After the pH is set, it’s time for fertilizer. For the environmentally conscious, try Cockadoodle-Doo or Bay State Fertilizer, both products are made from recycled wastes. Organic products are usually a little more money and don’t cover as much area, but last longer than "chemical" fertilizers. MNLA also makes partially organic products. We recommend MNLA Turf-O-Ganic 10-6-4 fertilizer. It is 75% organic, with enough "chemical" to give your lawn a quick boost. Pro-Turf-O-Ganic 16-4-10 is more economical, but only 60% organic. For those in search of a perfect lawn you’ll need to use some chemicals. Most fertilizer programs have a "step 1" product. Fertilizer with Crabgrass Control 30-3-10 is usually the first step. This is the best way of keeping crabgrass from invading your lawn. It can be a hard-to-kill weed later on. However, it does not usually grow in the shade. If you’ve never had a problem in the past then a crabgrass control may not be necessary. Be careful many discount stores will sell you this product without asking. Timing is also critical with crabgrass control. This product should only be applied when the forsythia (yellow) shrubs are in bloom in most neighborhoods. If it is applied too late, the control will be less effective. Fertilizer with crabgrass control keeps crabgrass from germinating before it becomes a problem, but it keeps regular grass seed from coming up as well. Don’t plan on seeding your lawn in the spring unless you use a more expensive product called Seed Starter with Pre-Emergent 16-21-5. Keep an eye out for disease or insect symptoms. Report anything abnormal to the staff at Kennedy’s. Grubs have been the most common problem lately. Please refer to our handout "Controlling Grubs in the Lawn".

The Second Step.  The second fertilizer application should be done 6-8 weeks later, in May or June. If broadleaf weeds like dandelions, etc. are not an issue, than any of the above mentioned straight fertilizers can be applied. Kennedy’s again recommends MNLA Turf-O-Ganic. But if weeds are becoming a problem, then a "weed and feed" may be necessary. MNLA 30-3-10 Fertilizer w/ Broadleaf Weed Control would be the right product. "Weed and feed" keeps the weeds under control while preparing your lawn for a hot summer. Some of the hard to kill weeds may need another application of weed killer, but DO NOT use another "weed and feed", this will burn your lawn if applied too soon after your last application. Use a liquid weed killer for this situation. Please ask us for details. Do not apply any additional chemicals to your lawn unless they are needed. Most four-step programs include a "weed and feed" even if your don’t have weeds.

The lawn takes the most natural abuse in the summer time. Your lawn is more apt to have problems when it is under stress. Lack of water causes stress and the lawn is most likely to have disease and insect problems. To control diseases and insects, consult the staff at Kennedy’s, bring a clump of grass as a sample if possible. Most lawns will fade in the heat and drought, but bounce back in the fall if the drought, etc. is not too severe. To keep your lawn looking good and healthy through the hot summer months, irrigation is necessary. Do not bother applying a summer fertilizer if you can not water your lawn, it is a waste. If you do fertilize, use Cockadoodle-doo, Bay State Fertilizer, or MNLA Turf-O-Ganic. Slow release organic fertilizers are best because they do not "burn" as easily. Keep an eye out for weeds in the summer and spot treat with a liquid weed killer as needed.