.

• Ensure that your fertilizer is stored somewhere with ventilation, even if it is just an open window.

• Store toxic substances separately from organic ones and keep locked away.

• Be sure to seal the bag or lid of your container tightly and securely between each use. 

Does Miracle-Gro Lawn Fertilizer Go Bad?

https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-Water-Soluble-Lawn-Food/dp/B000P0FHQ2/

Miracle-Gro lawn fertilizer is one of the most popular brands of liquid fertilizer on the market. It lasts around three years before it goes bad.

Does Scotts Fertilizer Go Bad?

https://www.amazon.com/Scotts-38620-Builder-WinterGuard-Fertilizer/dp/B017VN8XB6/

Scotts Turf Builder is one of the most popular brands of dry, granular lawn feeds out there. According to the company, it never goes bad and should have an infinite shelf life so long as you keep it in the correct storage conditions.

Final Thoughts:

Lawn fertilizers tend to have a pretty extensive shelf life so long as they are stored in the right conditions. As a general rule, it is best to use them within a year of opening them and read the label carefully.

For professional help with fertilizing your lawn, call Cory's Lawn Service. We can help! Get in touch with us for a free quote today! 

Our team of lawn professionals is focused on delivering top-notch customer service, maintaining beautiful lawns, and giving customers more time to spend on what is most important.

Can I Mow The Lawn After Fertilizing?

Key Takeaways

Optimal lawn care timing:

• Immediate Mowing: Mowing right after fertilizing is discouraged to prevent nutrient loss.
• Waiting Period: A waiting period allows fertilizer to be absorbed, varying by type—hours for liquid, days for granular.
• Consequences of Early Mowing: Early mowing can lead to nutrient waste and uneven grass growth.

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Having a lush green lawn at the front and back of your house is the dream of many people. It looks good, it adds a little nature to the home environment, and it provides you with a soft surface on which to relax, play, or spend some outdoor time. But a lawn isn't going to grow or maintain itself. 

The truth is that having a beautiful lawn of green grass takes time and effort, and you have to regularly maintain it and ensure that it has everything it needs so that it grows healthy. If not, the grass will start to struggle, and the lawn will look more like a horror movie than a picture-perfect dream. 

One of the main parts of lawn care and maintenance is fertilizing. Fertilizer can feed your grass extra nutrients, boost it up, ensure that it grows as healthy as possible, and looks its best.

There are fertilizers designed for different types of grass and different specific needs, and they are the key ingredient to a healthy lawn. That being said, you must use fertilizer in the right way, following the rules of application, or else things will go wrong. 

One of the things that people struggle with the most is knowing whether they can mow the lawn right after they have fertilized it or whether they should wait a certain amount of time. What is the answer? We're going to guide you through everything you need to know on this matter! Keep reading, and you'll find out. 

Can you mow the lawn straight after applying fertilizer? 

The answer is no. Cutting the grass after fertilizing is not a good idea. 

Arguably, it could depend on the type of fertilizer that you are using. And, indeed, you should always read the instructions for applying the fertilizer and follow any specific rules listed on the fertilizer's label above anything else.

But as a general rule, you should never mow the lawn right after having fertilized, as you need to allow for a certain amount of time before it is safe to do so. 

If you think about it, the reason for not mowing makes sense. When you apply fertilizer, it will take a little while for the product to take effect and do what it's supposed to do, so why would you instantly start doing something else to the lawn?

You've just newly applied nutrients, essentially feeding your lawn a delicious meal. Let it digest before doing anything else! 

But the exact reason is that if you mow the lawn right after fertilizing it, you have a high chance of accidentally getting rid of said fertilizer and ruining the whole purpose of fertilizing it. 

Without waiting for the right amount of time, the grass will not have had a chance to properly absorb the fertilizing product, meaning it will still be on the surface. And when you mow, you will be removing that top surface of grass, which contains the fertilizer. So basically, you will be removing the fertilizer after laying it down, rendering the whole thing useless! 

How long should you wait to mow the lawn after applying fertilizer? 

Okay, so if you mow the lawn right after having fertilized, you will essentially be removing most of the fertilizer, meaning it won't help the grass grow. But then, how long do you have to wait before it's okay to mow the lawn? 

