If you fertilised your lawn in spring, it’s now likely time for another application. Most common slow release fertilisers will provide nutrient for your lawn for up to 12 weeks. So, if you fertilised your lawn in early to mid-spring, now is great time to give it a top up.
Summer fertilising helps your lawn maintain an even growth pattern. Most fertilisers have added minor nutrients, which work to give your lawn the correct balance of nutritional requirements.
Summer Fertilising
Why should you fertilise your lawns in Summer?
We need to fertilise our lawns because there is usually a lack of nutrients required within the soil and in summer these nutrients can become depleted. We need to supplement the existing nutrient levels, so we can achieve a balance of all the nutrients your lawn needs to stay in top shape.
Things to consider when fertilising in summer
When applying fertiliser read the label for rates, but generally 20 grams per square metre is recommended in most cases, so two kilograms will do an average 100 square metre lawn.
- Do not apply fertiliser to your lawn during the heat of the day. Mornings or late afternoons are best. If a significantly hot day is forecast, it would be best to wait and apply when conditions are milder.
You must water in your fertiliser after applying, otherwise you risk burning the leaf of the grass. If you don’t have a pop-up irrigation system, it’s a good idea to apply fertiliser before rain to save water. You can also set up a sprinkler or water it in well by hand with a hose. If a lot of rain is forecast however, it may be best to wait as the fertiliser could be significantly displaced or washed away.
Also make sure you only apply it to a dry lawn so that damage isn’t caused by applying to an already wet leaf that is subjected to the fertiliser.
If you have a pH imbalance, fertilising won’t be as effective. Test your soil’s pH level to ensure your lawn is able to absorb the nutrients it requires, instead of applying additional fertiliser, as this could be potentially harmful.
How to repair a lawn after leaf burn
If you have applied too much fertiliser or done so incorrectly during summer, your lawn can suffer leaf burn. Leaf burn shows as a scorching or burning of the plant foliage and can occur if applied during the heat of the day or if applied to an already wet lawn. Fertilisers contain salts which can draw moisture from the leaf resulting in browning or yellowing discolouration and even root damage.
Lawn Rescue
Lawn Rescue is designed to restore lawns that have lost colour and appearance due to drought, heat or lack of water and nutrients. Which makes it a great option to use in summer in general, but also if your lawn seems to be in a bit of stress or has suffered from some leaf burn.
Lawn Rescue contains the following:
- Nitrogen (N) – 5%
- Phosphorus (P) – 7.0%
- Potassium (K) – 2.0%
- Kelp – 7.5%
- Polyacrylamide (PAM) – 7.5% (soil conditioner/wetting agent – Helps porosity and reduces compaction, and water run-off.
- Trace elements
This perfect blend of liquid fertilisers, seaweed extracts and wetting agents is ideal for all new and established lawns. Lawn Rescue promotes the development of root systems and growth in new lawns, and stimulates, supports and protects root growth in established lawns year-round.
Lawn Rescue features both nutrient and rehydration properties, which also makes it the perfect solution for tired, slow-growing lawns that can occur during a long hot summer.
ColourGuard Plus
Another option, if your lawn has lost some colour and vigour from the heat is ColourGuard Plus. It’s a natural pigment with a liquid fertiliser and it’s a great solution during drought conditions to keep your grass green and to save water at the same time. If you are primarily looking for an instant green up and your lawn has slowed in growth due to high temperatures, ColourGuard Plus is the ideal solution.
ColourGuard Plus will grow out with the existing leaf, so if your lawn is growing quickly it may be best to look at alternative fertiliser options like Lawn Rescue or a slow release granular fertiliser instead for more long-lasting results.
