A crucial component of any healthy lawn that remains green, vibrant, and strong is fertilizer. Unfortunately, most people don’t use fertilizer because they don’t know when to use it or how frequently to use it, how to use it properly, which fertilizer they should use, and whether it is safe. We have all of that information for you here. Read on for a beginner’s guide to lawn fertilization with a special focus on one of the most important parts of lawn fertilizing success: the best time to use it. 

What is Lawn Fertilizer and Why Should You Use It?

At the most basic level, fertilizers act as nutrition for your lawn. They nourish the lawn’s root system helping it to grow stronger and thus better withstand the shifting elements of nature through heat, cold, rain, and drought. 

Not only will it keep your lawn in good condition, but it will help it from becoming weak and susceptible to disease, encourage recovery from wear and tear, and revitalize patchy and thin areas. A strong, thick carpet of grass will keep away incoming weeds and moss as well.

Choose the Right Fertilizer 

Selecting the right fertilizer is just as important as knowing when to use it. There are a variety of different options available within the two main types: organic and synthetic. 

Organic fertilizers are made from natural sources such as compost, bone meal, manure, organic waste, and other plant and animal sources. These types of fertilizers benefit from a longer release period and have little to no environmental impact. 

Synthetic fertilizers are composed of inorganic, manufactured materials as well as select natural materials such as minerals. The benefits of this type of fertilizer are that they are very precise in the control of nutrients, giving your lawn exactly what it needs, and it is fast-acting and will release the nutrients quickly with faster results than organic fertilizers. 

Organic is slightly safer than synthetic as over-use of synthetic fertilizers can contribute to pollution. Furthermore, overuse of Nitrogen based fertilizers will give rapid, noticeable improvements, but will damage the lawn in the long run. Most fertilizers are safe for use around people, pets, and animals, but you should check the specific fertilizer before applying it just in case (especially for pets or animals that may eat grass). 

When to Fertilize Your Lawn

Perhaps the most critical part of properly fertilizing your lawn is knowing when to do it. As a rule of thumb, the best time to fertilize is when your grass is actively growing – to do the opposite will cause burning of the lawn and can encourage weed growth. Unfortunately, the period of grass growth is different depending on where you live, but in general, you should stick to applying it at least once every six months in either Spring, Summer, or Autumn. 

Depending on what season you choose, you will want to pick a corresponding fertilizer. For example, Spring fertilizer has a higher ratio of Nitrogen, giving your grass a fast start to its initial rejuvenation. Summer fertilizer will keep your grass strong during the hottest days of the year, building resistance to heat and scorching and keeping it green. Autumn fertilizer has high ratios of phosphate and potassium to encourage the health of your grass’s roots, preparing it for the coming winter season. Winter fertilization will likely not hurt your lawn but will have no effect as the roots will be unable to absorb any nutrients during this time. 

Once you’ve chosen the season, make sure to fertilize during the right time of day. You don’t want it to be too hot, so fertilize your lawn on a cloudy day or in the evening when it’s cooler. For the best results, water your lawn the night before and fertilize it a day or two after mowing. If it can be timed so that you fertilize before a coming rainstorm, all the better. 

It is also advisable to not use fertilizer on dry grass due to the risk of scorching but also because moisture in the soil will help the absorption of nutrients. Be sure to water your lawn before and after application!

How to Fertilize Your Lawn

It is possible to fertilize your lawn by hand, but it is recommended that you utilize a spreader because due to the difficulty of knowing how much and how densely you fertilized. A spreader helps overcome this with equitable distribution. 

Again, too much fertilizer or fertilizer applied to dry grass can cause scorching, shriveled, and blackened patches. Quick-release, synthetic fertilizers carry an even higher risk of scorching. 

Lawncare professionals, like the ones at Foundations Property Management, can calculate the correct amount of fertilizer needed for your lawn and ensure beautiful results with minimal scorch risk. Furthermore, experts can help advise on the best type of fertilizer for the time of year, type of grass, and local environmental conditions. 

Finally, be sure to wait at least a couple of days before mowing again to ensure the fertilizer has settled with proper absorption.

Contact the Lawncare ExpertsFertilizing your lawn is critical for its health, beauty, and longevity. The process can be difficult, but the results are definitely worthwhile and can always be supplemented with lawn fertilization services. To get advice and help for your property, contact the lawncare experts at Foundations Property Management today!

Spring is just around the corner, and for many homeowners, that means it's time to get outside and start working on the lawn. Preparing your lawn can be a time-consuming task, but it's also incredibly important. After a long, cold, Michigan winter it’s essential that you take the time to do a thorough spring cleanup and the other things that are necessary to set your lawn up for a successful growing season. Today, we’re going to cover some of the essential steps to get your lawn ready for the warmer months. 