The first thing you need to check is the specifications of the fertilizer you are using. As a general rule, fertilizers will come with a label of information and some instructions or guidance.

You need to check how long it takes for the fertilizer to be absorbed by the grass or soil, as once the grass/soil has absorbed it, there will be no danger of you accidentally removing it. 

That being said, if your fertilizer isn't entirely clear on the matter, or you're unsure, you can follow the standard waiting times. They differ depending on the type of fertilizer used so we will cover the two main types of fertilizer. Here they are: 

• Spray or liquid fertilizer:

Spray or liquid fertilizer is applied onto the grass, making it wet, and as it becomes absorbed, the grass dries. So once the grass is completely dry, after the fertilizer has been applied, you can be sure that it has been completely absorbed, and it is safe to mow. 

Usually, this will take a couple of hours, depending on the specific fertilizer. You can quickly check by touching the grass and determining whether it is dry or not. 

• Granular fertilizer: 

Granular fertilizer is dry and solid, and it essentially needs to be absorbed into the soil so that the grass can feed off it. It takes a lot longer to be absorbed, so you will have to wait a more extended amount of time before you can mow the lawn.

The standard recommended time you should wait is between 24 to 48 hours (again, check the specific fertilizer in question for further guidance). 

Most granular fertilizers also recommend watering the grass to help it absorb the nutrients better, so if you do so, you also need to wait for the grass to be dry. (Mowing wet grass is never a good idea as this can cause damage!) 

What happens if you mow the lawn right after fertilizing? 

Let's say you forget to check the rules, and you're in a hurry, and you make the mistake of mowing the lawn right after you have fertilized. What are the consequences? 

As we already explained, you are likely to accidentally remove most of the fertilizer from the grass, meaning the grass won't receive those nutrients so you will have wasted the fertilizer. But there are other consequences. Here is a list of the main things that will happen: 

• Grass will not grow healthy or green (due to not having received the nutrients)

• The grass may become patchy, as some parts will have received the fertilizer, but others won't 

• You will have wasted time, money, and effort 

Final thoughts: 

In conclusion, you should not mow the lawn straight after fertilizing, as you need to allow for a certain amount of time in which the grass absorbs the nutrients. If you mow the lawn before your grass has absorbed the fertilizer, you will have wasted the fertilizer as it will be mostly removed through the process of mowing. 

Instead, you need to wait for a couple of hours (in the case of liquid fertilizer) or between 24 and 48 hours (in the case of granular fertilizer) before you can mow the lawn. 

Cory's Lawn Service is a trusted team of professionals that offers lawn care services in Reno, Sparks, and nearby areas. Contact us today to learn more about our lawn care services!

When Should You Turn Sprinklers On In Reno

Key Takeaways

Irrigation timing and care:

• Optimal Start: Activate sprinklers in early to mid-April when risk of freezing is minimal.
• Winterization: Properly prepare your system for winter to prevent damage.
• Manual Watering: During off-season, manually water plants to maintain health.

Check out our irrigation and sprinkler services.

You'd think it would be easy to turn on the sprinklers whenever you need the backyard watered, but unfortunately, it's not that straightforward. Turning on your sprinklers too early in the year, and you're risking the pipes freezing up in the cold weather. If you wait until the weather warms, your plants, shrubs, and flowers might be too dehydrated. 

Based on the West Coast, Nevada features an array of climates throughout the year. The city of Reno is no exception to this - due to its placement in the northwest of the state, it ranges significantly from freezing winters to scorching summers. This means it's not always easy to tell when to turn the sprinklers on, unlike in warmer states like Arizona. 

Here is everything you need to know about when to turn sprinklers on in Reno! 

When should you turn sprinklers on in Reno?

The general rule of thumb is to turn your sprinklers on in Reno around beginning to middle of April. During this time, the snow on Peavine Mountain is likely to have melted, which is a clear indication that winter has been and gone. This is the best time to turn on the sprinklers because it means the weather is warm enough for your pipes not to freeze. 

If you turn on the sprinklers before the cold weather has disappeared for the year, you run the risk of the pipes freezing and bursting. However, this also applies to random bursts of cold weather throughout the year, which is why you mostly have to play it by ear. 

