Get matched with top lawn fertilization and treatment specialists in Ashton, IL

Your St. Augustine grass might look bad due to cold winter months, drought, pest invasion, or lawn disease. The first step is properly identifying the problem. Once you’ve figured out what’s making your grass look bad, you’ll need to employ the correct treatments. These treatments may include:

• Properly mow your lawn and keep the clippings on the lawn as organic matter.

• Use healthy irrigation techniques.

• Use the right amount of fertilizer.

• Keep up a good, regular maintenance routine.

• Use fungicides.

The best time to apply fertilizer to your lawn is in early fall, though some climates necessitate a different schedule. In most cases, avoid fertilizing late into fall, as this opens up your yard to winter injuries and poor health (though this is a great time to kill weeds.) You should avoid early spring fertilization, as this helps the grass leaves grow, but at the expense of developing root systems. Remember to water your lawn after fertilizing to increase its effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of runoff during a rainstorm. 

It’s not required, but it is helpful if your goal is to produce new growth. Any fertilization should occur after the lawn is aerated and before the compost is applied. If you also plan to spread seed, you’ll want to do so after the fertilizer is applied and once the ground is damp, but not wet.

One of the most effective ways to improve lawn absorption is to learn how to aerate your lawn. This is a process where you poke tiny holes all throughout it to break up tough soil and sediment, creating pathways for sunlight, water, air, and nutrients to seep into the plant’s roots. In turn, it promotes stronger root systems, making your lawn or plants less susceptible to pests and disease. Ideally, you’ll want to aerate your lawn at least once per year during the growing season—think late summer to early fall.