Dethatch

Michigan certainly sees its fair share of snow, and after a long winter and many months of snow being piled up on your lawn, your grass is probably looking a little worse for wear. One of the first steps in making it come alive again is to remove the top layer of dead grass and organic debris. This layer is often referred to as “thatch” and gently removing it with a rake is the best way to ensure your lawn will get the water and nutrients it needs. 

It’s important to know that some types of grass are more prone to thatch buildup than others, and a thin layer of thatch is actually beneficial as it serves as a layer of protection from temperature extremes in the same way that mulch does. However, more than ½ inch of thatch could cause more harm than good which is why it’s necessary to dethatch your lawn in early spring.   

Aerate

The second step is to aerate your lawn. Aerating your lawn helps to break up hard soil and improve drainage, which can help create a healthier environment in which your grass can thrive. You can aerate your lawn yourself with a plug aerator or hire a professional to do it for you.

Some Michigan lawns have dry, compacted clay soil. If your lawn is one of them, skip the back-breaking work of trying to aerate your lawn yourself and call in someone with a lawn aerator to do it for you. While you’re at it, you might want to consider adding a top dressing of organic matter that will improve the consistency and drainage properties of your soil. 

Clean Up Debris

Cleaning up yard debris in the spring isn’t just a way to keep your yard looking nice; it’s also important for keeping pests away, ensuring your plants get the nutrients they need, and preventing flooding and other water damage. Dead leaves, grass, twigs, and other organic materials can block sunlight, air, and water from reaching the soil and can prevent plants from getting the nutrients they need to grow. Yard debris that has been allowed to pile up can create a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. It can also clog drains and gutters and contribute to potential flooding or mold growth. 

Cleaning up yard debris in the spring is relatively easy. You can start by raking up leaves, twigs, and branches. If you have a leaf blower, use it to help speed up the process – just make sure not to blow debris into your neighbor’s yard. Once you’ve picked up the debris, dispose of it properly by either using some of it as mulch or compost or taking it to a landfill or recycling center.

Fertilize

When it comes to growing that perfectly plush, green lawn, most people think that applying fertilizer is key. And, although fertilizing is an essential step in your yard preparation, be careful not to apply too much and don’t apply it too soon. Use a high-quality fertilizer that is designed to meet the needs of your soil and the grass that is growing in it. Not sure what kind of soil you have? Consider having your soil tested before doing anything. Applying the wrong type of fertilizer can cause damage, limit growth, or at a minimum be a waste of money. 

Water

When the days start to get longer and the temperatures are consistently above freezing, grass will start to look for water and nutrients so it can grow. However, knowing when and how much to water is key for a happy, healthy lawn. Watering frequency can depend on several things including turf species, soil type, weather conditions, and sun exposure, among other things. Most Michigan lawns will need approximately 05. To 1.0 inches of water per week for proper growth. 

Wondering when is the best time to water your lawn? According to Michigan State University, it’s best to water during daylight hours. That’s because watering at dusk or at night can promote certain fungal diseases that thrive in dark, warm, moist environments. A better option might be to water your lawn early in the morning when the sun is out but before the heat of the day sets in. Watering early in the day means you’ll have less water loss due to evaporation.   

Weed Control

Weeds can quickly take over your lawn if you don't take the proper steps to control them. The best way to control weeds before they even have a chance to start is to use a pre-emergent herbicide. Just don’t apply it too early – it’s important to wait to apply it until the soil temperature is at least in the 50s. This will help prevent weeds from germinating. Since there are many different types of pre-emergent herbicides and timing of application is key, consider consulting with a professional who can inform you on the best types and how to properly apply them to achieve maximum results. 

Mow

When it’s finally time for the first lawn mowing of the season, take care to do it correctly. Being too aggressive with your mowing and cutting your lawn too short can cause irreparable damage and encourage crabgrass to grow. The first step is to have your mower serviced so your blade is nice and sharp. Next, set your mower to a three to four-inch mowing height. Although this may be higher than what you’d like, it’s important to not cut it any shorter – at least for your first mowing of the season. 

Set Your Lawn Up For Success With the Help of Foundations Property Management

There’s a lot more to getting your lawn ready for spring than just turning on the sprinkler system. Get the expert guidance and help you need to ensure a lush, healthy lawn that will last through the summer. Call Foundations Property Management for professional lawn care services including spring clean-up, fertilization, lawn mowing, and more. We service homes and businesses in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and surrounding Washtenaw County communities.  

