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The 5 Steps to Fertilizing your Lawn

Fertilizer Pellets Spraying onto a Green LawnGetting an attractive lawn will increase the curb appeal of a single-family rental property in South Shore while keeping your tenants satisfied. To preserve a green and healthy lawn, it is significant to fertilize it regularly and properly. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your rental property’s lawn looking great throughout the warmer months.

1.   Start in the Spring

The perfect time to apply the first round of fertilizer to your rental’s lawn is early in the spring. As soon as the soil has warmed up to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a perfect opportunity to apply some fertilizer. You can decide whether the soil is warm enough by checking for the first new growth of grass. For some parts of the country, the first feeding typically happens in mid-April.

2.   Buy the Right Fertilizer

When looking for fertilizers, it is important to look for the right mix of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Landscapers and lawn care experts recommend choosing a fertilizer with a mixture of 20-5-10 for spring. Similarly, it is a smart idea to use a slow-release fertilizer that comes in granular form. Slow-release fertilizers break down into the soil over time, which indicates that you don’t need to fertilize your garden as often as possible. So using a granular fertilizer makes it easier to apply and to control how much you use.

3.   Water Regularly

Some mistakes that property owners typically make is by overwatering their lawn, assuming that it will decrease the necessity for fertilizer. However, if you water your lawn and stimulate growth, you’ll need to apply more fertilizer to provide the appropriate amount of nutrients. When applying fertilizer, always make sure to check the label and follow watering instructions. Some types of fertilizer require a wet lawn for application, while others can be applied when the lawn is dry. Once again, make sure you are following the correct guidelines to water your garden to make it healthy and beautiful.

4.   Use the Right Spreader

For the lawns of single-family rental homes, experts endorse using a broadcast spreader for fertilizing. A broadcast spreader is relatively inexpensive and easy to use and will help you control how much fertilizer you use. For small areas, try to use a handheld broadcast spreader, which you typically crank by hand. When using either size spreader, the correct method is to walk at a steady pace to ensure consistent coverage.

5.   Apply Carefully

For large lawn areas, experts advise utilizing a specific pattern to spread fertilizer evenly. One recommended approach is to start by going around the perimeter of the lawn first, then fill in the middle area by working in only one direction. Apply the first half of the fertilizer this way, then spread the second half by moving in a perpendicular direction to your first application. This routine will ensure even coverage and prevent using too much fertilizer in any one place.

Remember…

Once your rental property’s first application in April, plan to fertilize your lawn at least four more times. Experts recommend applying the second round of fertilizer after four weeks, then every six to eight weeks throughout the summer and fall.

By following these basic rules, your rental property’s lawn can grow strong and healthy season after season. Here at Real Property Management Associates, we know you have a busy lifestyle, that’s why we’re here to assist you. You can talk to our professional South Shore property managers at 508-509-4485 to get more information today.

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