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The fertilizer bag lists the proper spreader setting for your spreader. If your fertilizer spreader is not listed, download the file "Calibrating Your Spreader".

Even if your settings are listed, you should calibrate your spreader to make sure it is still accurate. As spreaders get older, settings gradually change because of wear and tear. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spreader will help it last longer.

Apply fertilizer uniformly over the lawn. For drop-type and rotary spreaders, apply the fertilizer so the wheel is at the edge of the pattern from the previous pass.

When applying quick release fertilizer make sure to avoid fertilizer burn. Burns like this occur when quick release fertilizer is not watered in well, or if it is applied to wet grass without being watered in.   Improper spreading of quick release fertilizer will also result in “streaking”, the alternate dark- and light-green stripes in a lawn.

Irrigation or rain following fertilization is important to move nitrogen off the leaf blades and into the soil.

Organic Fertilizer

• Can be applied at temperatures above 85 F.
• Rarely burns grass blades
• Broken down by soil microbes over 3 to 10 weeks.
• Improves soil aeration, fertility, structure, and drainage over time

• Should be applied at temperatures below 85 F.
• Must be immediately watered in.
• Soluble nitrogen is immediately available