One question that plagues lawn owners occasionally concerns the better time to fertilize the lawn. Is it better to fertilize before or after lawn mowing? While some schools of thought think fertilizing should come before mowing, the general consensus is the opposite. Most yard services in Austin consider it a better idea to mow your lawn first before fertilizing it.
Mowing the lawn will clear out debris, organic waste and overgrowth making it easier for fertilizers to get to the soil once applied. Ensure to wait up to 24 hours or more after mowing before commencing fertilization.
In this article, we have discuss in more details why mowing first and fertilizer afterwards is beneficial to the lawn’s overall growth and development.
Why Fertilize After Mowing
In a city like Austin, lawns are often faced with dry, hot weather which makes plant development more challenging. Mowing first before fertilizing benefits the lawn more in these ways listed below:
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Encourages uniform distribution of grass
Long grass can stop fertilizer particles from reaching the soil surface. Mowing first ensures that the grass surface is even which makes the distribution exercise more effective. Spreading fertilizer granules on a level lawn surface means you get a uniform distribution of grass and therefore, better growth. For this reason, always mow first before feeding the lawn.
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Faster, healthier absorption of nutrients
Absorption of nutrients is quicker and easier when the lawn has been cut beforehand. Low-cut grass makes it possible for nutrients to reach the lawn soil and get absorbed. Plant feeding is also healthier as penetration and absorption occurs at a faster rate overall.
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Reduces the risk of wasting the fertilizer
Applying fertilizer first before mowing the lawn can increase the risk of removing the fertilizer when bagging the grass clippings. Typically, after mowing what comes next is removal of the waste matter. Already dispersed fertilizer can erroneously be packed along with the organic waste if care isn’t taken. For homeowners using lawn maintenance in Austin, ensure that adequate precaution is observed during debris removal after mowing.
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Improves Soil Contact
Mowing the lawn first before adding fertilizer improves nutrient absorption. As the fertilizer liquid or granules get in contact with the soil, absorption is quicker and more efficient. If you’re hiring a lawn care service in Austin, ensure this practice is implemented to give your grass all the help it deserves.
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Enhances Grass Recovery
Lawn mowing can add a lot of stress to your turf. Fertilizing after the exercise is effective at providing faster recovery due to the added essential nutrients that support leaf and root growth and development.
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Clean Fertilizer Application
Tall grass leaves from un-mowed lawn can obstruct the free dispersal of fertilizer on the lawn causing a mess. Fertilizing after mowing ensures that the plant feed gets to the lawn cleanly without causing any sort of mess on the environment. It’s recommended to hire lawn care in Austin for all your turf maintenance needs to ensure proper care and avoid lawn care mistakes.
When to Get the Best Results for Your Lawn
If you’re looking at getting the most amazing outcome for your lawn, there are certain times you must fertilize after mowing the lawn. Timing matters a lot when it comes to proper lawn care, even if you hired professional yard maintenance in Austin.
Consider the following recommendations to make the most out of your lawn:
- Mostly apply fertilizer on your lawn after mowing during the growing season. This period often falls between spring and early fall for warm season Texas grass. Bermuda grass, Zoysia and St Augustine grass will definitely perform great with this approach.
- After mowing your lawn and applying fertilizer to improve its nutrient content, watering is a must. If done correctly, watering will fasten how well your plants utilize the extra nutrients. Soaked soil will absorb nutrients faster and efficiently thereby enhancing plant growth, development and productivity.
Generally, spring is the ideal season for fertilizer application after the cold of winter when plants laid dormant. As soon as the ice freeze begins to thaw, do well to engage professional lawn care in Austin to begin your lawn care season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fertilize before or after mowing?
It's better to fertilize after mowing to guarantee the fertilizer gets to the soil uniformly and triggers faster nutrient absorption.
How soon can I mow after fertilizing my lawn?
Please wait 24–48 hours after fertilizing the lawn grass before mowing to give the nutrients time to be absorbed by the soil and grass.
What’s the ideal time of year to fertilize in Austin, TX?
Introduce fertilizer in the early spring season (March–May) and early fall season (September–October) for optimal grass growth, development and health.
What type of fertilizer works most effectively for Austin lawns?
Slow-release organic nitrogen fertilizers are great for Austin’s hot and dry climate, as they provide a steady supply of nutrients over time rather than at once.
How often should I fertilize my lawn in Austin, TX?
Typically, lawns should be fertilized 2–3 times a year. Once in spring after the dormancy of winter cold, once in early fall, and possibly in summer if there's a need for it.
Should I irrigate my lawn after fertilizing it?
Yes, add water to your lawn after fertilizing to help the nutrients get absorbed by the grass roots and also to prevent fertilizer burn due to over-concentrated nutrients.
Can I fertilize during the heat of summer?
Kindly avoid adding fertilizer during the peak summer heat in Austin, TX. It's better to fertilize in cooler periods like early fall when the feed will be used more efficiently.
What is the ideal mowing height for Austin's warm season grass types?
For Bermuda grass, leave it at 1.5–2 inches, and for St. Augustine, target 3–4 inches. Regular mowing promotes healthy growth and development of the lawn.
Caring for your lawn doesn’t have to be a headache you have to deal with. GOMOW Lawn Care Service is available to do the job for you! We offer a professional lawn mowing service in Austin dedicated to your lawn’s health and appearance.
Allow us to help you to keep your grass neat and beautifully manicured. Our prices are pocket-friendly and available all through the year in Austin, TX.
Contact us, visit: https://gomow.com/contact-us/.
