The Grass Doctor

Fertilizing my lawn, when?

I live in Michigan, and am a new home owner. This is my first spring in our new house, and I am unsure when I should fertilize my lawn for the first time. My neighbor said the Trugreen already came by and sprayed her lawn about 2 weeks ago.

Public Comments

1. Now is a good time.
2. You can start fertilizing your lawn in early spring. Tru-Green is out spraying now because they are putting down a pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass mixed with a high potency "green-up" fertilizer. The type of fert you use will determine how to proceed from your first application. If you are using a generic, mild fertilizer (10-6-4 or less ) with no extra herbicides, pesticides, etc. you can do a light application once a month throughout the growing season. If you choose a consumer-type fertilizer (Scotts 4-step, TruGreen, etc.) it's best to read the packaging, as they are much more potent, and contain other chemicals designed to target specific problems at specific times. Most consumer brands have a specific spring fertilizer with pre-emergent herbicides. Try asking at a reputable garden supply store or a farm store in your area. They can show you different methods you can use and the proper timing for your area. Good luck in your new house.
3. Its good to do it now as things strat to grow. Depending on what kind you use you can do it once a year or weekly. Get a bag and read the directions on the bag. Go to the store and read the directions on All the bags. But, yeah, start the fertilizing.