We recommend the following best practices when it comes to fertilizing your lawn:
- Perform annual soil test and seasonal pH test before applying any fertilizer product. Ninety percent of the lawns in Westchester have adequate levels of phosphorous so it is very likely that you won’t need to apply extra phosphorous in order to get a healthy, green lawn.
- Apply only the amount of fertilizer deemed necessary as a result of soil tests.
- Apply only slow-release fertilizers.
- Use low concentration nitrogen products.
- Don’t apply ANY fertilizer between December 1st and April 1st to avoid runoff issues associated with snowmelt or rains on frozen ground.
- Don’t apply fertilizer to any impervious surfaces, such as pavement and sidewalks. If applied accidentally, clean it up immediately by sweeping or vacuuming to ensure it won’t be washed into streets, storm drains and/or water bodies. Do not hose down fertilizer spills on impervious surfaces.
- Avoid application within 24 hours of an anticipated rain event (e.g., a reliable weather forecast indicates a 30 percent or greater chance of precipitation).
- Avoid heavy (i.e., more than ¼") watering or irrigation for 24 hours after fertilizer application.
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