Common fertilizing mistakes - Too much fertilizer

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine
TheFamilyHandyman.com

Less fertilizer, more even distribution
Dial back the rate of application to 1/2, then make two passes with your spreader at right angles.

“I bet at least 3 out of every 5 homeowners fertilize way more than they should.”

Many retailers promote a four-step fertilizer program for homeowners. Fertilizing more than four times a year is overkill. In fact, most homeowners could get by with two every year. You can cut back on the amount of fertilizer you need by making sure you apply it at the right time of the year. More on that later

If you apply too much fertilizer, especially in sandy soils, a good share of it will leach through the soil and make its way into our precious groundwater, lakes, streams and wetlands. Lawn grasses only need a certain amount of food. More isn’t always better.

Unlike us humans, lawn grasses don’t know how to stop eating when they’re full! This luxury consumption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium actually makes the lawn grasses weak and more susceptible to disease. Excessive fertilizer will create too much thatch, which will ultimately choke out your lawn. Too much fertilizer also means you’ll be mowing far more often than necessary. Too much mowing means excessive soil compaction, exhaust and noise pollution and excessive wear and tear on your mower.

More than four fertilizer applications a year is a waste. Save time and money by being more judicious in your use of fertilizer.