A lush green lawn boosts a property’s curb appeal and resale value. Professionals can create an individualized program to help customers keep their lawns looking their best.
A lawn fertilization service will do a high-quality soil test and know what to apply and when. They can also provide granular and liquid treatments that include weed-control treatments.
Cost
The cost of lawn fertilization services depends on several factors. First, the size of your lawn will influence pricing. Larger lots typically require more time and labor to treat than smaller ones. Additionally, the type of service you need will also impact price. For example, organic lawn fertilizers break down slower and focus on soil enrichment, while synthetic options are faster-acting and can be overused if not used properly.
Similarly, gradual-release fertilizers can cost more than fast-release varieties. However, they will nourish the lawn for a more extended period and help prevent overfertilization or burning.
The type of fertilizer you select, and your location both affect prices. Liquid fertilizers are the most expensive but can provide faster results and are easier to apply than granular formulas.
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Safety
Fertilizers contain chemicals that aren’t necessarily safe for pets and children. They can also leave residues on sidewalks and driveways, and if rain washes them into waterways, they can prompt weed growth and algae blooms.
Professional lawn fertilization services St. Louis MO have the knowledge and experience to ensure your pets are safe around fertilizer treatments. They’re current on product recalls and will only use safe products for pets and children.
Please keep your pets indoors during treatment so they don’t come into direct contact with the lawn or accidentally ingest it. It’s also best to wait until the lawn has a good rainfall or 24-72 hours before letting them out in it. Chemicals from the fertilizer can stick to their fur and skin, and they may be unable to digest them like they would food. Toxic effects and other health problems may result from this.
Time
The best lawn fertilizers contain high proportions of slow-release nitrogen. This ensures the grass gets a steady supply of nutrients essential for healthy growth and performance. It also helps prevent over-fertilization, resulting in weed growth and water runoff into lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and groundwater.
If you plan to fertilize your lawn, invest in a high-quality spreader and learn how to calibrate it correctly. Be sure to buy a spreader that fits the size of your lawn. A rotary or drop spreader will work best for more extensive lawns. Homeowners should apply their lawn fertilizer based on the recommendations in their soil test report.
Fertilizers should always be applied to moist soil. Avoid fertilizing during periods of severe drought because the fertilizer will be washed away before it can penetrate deep into the soil. Never fertilize near wetlands, lakes, rivers, or streams because the nutrient load could contribute to excessive aquatic weeds and algae blooms.
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Experience
The nuances of fertilizer formulations, like the balance of nitrogen, potash, and phosphate, can be challenging to understand. Each yard requires different percentages to thrive. For instance, cool-season grasses need more watering and fertilizer in cooler months, while warm-season grasses require less but need frequent mowing. Knowing when and how much to apply is critical. Pouring too much or too little could kill the lawn or cause other detrimental results.
Professional lawn care services will consider geographic and environmental factors to create a customized nutrient plan for each customer. They can also provide weed control, grub prevention, and other lawn treatments to prevent recurring pests and diseases from infesting the customer’s grass. This helps their lawns look beautiful all year and makes them a more attractive property overall. Additionally, professionals are up-to-date on product recalls and other important lawn care news. This saves the homeowner time, effort, and money in the long run.