Mowing After Fertilizing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Keep Your Lawn Lush

Why wait to mow after fertilizing?

When you fertilize your lawn, you're giving it a boost of nutrients to help it grow strong and healthy. Mowing too soon after fertilizing can remove these nutrients before they have a chance to be absorbed by the grass. This can stunt the growth of your lawn and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. How long you should wait to mow after fertilizing depends on the type of fertilizer you use.

Granular fertilizers:

Granular fertilizers are the most common type of fertilizer used on lawns. They are spread evenly over the lawn and then watered in. Granular fertilizers can take several hours to dissolve and be absorbed by the grass. It is best to wait 24 hours after applying a granular fertilizer before mowing your lawn.

Liquid fertilizers:

Liquid fertilizers are applied to the lawn with a sprayer. They are absorbed by the grass more quickly than granular fertilizers. It is best to wait 12 hours after applying a liquid fertilizer before mowing your lawn.

Slow-release fertilizers:

Slow-release fertilizers are designed to release nutrients over a period of time. They are typically applied to the lawn once or twice a year. It is best to wait 7 days after applying a slow-release fertilizer before mowing your lawn.

How to mow after fertilizing

Once you have waited the appropriate amount of time after fertilizing, you can mow your lawn as usual. The following tips will help you get the best results:

• Mow at the appropriate height. The ideal mowing height for most lawns is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. Mowing too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
• Don't mow off more than one-third of the grass blade. If you mow off too much of the grass blade, it can damage the plant and stunt its growth.
• Mow in different directions each time. This will help to prevent ruts and compaction in the soil.
• Water your lawn after mowing. This will help to remove any clippings from the blades of grass and prevent them from clumping up.

Benefits of mowing after fertilizing

Mowing after fertilizing has several benefits, including:

• Improved nutrient absorption: Mowing helps to remove dead and damaged grass blades, which allows the fertilizer to reach the soil more easily. This can improve the absorption of nutrients by the grass.
• Reduced thatch buildup: Thatch is a layer of dead grass clippings and other organic matter that can build up on the surface of the lawn. Mowing helps to remove thatch, which can improve the health of the grass and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
• Improved air circulation: Mowing helps to improve air circulation around the grass blades. This can help to prevent the development of mold and other diseases.
• A more attractive lawn: Mowing after fertilizing will give your lawn a more attractive appearance. The grass will be greener, thicker, and healthier.

Conclusion

Mowing after fertilizing is an important part of lawn care. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your lawn gets the most benefit from fertilizer and looks its best.