Landscape Maintenance Services Tailored to Meet Your Needs

Maintaining the beauty of your outdoor space can be a daunting task. Everyone loves the look of a nicely manicured lawn, perfectly trimmed trees, and colorful flowers in a flower bed, but achieving them requires a significant amount of time and hard work, not to mention an in-depth knowledge of how to best care for your particular types of greenery. That’s where we can help.

Foundations Property Management is a customer-focused landscape maintenance company based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We created our business in order to give home and business owners a reliable choice for exceptional landscape care. We understand that every customer’s needs and preferences are different, which is why our goal is to provide them with a professional, personalized experience they won’t get with anyone else. Whether you’re a busy homeowner looking for some help with removing a tree, or you’re a business owner who is looking for a trustworthy landscaping company to maintain your property all year round, give us a call! 

The following are just a handful of the services we offer. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Lawn Mowing

Letting your lawn grow too tall not only gives your yard an unkempt appearance, but regular mowing is necessary for promoting healthy growth and preventing weed infestations. Unfortunately, keeping up with regular lawn mowing can be very time-consuming. It’s not a task that you can just do once or twice and be done for the year. Instead of spending all of your free time mowing your lawn, enjoy doing the things you really want to do and leave the mowing to us! 

At Foundations Property Management, we offer customized lawn mowing packages for residential and commercial customers in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and surrounding Washtenaw County cities. We’ll keep your lawn looking great all summer long!  

Tree Care Services

Trees clean the air, create shade, and provide natural beauty among other things, but they also require regular maintenance. Trees should be pruned at least once per year and monitored for disease and insect infestation. Dead or damaged branches should be removed to prevent further damage and to create a more attractive landscape. It is also essential to fertilize trees to ensure they have the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. And sometimes, it may be necessary to remove a dead or dying tree to prevent it from becoming a safety hazard.  

If you have trees on your property, it is best to hire a professional tree care service to maintain them for you. That’s because many tree care tasks can be dangerous, and doing them incorrectly can cause harm to you and irreparable damage to your trees.  Whether you need to have a tree removed, want help with regular trimming and pruning, or need expert guidance on a tree-related problem, give us a call. We have the experience and expertise necessary to ensure your trees stay healthy and look their best.

Yard Cleanup

Seasonal cleanup is an essential task that has a direct impact on the health and appearance of your yard. Spring cleanup involves pruning trees, clearing away dead leaves and debris, as well as raking and aerating your lawn, among other things. A thorough spring cleanup will ensure your yard is ready for new growth and summer landscaping.

The fall is also a good time for yard cleanup. At the end of the growing season, you’ll want to trim your trees and shrubs, get rid of fallen leaves, clean out your garden, and apply fertilizer and mulch where needed. Completing a thorough fall cleanup will prepare your yard and give it the essentials it needs to sustain itself during the long dormant season.

Sometimes a necessary yard cleanup isn’t influenced by the seasons, but rather by a severe weather event. High winds, heavy snow, and torrential downpours can leave a mess in your yard and damage trees. 

Whether you’re looking for a spring or fall yard cleanup service or yard cleanup after a storm, turn to Foundations Property Management!  

Landscape Bed Maintenance

Landscape beds add value and provide natural beauty to any outdoor space. They usually contain a variety of flowering and non-flowering plants and shrubs, but design ideas are endless. Some people choose to incorporate water features, lighting, or even large rock boulders.  

To ensure healthy and sustained growth coupled with a neat and tidy appearance, it’s important to keep up with regular bed maintenance. Depending on the number or size of your landscape beds, this can quickly become an overwhelming task. At Foundations Property Management, we offer landscape bed installation and maintenance services. From the initial cultivation to ongoing upkeep including weeding, edging, debris removal, fertilization, and more – we do it all!

Snow Removal

Michigan is known for its long winters and copious amounts of snow. That’s why snow removal is an important part of landscape maintenance, especially during the winter months. Snow can quickly accumulate and create dangerous conditions for pedestrians and vehicles. As such, it is important to enlist a reliable and efficient snow removal service to ensure your property remains safe. At Foundations Property Management, we have the necessary equipment and personnel to ensure your property is kept clear of hazardous snow and ice.

Contact Us for All of Your Landscape Maintenance Needs!

When it comes to finding a landscape maintenance company to work with, there are plenty of options out there, but none are as experienced and dedicated to your satisfaction as Foundations Property Management. If you’re looking for someone to handle your landscaping jobs with the care and attention to detail you would give if you were doing them yourself, give us a call or fill out our online form to get a free quote. We service residential and commercial clients in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the surrounding communities and we would love to work with you!