Liquid Fertilizer vs. Granular Fertilizer

If you are a homeowner, you probably have fertilized, or have thought about fertilizing your lawn at some point. Choosing the right lawn food for your lawn depends on your goals and the dedication you have to keep up with it. This will depend on whether you choose to use granular or liquid fertilizer.

Most of us choose the fertilizer that is less hassle and the most affordable. With any product you use, there are things to always consider. Well the same goes for choosing the fertilizer, what will work best for your lawn care needs?

What Are The Options?

There are two types of fertilizers that you can choose from. One being a liquid fertilizer, and another being granular fertilizer.

Liquid fertilizers are water-soluble powders or liquid product that mix with water to make a fertilizer solution. To apply this product they require a hose-end sprayer or watering can.

Granular lawn fertilizer is a slow-release fertilizer made of dry pellets or solid fertilizer. It is then scattered evenly throughout your lawn, either by hand or by spreaders.

Liquid Fertilizer

Liquid fertilizer is a quick-release solution, meaning the nutrients last about 1 to 2 weeks, so you will need to be sure to apply it often. The benefit of using liquid fertilizer is that it is quickly absorbed in the soil, and a great way for a quick result or a quick boost to your lawn during the season.

Because it is so quick to absorb, you will need to apply the application more frequently to maintain the growth and health of your lawn. Using liquid fertilizer gives you that quick result because it so more for surface growth, rather than getting into the root system. Therefore, the cost of applying this application so often can add up quickly over time.

Liquid Application

Liquid fertilizer can be applied in two different ways, as a ground application or foliar application.

Almost all liquid solutions are water soluble fertilizers, so before applying the fertilizer you will need to make sure that they are properly diluted or you run the risk of burning your plants, or them not getting what they need. 

Granular Fertilizer

Granular is a slow-release fertilizer that you won’t need to apply as often as you would slow-release options. They have a blend of nutrients coated with a substance that then breaks down over time, slowly releasing nutrients into the soil. This provides a long term feeding for your lawn.

This fertilizer is beneficial for feeding the lawn before spring growth, at the end of the growing season, and even mid-winter depending on you lawn type. This is especially beneficial in hotter climates where your lawn may have not gone completely dormant through the colder weather.

Granular Application

Because granular pellets can be seen on the lawn, it’s easier to ensure that the fertilizer is being applied equally. If you choose to spray the fertilizer, some areas of your lawn may not be applied evenly or equally. With granular products you will be able to see them and make sure you do not overlap areas with product. 

With most applications, people use either a broadcast, or drop spreader to help with an even and consistent application of fertilizer.

If you wish to learn more about fertilizer and the different ways to apply them, click HERE. 

Trust the Pros

Plants grow their best with the right fertilizer. While using the fertilizers, you will notice three numbers on the printed label. These numbers represent the primary nutrients for your lawn to get the proper application it needs.

Each number that appears on the bag is the percentage of these nutrients; nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. For example, a 20-5-10 bag means it contains 20 percent nitrogen, 5 percent phosphate, and 10 percent potassium. 

If you take pride in your lawn, but may not have the time or interest in applying the right fertilizer to receive the correct nutrients, turn to a trusted professional to get your lawn looking is best.