Question about fertilizing my lawn.

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I bought my home back in September, and this is the first season that it's basically all mine to keep up. The primary owner was a landscaper by day, so he took very good care of it. I cut it for the first time today since it was getting long, and took care to rake up all the rough patches of clippings so as not to kill the grass (I just have a push mower with side discharge). With the sun getting lower in the sky, it was really bringing out the nice green color of the grass. It definitely looks a LOT better than the neighbors around me.

I want to keep it that way, and I was wondering if it was as simple as adding fertilizer to the grass at points throughout the season (or off-season) to keep the color bright and vivid, and maybe keep the grass thick as well. Any recommendations on product that I can use? I'm unsure of what type of grass I have, so that may need to be found out before any answers can be shot my way.

My thumb is far from green, so consider me a noob in the upmost definition of it.

 

[91TTZ]

If you want it REALLY green, I recommend Krylon.

 

[silverpig]

The general rule is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will make your grass grow green. The biggest thing you can do though is give it the right amount of water.

And if you want to "cheat" and make it look really dark green for a few days while people come over, put some iron on it (an iron compound actually... I think it's iron phosphate. Your garden store will have some). The iron makes it green but doesn't really do all that much to make it healthier. It won't really hurt it though. Think of it as redbull for your grass

 

[Illusio]

Scotts has a lot of great articles on caring for your lawn.

http://www.scotts.com/

 

[spidey07]

Get a dog. Problem solved.

Serioulsy though. check out the info at scotts and their forums. Good stuff.

If you really want it green fertilizer and regular treatment is necessary. As is good and thorough watering. Just like any plant with food and water it will be healthy.

That's what you want, a healthy lawn. The green part just goes along with it.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Get a dog. Problem solved.

Serioulsy though. check out the info at scotts and their forums. Good stuff.

If you really want it green fertilizer and regular treatment is necessary. As is good and thorough watering. Just like any plant with food and water it will be healthy.

That's what you want, a healthy lawn. The green part just goes along with it.

Dog piss burns holes in your lawn like the blood from the Aliens in those movies.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: silverpig
Dog piss burns holes in your lawn like the blood from the Aliens in those movies.

no, no, no....you've got it all wrong. You make them piss on the neighbors yard and poop in yours.

:thumbsup:

 

[iRONic]

Scotts four step/season fertilizer program.

/thread

 

[dannybek]

dog poop is not fertilizer.

Tis my 1000th post. YAY!

 

[0roo0roo]

dog piss doesn't do anything unless your lawn is already very weak or unless the dog repeatedly hits the same spot over and over again.. its just weak fertilizer

 

[lupi]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
dog piss doesn't do anything unless your lawn is already very weak or unless the dog repeatedly hits the same spot over and over again.. its just weak fertilizer

Yep, cause that's one things dog's aren't; creatures of habit. Would just never think of urinating every day for the past 10 years in teh exact same spot, nope, would neva` happen.

 

[3NF]

Originally posted by: Dark Jedi
Scotts has a lot of great articles on caring for your lawn.

http://www.scotts.com/

Scotts has great info on their site. I cheat and use Tru-Green, but I think I got it backwards. Last year I was literally cutting my grass every other day in the Spring. I think this year I'll fertilize myself and have someone else mow!

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
dog piss doesn't do anything unless your lawn is already very weak or unless the dog repeatedly hits the same spot over and over again.. its just weak fertilizer

It's really acidic and messes up the pH. A small lawn with a big thirsty dog will turn to swiss cheese...

 

[cKGunslinger]

Get 10-15 pet cows.

 

[BoomerD]

We have Clark Pest Control take care of fertilizing and weed control in addition to their bug-killing duties...I have a lush green lawn that begs to be cut 2X weekly...(damn you Clark-Guy!)

OP, for a quick green lawn, Sulfate of Ammonia will do that...(water after application) but be careful...too much, or on a hot day, and you can burn your grass badly...Iron will turn a yellowish yard green. A good all-around fertilizer should take care of things for you, without having to buy separate bags of 3-4 different chemicals, PLUS, you can get weed control varieties, or crab-grass control varieties as well if you have those problems in your lawn...

 

[IronWing]

Given your location, shouldn't it be blue?

 

[grohl]

My first year of homeowner-ship I registered on the Vigoro website and by zip code they email you reminders to use the right fertilizer for that time of the year....now I remember to do it myself and I use the cheap stuff with the same results.I like doing my own yard and the satisfaction of making it look great. Enjoy.

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: lupi

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
dog piss doesn't do anything unless your lawn is already very weak or unless the dog repeatedly hits the same spot over and over again.. its just weak fertilizer

Yep, cause that's one things dog's aren't; creatures of habit. Would just never think of urinating every day for the past 10 years in teh exact same spot, nope, would neva` happen.

My dog must have OCD. ever since she was a pup, she craps in the same location. Not only that, she lines them up parallel to each other. We never trained/beat her to do this. Makes for easy cleanup

 

[Lotheron]

Originally posted by: 3NF

Originally posted by: Dark Jedi
Scotts has a lot of great articles on caring for your lawn.

http://www.scotts.com/

Scotts has great info on their site. I cheat and use Tru-Green, but I think I got it backwards. Last year I was literally cutting my grass every other day in the Spring. I think this year I'll fertilize myself and have someone else mow!

In my neck of the woods that's blasphemy. (Choosing Tru-Green over Scotts Lawn Service) But then again.. I'm affiliated with them.