However, you also don't want to leave it too late. If certain plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, and types of grass have been left without water for too long, then not even a sprinkler can bring them back to life. To prevent this from happening, it's important to continue watering your plants manually during these cold months when the sprinklers are off. You might have to use a watering can or wait for the rain, but this is better than waiting until the plants have dried completely! 

How to winterize your sprinkler system in Reno 

There is no need for your plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees to be watered by a sprinkler over winter. This is because they will go into their dormancy stage, relying on the nutrients in the soil to stay somewhat alive until they come out of the dormancy stage, which is usually in spring. You need to winterize your sprinkler system as it doesn't need to be used during this period. 

Not only will watering your backyard with sprinklers be a waste of water, but it can also be damaging to the system. Damage to the irrigation system can be a nightmare to deal with in spring, so here are the steps to avoid such damage. 

Firstly, before the weather turns cold, you'll need to water the foliage in your backyard one last time. Using the sprinkler system or a hose, make sure to give your plants, shrubs, and trees a good soak. This will help to prepare your garden for its dormant stage. 

Then, you'll have to shut off the sprinkler system's controller before turning off the water supply altogether. It's essential to wrap the shut-off valve (also called a ‘pressure vacuum breaker’) with something to insulate it, such as a valve bag cover, to protect and prevent it from freezing. You can buy a valve bag cover either online or at your local Home Depot. 

Next, make sure to drain the water from the pipes. The way to do this depends on your system - most houses in Reno have manual drain valves instead of automatic ones. You will need to manually open these up to allow water to drain out. The reason for this is to ensure there are no pressurized points in the system to prevent freezing. 

Here is how to properly drain a sprinkler system:

• Turn off the main valve to the irrigation system

• Prepare to release the pressure from the valves by turning the backflow test cocks and ball valves to a 45-degree angle

• Open the valves to release the water pressure

• Wait until all the water has released from the sprinklers

• Turn everything off

As well as ensuring the valves are insulated, do the same with the backflow preventers if they are above ground. 

Fortunately, winterizing your sprinkler system isn't as complicated as you think. However, if you are struggling to figure out how your particular system works, make sure to contact your local lawn care company for professional help.

How to start up a sprinkler system in Reno

Once the snow has melted from Peavine Mountain (typically around early to Mid-April, depending on the year), it's time to start up your sprinkler system again. To do this, you'll have to slowly open the water valve to prevent high-pressure water from flying through the pipes, which can cause cracking. Be sure that all drain valve, sprinkler valves, and test clocks are put into the closed position before activating or you will have water flooding.

Once fully opened, turn on the controller and check each setting. It's best to manually activate each zone to check for leaks or low pressure. This will allow you to adjust the sprinkler heads or clean filters accordingly. 

Then, you can set the controller to whatever settings you like! Just make sure to remember that sprinkler systems may crack or freeze when the weather drops again, so you'll have to use it according to the temperature at the time. 

How to keep shrubs and trees alive during winter 

While shrubs and trees go into a period of dormancy during winter, they will still need some form of water to keep themselves alive in time for the growing season that starts in spring. To get the best out of your backyard foliage, you can continue to water your shrubs, trees, and plants during winter manually. Instead of using a sprinkler system, you can use a hose or a watering can. 

Your plants won't need to be watered as often as you would water them in spring and summer. Think of it like this - when a bear goes into hibernation, they deliberately fill themselves up and store food in their hibernating spots to carry them through winter. The same goes for outdoor plants, which will require some water to keep them alive - don't expect them to grow during this time. 

Watering your shrubs and trees during winter will promote healthier and faster growth in spring and summer because they will have stored some nutrients from the water and soil over the dormancy period. 

Conclusion

If you're worried about the best way to activate or winterize your sprinkler system, call Cory's Lawn Service. Cory's Lawn Service is a residential lawn care company based in Reno equipped to activate, winterize, repair, inspect, and adjust sprinkler systems. With a certified Irrigation Technician ready to diagnose and fix virtually any sprinkler-related problem, Cory's Lawn Service will provide the utmost care required to keep your lawn and system healthy and prepared during winter.

When Should I Fertilize My Lawn in Reno?

Key Takeaways

Optimal lawn fertilization insights:

• Importance: Essential for a lush, healthy lawn, aiding in disease and weed prevention.
• Timing: Best in spring post-first mow, enhancing growth for summer readiness.
• Method: Fertilize when dry, post-mowing, for efficient nutrient absorption.
• Selection: Choose fertilizers with key nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.

