Fertilizer is packaged and sold with three macro nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. A typical formula for a fertilizer might be 24-4-12 where the 24 represents Nitrogen, the 4 represents Phosphorus, and the 12 represents Potassium (Potash). The numbers stand for the percentage of active ingredient in each pound of the fertilizer. In the above example, 24 percent of each pound of fertilizer is Nitrogen, 4 percent of each pound is Phosphorus, 12 percent of each pound is Potassium, and the rest is usually lime filler. So, a 50 lb. bag of 24-4-12 will have 12 pounds of Nitrogen in it since .24 x 50(lbs.) = 12. The Phosphorus and Potassium are important but often times are present in sufficient amounts in existing topsoil.

The standard source for Nitrogen in fertilizer comes from urea; some comes from poly sulfur coated urea (PSCU), also IBDU, UFLEXX. These different types of Nitrogen release into the soil at different rates. Generally, the slower and more consistent a Nitrogen form releases, the better it is and the more value it has. There can be other factors involved too with Nitrogen release such as temperature, water, etc. It should also be noted that many better fertilizers might also have a micronutrient package or iron added. This can add to the cost, but the biggest factor in cost is typically the nitrogen source.

Organic based fertilizers can be very beneficial. They use composted biosolids or chicken manure or some other type of organic source for nutrients. The benefits of using organic based fertilizers are numerous. Risking a possible oversimplification - the microorganisms and forms of nutrients which organic based fertilizers provide your lawn simply can't be economically reproduced by synthetic type, chemical-based fertilizers. Basically, the results obtained by using organic fertilizers are fantastic, and many of the reasons are not fully understood.

When purchasing fertilizer you can compare prices by looking closely at the label. Many fertilizer brands are expensive because of successful marketing. In reality the same product can be purchased at a much cheaper price through a little label investigation and comparison. Most commonly packaged fertilizers have a urea-sourced nitrogen and a 25 - 40 percent poly sulfur coated urea (PSCU) as the other source of nitrogen. The more PSCU, the more it will cost. If it has a micro nutrient package in addition to a decent amount of PSCU, it will be as good no matter what the name on the bag says. As stated above, organic based fertilizers are generally a little more expensive but are very effective.

The three macro nutrients essential for plant development:

• Nitrogen is necessary in large amounts because it is absorbed by plants or leaches further into the soil more quickly. A quick release fertilizer (urea-based Nitrogen) is typically only available to the plants for 6 weeks. Nitrogen stimulates early starts, vigorous growth, and a deep green healthy color.
• Phosphorus stimulates early root formation and growths, thereby giving turf a rapid, vigorous spring start. Phosphorus also promotes disease resistance and builds tolerance to winter kill. However, it does promote weed growth in lakes, and contaminates the ground water. In general, Phosphorus is not very environmentally friendly. With that in mind the middle number in the analysis should be low, at least in Southwest Michigan where most often phosphorus in plentiful enough in our soil already.
• Potassium (Potash) increases vigor, raises disease resistance and improves temperature tolerance. Grass blades are hardier, stiffer, and have better stand ability under heavy traffic.

6-2-0 Organic Based Fertilizer

6-2-0 Milorganite Professional with 4% iron. Non-burning organic fertilizer, rich in water insoluable nitrogen. The naturally slow releasing nitrogen and added complex iron result in a lawn with the color you desire without excessive growth (or mowing!). Ideal for trees, shrubs and ornamentals too.

Use April through October. 50 lb. bag covers 3,100 s.f.

30-3-10 50% Poly SCU

30-3-10 50% Poly SCU High quality with 50% slow release nitrogen for a long lasting dark green lawn. This same fertilizer is used by many lawncare professionals.

Use April through October. 50 lb. bag covers 15,000 s.f.

20-0-5 25% Poly SCU

Established lawn fertilizer and broadleaf weed killer. Contains a very fast acting weed control. Excellent overall formula, bonds to leaf in 6 hours can reseed in 3 weeks.

Use May through September. 50 lb bag covers 12,500 sq.ft.

14-0-10 .86% Team Pro

Includes 30% UFLEXX sourced slow release nitrogen. Established lawn fertilizer and pre-emergent crabgrass control. The same crabgrass preventative used in many professional programs. The best bang for your buck pre-emergence herbicide on the market.

Use late April through early May. 50 lb bag covers 12,500 sq.ft.

19-19-19

A starter fertilizer which offers a balanced delivery of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and potash. Has a relatively low% of Phosphorus compared to most starters to ease negative environmental effects.

Use just before seeding & 4-5 weeks later. 50 lb. bag covers 10,000 s.f.

Pelletized Lime

Pelletized lime sweetens sour soil. Oak trees and moss may mean lime is needed. This doesn't kill moss - just makes it easier for your grass to grow. Apply any time of year. 11 lbs. per 1000 s.f. to raise pH 1 point.

Use April through October. 50 lb bag.

Miracle-Gro All purpose Plant Food

For all flowers, all vegetables, trees, shrubs, houseplants. Easy reload packets for use with Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or use with traditional watering can. Use anytime. 5 lbs covers up to 2000 square feet.

Schultz Extended All Purpose Plant Food

A polymer coated fertilizer which lasts up to 6 months. Good for all types of indoor and outdoor plants. Use anytime. 2 lbs coverage varies depending on use.

Preen Garden Weed Preventer

Prevents summer and winter annual weeds from growing in flower and vegetable beds and around trees and shrubs for up to three months.

Hi-Yield Killzall Weed and Grass Killer

Comes in both Super concentrate and ready to use. It is a non-selective herbicide which kills weeds and grasses contacted right down to the root. This product is to be applied to the plant foliage. It can be used around desirable plants as long as the desirable plants are protected with tarps or are far enough away from any overspray. It will not travel through soil so it is an excellent product for preparing a rough area for new lawns and beds. Any Killzall not absorbed by the plant breaks down into a natural products. If a desirable plant is accidentally sprayed immediately wash off the plant with water.

It is recommended to not trim down or mow the vegetation for 7 days following application to let the product work in the plant. It will bond to the plant within two hours. For best results use 2-½ fl. Ozs. Per gallon of water1 gallon will treat approximately 300 sq.ft. It is not for use around edible feed or food crops.

Ortho Bug Be Gone

Very effective and quite toxic, kills good bugs and bad. Use for control of problem bugs only as needed.

8.8 lbs is good for 3000 square feet.

Scotts GrubEx

Very effective in controlling problem grubs. Grubs can be devastating on a lawn care should be taken not to let them get the better of your lawn.

14.3 lbs is good for 5000 square feet.

In Summary

The higher the numbers, the more fertilizer you get for the money. Never use more fertilizer than the recommendations on a bag - too much fertilizer will kill the lawn. Don't use too much Phosphorus. Brand names do not necessarily mean better fertilizer. Organic fertilizers are the best. If you don't mind shopping around, compare labels - they are there for your information and protection.