The Grass Doctor

Can I skip summer lawn fertilizing using Scott's annual program?

I have lived in my home for 6 yrs now. Since I moved I have been following the 4 step Scott's annual program and it has worked great. I also aereate 1 time a year in fall. Lately I have been thinking when I fertilize during the summer it tends to make my lawn less happy. Is it ok if I skip to the fall treatment only and do nothing in summer other than water when needed or will that make more problems later on?

Public Comments

1. Over fertilization is what is happening. Actually, you should probably let your lawn rest for a few years, if not forever, so that natural microbiotic action AND the worms can return to your lawn and fertilize it naturally. Artificial fertilization is pretty much banned in my area as we are a water shed, and you simply would not believe what your pretty green lawn is doing to the water and the environmeent and the overall health of your family. Folks around here, if they really need to fertilize, use worm castings or a manure tea -- much more effective and healthier for everyone. I would urge you to research how artificial fertilization programs actually damage the health of lawns, grasses, as well as the rest of the environment.
2. sand your yard, use fertilize spreader till a 1/2 in. then water..
3. Listen to Auntie O. Wish I could do more thumbs-ups.
4. This specialist website should be of help to you with more advice on that. http://landscaping.about.com/od/grassgrowingtips/qt/fertilizingLawn.htm