Check out our lawn fertilization services.

Live in Reno? It can be challenging to know when to fertilize your lawn, let alone take care of any flowers and plants you have.

Of course, a healthy, well-looked-after lawn can make the difference between an attractive-looking  (property) and one that looks neglected.

Front yards, in particular, can reflect the overall house if the lawn is left patchy, dry, and generally unkempt!

Living in (Northern) Nevada, where summers are dry, and the winters are cold - coupled with Reno receiving just nine inches of rain on average per year - can make it particularly difficult to decide when to fertilize your lawn.

This simple guide, however, will tell you everything you need to know about fertilizing your lawn in Reno, as well as why fertilization is essential!

Why Is It Important to Fertilize Your Lawn?

Fertilizing your lawn is vital for several reasons. Aside from simply maintaining a healthy, lush, and attractive-looking lawn, lawn fertilization is beneficial to the other plants in your yard.

It is also the greenest and most cost-effective way to take care of your lawn and improve the overall appearance of your house and lot.

Like our bodies, our lawns need nutrients to grow and stay healthy. A healthy dense lawn will help prevent turf diseases and encroachment of unwanted weeds.

Controlled growth of lawns is key when choosing fast vs. slow release fertilizers.  If not done properly excessive thatch can lead to poor infiltration, higher potential for disease, spongie surface, and higher water usage.    

In addition to fertilizing your lawn, you can maintain its appearance and prevent lawn damage by avoiding the following: 

• watering too frequently or at incorrect times 

• leaving clutter (toys, garden tools, sporting equipment, etc.) on your lawn

• cutting your lawn too short

• not watering enough, or having uneven irrigation coverage

• too much shade/lack of sun

• chemical damage (arising from cleaning your house, patio, or driveway)

When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Reno

Spring is the best time to fertilize your lawn if you live in Reno. In general, this is the best time to fertilize your lawn in most cases, but this can also depend on the location and climate where you live.

Typically, spring in Reno ranges from February to April. But when is the best time during these months?

In general, you should always aim to fertilize your lawn after mowing it. When your lawn needs to be cut for the first time in spring, aim to fertilize after doing so.

If desired, you can also fertilize your lawn once more in the later months of spring as it grows longer and healthier before summer arrives.

How to Fertilize Your Lawn

What is the best way to fertilize your lawn?

As mentioned, a good rule of thumb for lawn fertilization is to fertilize it after it has been freshly mowed. This keeps it healthy after being cut and supports your lawn in its ensuing growing process.

In addition to this, it is worth knowing the best time to fertilize. Fertilizing should be when your lawn is dry, either late in the morning (when there is no more dew) or before a sprinkling (or rain). This allows adequate time for the fertilizer to seep into the soil.

As for other tips and tricks, make sure to remember to cover your lawn equally by taking a mental note of your distribution. You should also follow manufacturer instructions on your specific fertilizer so that you apply the fertilizer effectively and in the right amount.

Best Lawn Fertilizers

So, what makes a good lawn fertilizer? Which lawn fertilizer is the most effective?

Typically, the best lawn fertilizer is one that provides all the essential nutrients for grass growth and maintains a healthy green appearance. These include but are not limited to nitrogen (ammonium nitrate or urea), phosphorus, and potassium.

While nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the key things to look for in any lawn fertilizer, there are other factors to consider, such as the type of lawn fertilizer you decide to buy.

There are various types of fertilizer to try, including granular fertilizers (slow-release and quick-release) and liquid fertilizers. During winter months, slow-release fertilizers are considered the better option, allowing nutrients to absorb over a more extended period.

Granular lawn fertilizers are popular for their versatility and ease of use. Liquid fertilizers, on the other hand, are easily distributed using a hose or watering can and quickly absorbed into the soil. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Read through frequently asked questions about lawn fertilization and general lawn maintenance below.

Is It Worth it to Fertilize Your Lawn?

If you want an even, healthy-looking lawn that improves the overall appearance of your front or backyard, it is worth fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizing should be done at least four times a year, once each season, but this can vary depending on location and climate.

