Fertilizing

• Unless the soil texture is sandy, nutrient deficiencies are unlikely and you may not need to fertilize at all. If in doubt, have your soil professionally tested.
• Grass clippings left on the lawn can provide most of the fertilizer.
• To decompose clippings, soil must be biologically active. Soil under a lawn that has been heavily fertilized or frequently treated with pesticides may be deficient in some needed elements.
• Lawn fertilizers contain a large amount of nitrogen and smaller amounts of other nutrients. Some nitrogen may be needed to maintain good lawn color and density, but applying too much nitrogen promotes excessive growth and makes a lawn more susceptible to pests and disease.
• If you need to fertilize, use natural fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers, such as sulfur- or polymer-coated urea. These product´s slower release allows the grass to absorb nutrients more efficiently.