Fertilizing Turfgrass

Lawns require the major nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the greatest quantities. Nutrients needed in minor amounts and applied less frequently are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. These minor elements are usually present in a large enough quantity in the soil that they do not need to be added with a fertilizer. Follow the recommendations on your soil test report to select the right fertilizer for your lawn. Soil testing materials can be picked up at your local Clemson Extension office.

Select slow-release nitrogen fertilizers (one-half of the total amount of nitrogen is water insoluble nitrogen or W. I. N.) for sandy soils, compacted clay soils, or sloped areas where the potential for runoff is very high. Since the nutrients are released slowly, you reduce the chances of polluting surface and groundwater and "burning" the grass plants.

Fertilize cool-season grasses such as tall fescue in the fall and early winter. Warm-season lawns comprised of bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass should be fertilized in the summer, no earlier than two to three weeks after the lawn turns green in the spring.