When Should You Not Fertilize Your Lawn?

As a general rule, you should not fertilize your lawn when wet. This includes early in the morning, when dew is present, and after watering or rain. While this does not damage your lawn, fertilizing your lawn when dry allows the soil to absorb the nutrients properly.

Summary

Spring is the best time to fertilize your lawn if you live in Reno. As spring marks the end of winter, this is ideal for initiating lawn growth in time for summer. In this case, you should aim to fertilize your lawn after you give your lawn its first mowing in spring.

You should also fertilize your lawn when your lawn is dry - either later in the morning (when the dew has left the grass) or just before watering/rainfall. For the best fertilizer for your lawn, make sure to choose one that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

The choices of fertilizers can be overwhelming, but the professionals at Cory's Lawn Service can help you choose the perfect product for your yard's current needs. Different seasons require different fertilizer applications and timing demands to help your lawn flourish. Don't let the box store brands mislead you to what your lawn needs in our Reno-Sparks area. Call us today and let us help take care of all of your lawn care needs!

How Do I Care for My Lawn in Northern Nevada?

Key Takeaways

Northern Nevada lawn care:

• Fertilization Timing: Spring is ideal for fertilizing to kickstart growth after winter dormancy.
• Aeration Importance: Aeration twice a year is recommended due to soil compaction and poor conditions.
• Irrigation Strategy: Water at least three times a week, early in the morning, to avoid fungus and turf diseases.
• Mowing Practices: Mow to 2.5-3 inches, using sharp blades, and change directions weekly for healthier grass.

Check out our fertilization, areation, irrigation, and mowing services.

Living in a semi-arid region like Northern Nevada, where summers are hot, and the winters are cold, can make it particularly hard to care for your lawn with no in-between.

On top of that, Nevada stays dry for the majority of the year, which can make something as simple as watering your lawn more confusing than it should be.

Maintaining a healthy, impressive-looking lawn in Northern Nevada does not have to be difficult.

You might want to keep your lawn healthy over the cold winter period or learn how to perk up the appearance of your lawn in time for summer.

Whichever it is, this guide will provide you with the best lawn care tips that you need to know.

Why Lawn Care Is Important

Firstly, there is nothing wrong with maintaining your lawn. After all, the appearance of any lawn does not just reflect the property but also the owner!

Aside from appearances, lawn care is essential for several other reasons. 

A healthy lawn, quite simply, feels good under your feet. You will notice a difference and something worth considering if you have kids who frequently play in the yard or if you like to host regular barbecues in the summer.

A healthy lawn also offers environmental benefits, such as cooling and purifying the air. In addition to this, good lawn maintenance can even work to your advantage by reducing your overall water usage.

Lawn care is more important than most people tend to think. And if you live in Northern Nevada (or are thinking about moving to Northern Nevada), it's worth knowing the best methods for caring for your lawn.

Lawn Fertilization

Whether you live in Northern Nevada or not, one of the best ways to initiate and maintain healthy lawn growth is fertilization.

Like any living thing, nutrients are essential for growth and health. This is why fertilization is crucial, as it will provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and look healthy.

Not only that, but fertilization will also help prevent lawn disease and the unwanted sprouting of weeds - two hindrances that can quickly damage your lawn's health and overall appearance.

When Should I Fertilize My Lawn in Northern Nevada?

In general, the best time to fertilize your lawn is springtime. This is when the grass starts to grow after its winter dormancy. 

In Northern Nevada, spring runs through February, March, and April. When you should fertilize in spring, exactly, will be when your lawn needs its first mowing.

After mowing your lawn for the first time in spring, is the best time to fertilize. Continued, regular fertilization is optional.

If you think your lawn needs extra nourishment - for example, before summer or during winter - a good rule of thumb is only to fertilize your lawn when it is dry.

For instance, always avoid fertilizing early in the morning when dew is present.

Lawn Aeration

Alongside fertilization, good lawn care also involves aeration: the process of piercing holes, typically between 1 and 3 inches deep, in the soil. 

Aeration allows the soil to breathe, which improves oxygen, water, and fertilizer infiltration.

Without aeration, the potential for lawn disease increases. Poor infiltration also means poor absorption, which can reduce the effectiveness of irrigation and fertilization.

