Even during a time of dormancy, fertilizing your lawn is still an important factor for your plants health. It may seem unnecessary when your lawn is brown and it feels like anything you do is useless, but as soon as we get rainfall our lawns will receive the nutrients from the fertilizer application.
While it’s correct not to overfeed turf at a time of dormancy, it’s equally as important not to neglect it. A high quality and well balanced fertilizer will keep the plant nourished through the summer because soil will absorb nutrients from the application during sporadic rainfall. In addition, throughout dormancy turf has a decreased ability to defend itself from various diseases and pests, so by applying fertilizer the plant is able to better manage various lawn problems.
With lawns being patchy brown due to extreme heat and drought conditions, it may seem as the fertilizer is not nourishing the plant, but in reality it’s giving it exactly what it needs to stay alive (with proper watering techniques) and improves the plants ability to bounce back to a healthy green colour when cooler temperatures return.
Another important factor to consider is how often you cut the grass. The plant is already under stress so it’s imperative not to cut your lawn too often during extreme heat or mow it too short as the plant will start using its food reserves and have an even harder time coping with drought. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact the office and we will be happy to help!