These are the main problems of not aerating your soil, which specifically arises from thatch (an excessive build-up of debris in the soil) or compaction, where the soil has become too dense.

When to Aerate Soil in Northern Nevada

In Northern Nevada, it is recommended to aerate your soil twice a year. This is due to poor soil conditions and compaction, which are common within the region.

A routine aeration carried out twice a year is also enough to improve infiltration without causing any damage to the soil.

Lawn Irrigation

No matter whether you have a sprinkler system or a watering can, the key to maintaining a healthy green lawn year-round is to recognize when your lawn needs watering - most notably when it starts to take on a dull color. 

Another way to tell if your lawn needs watering is if the blades do not return upright after being stepped on.

Sun exposure and temperature also play a big part in watering your lawn. Due to this, it's a good idea to keep a consistent irrigation schedule throughout the year, adjusting it depending on the season.

When to Irrigate Your Lawn in Northern Nevada

Rainfall in Northern Nevada is infrequent, often unpredictable, and limited to just a few months a year. This makes it more important to maintain and carefully plan lawn irrigation.

It is recommended to water your lawn at least three times a week, earlier in the mornings - especially in hotter temperatures. Avoid watering at night, as this can quickly cause fungus and turf disease.

At the same time, make sure to follow the local guidelines for watering days set by TMWA.

Lawns in Northern Nevada will also benefit from deep, infrequent watering instead of light, frequent watering. This is due to common compaction of soil in Northern Nevada. In addition, running your sprinklers for an extended period will also lead to unwanted run-off. 

Therefore, it is best to water your lawn using a “stacked” schedule. This would, for example, involve running your sprinklers for 10 minutes at 3 am, 5 am, 7 am, and 9 am, as opposed to a single 40-minute watering at 7 am.

Mowing Your Lawn - The Best Way

Mowing is another vital part of lawn care, which needs to be done correctly to improve transpiration, prevent sun damage, and reduce the risk of weeds.

When mowing your lawn, it is always essential to make sure your mower blades are sharp. Dull blades can damage grass, which won't only affect the appearance of your lawn but make it more susceptible to disease.

For best results, change the direction that you mow your lawn each week to promote thicker, healthier blades of grass and prevent rutting and compaction. Similarly, you should avoid cutting more than a third of the grass length at any time, as this will cause stress to the turf.

If you missed mowing one week, and your grass is at least six inches long, avoid the temptation to cut it all off at once. Instead, mow off two inches, followed by another two inches a few days later.

It also goes without saying that you should avoid mowing your lawn when it is damp. 

When to Mow Your Lawn in Northern Nevada

In Northern Nevada, grass growth increases in the spring and early fall when the temperature cools. This is when you can expect to be mowing more frequently.

But, as a good rule of thumb, it is always best to mow your lawn to two and a half inches or three inches. This will improve transpiration while preventing the encroachment of weeds.

Well-mulched grass clippings can be left on the lawn throughout the year. These quickly decompose and even return some nutrients without contributing to lawn thatch.

How to Prevent Lawn Damage

Last but not least, it's worth being able to recognize signs of lawn damage. Additionally, how to prevent lawn damage from happening altogether!

Rough spots and brown patches in the grass are apparent signs of lawn damage. These eyesores can often ruin the appearance of your lawn - as well as your hard work during the year.

Lawn patchiness can result from lawn disease (through poor aeration), dryness, excessive shade, chemical damage, mowing your lawn too short, always mowing in the same direction, or leaving unnecessary clutter on your lawn.

To keep your lawn looking flawless year-round, make sure to avoid those common lawn care mistakes.

Conclusion

Caring for your lawn in Northern Nevada does not have to be complex or confusing and can be broken down into proper fertilization, aeration, irrigation, and mowing.

To summarize, make sure to fertilize in the spring to initiate optimum growth before aerating in the summer to improve oxygen, water, and fertilizer infiltration. Good soil, after all, helps to promote healthy grass.

Increase irrigation of your lawn during the hotter, dryer parts of the year. And when it comes to mowing your lawn, avoid cutting your grass no shorter than two and a half to three inches in height, always making sure to use sharp mower blades.

And that's it!

Follow the above tips from this guide, and you can be sure to maintain a thick, impressive, healthy lawn in Northern Nevada throughout the year.