How Much Fertilizer Do I Need?
CALCULATING TOTAL LAWN AREA
LENGTH x WIDTH = TOTAL SQ. FT. then subtract NON-LAWN AREAS (House, Garden, Driveway)
Spreading Patterns
First, spread the borders of your lawn. Then, spread the center by spreading in straight line passes. Spread at a uniform walking speed to ensure even coverage. Always apply with an adequately calibrated rotary or drop-type fertilizer spreader to distribute the granules evenly. Never apply by hand.
Keep this product off sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc. This fertilizer contains iron, which will stain concrete and painted surfaces. If it comes in contact with the concrete surface, sweep it off immediately before flushing it with water. Staining may be impossible to prevent if the concrete is wet when contact occurs. Be careful when using rotary spreaders, which scatter fertilizer beyond the lawn edge and onto concrete.
Helpful Lawn Care Videos
Calculate Lawn Size
When to put down a crabgrass preventer with lawn food
When to put down a weed and feed fertilizer
Lawn Fertilizer
Fertilizer Analysis
N (Nitrogen)
Gives a dark green color to plants and promotes increased leaf and stem growth—feeds decomposition of organic material.
P (Phosphorus)
Stimulates early root formation and growth. It gives a rapid and vigorous start to plants and winter hardiness to fall seeding. Prepares grass for winter dormancy.
K (Potash)
Increases disease resistance to plants. Essential to the formation and transfer of starches, sugars, and oils. Helps development of root system. Promotes overall health to grass.
Frequently Asked Questions - Fertilizer
Why does a lawn need nitrogen?
Your lawn will consume more nitrogen than any other nutrient. Nitrogen gives grass its dark green color and rich look.
How do I maintain healthy and thick turf?
By using a recommended fertilizer application program, such as the Menards Premium 4-application program, the products will supply your lawn with the nutrients needed to achieve a thick and lush lawn throughout the growing season.
What is soil pH?
pH measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in the soil. Turf grass prefers not to be very acidic. If a soil test shows acidity, apply recommended amounts of limestone to reduce the acidity levels in the soil.
Why are there whitish-gray spots on my lawn in spring?
This is usually caused by heavy snow in the winter. It is called snow mold, and will go away after a light raking, fertilizing, and mowing. This condition is best prevented by mowing the lawn fairly short in the fall
At what height should I mow the lawn?
The mowing height of grass will change during the year. In early spring, grass may be kept shorter than when it gets very warm. A good rule is 2.5 inches from spring through mid-June. From mid-June to the end of August, 3 inches is recommended. After the first of September, take the height down by half an inch every two weeks until you have it at 1.5 inches going into winter.
Do I need to maintain my Lawn Mowing Equipment?
Sharpen your mower blades frequently so they do not tear the grass blades (torn blades give the lawn a whitish cast).
Suggested Mowing Heights
Bahiagrass: 2 to 3 inches
Bentgrass: 3/8 to 3/4 inches
Bermudagrass: 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches
Bluegrass/Fescue Mix: 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches
Blugrass/Ryegrass mix: 1 to 2 inches
Carpetgrass: 1 to 2 inches
Centipedegrass: 1 to 2 inches
Fine Fescue Grass: 1 to 2 1/2 inches
Kentucky Bluegrass: 1 to 2 1/2 inches
Perennial Ryegrass: 1 to 2 inches
St Augustine: 1 1/2 to 3 inches
Tall Fescue: 3 to 4 inches
Zoysia: 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches
How often should I mow?
Lawns should be mowed frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the vertical height is removed with each mowing. This helps the plant maintain sufficient leaf area for quick recovery and continued growth. For instance: If the mowing height is 2 inches, mowing should be scheduled again before the lawn is 3 inches tall. Along with the height of mowing, the frequency of mowing is critical. The mowing schedule should be determined by how fast the grass is growing rather than by a routine weekly or 10-day schedule.
• Mow when the grass is dry.
• Best results are achieved with a sharp lawnmower blade
• Alternate mowing direction
When should I stop mowing the lawn?
Maintain the mowing schedule into the fall as long as the grass continues to grow. The lawn should go into winter at a lower height than it was maintained during the growing season.
What should I do with Grass Clippings?
If the lawn is healthy, it is not necessary to remove grass clippings, assuming the grass clippings are able to drop into the lawn. In fact, leaving the clippings has positive benefits because they gradually decompose, feeding the lawn. It is important to note that clippings do not contribute to thatch. If a lawn is maintained very short, or if the clippings sit on top of the grass, remove them to avoid smothering the grass.
Should I water my lawn?
If there is not adequate rain fall you may need to water your lawn to keep it in good condition. The Midwest’s climate, along with the natural ability of many turf grass plants to survive dry periods, often makes lawn watering optional. During spring and fall, natural precipitation is usually adequate to cause excellent growth and color. During summer when rainfall is often insufficient for plant growth, watering is recommended to promote vigorous growth and green color. The average lawn will use about one inch of water per week depending on the time of the year and temperature.
What should I do with Grass Clippings?
Water the lawn deeply and infrequently. Water once a week or so during the summer (water less during cloudy and cool weather and more often when the weather is hot and windy). Apply one inch of water at each watering. Any rainfall during the week should be considered and watering should be reduced accordingly.
Note: Proper watering methods will vary with soils. In heavy soils, slow heavy watering is essential (usually once a week). In sandy soils, frequent, lighter watering is the rule (maybe every day or two).
Am I not watering my lawn enough?
To check if you are applying enough water, dig a hole with a trowel a couple of hours after watering. The water should penetrate at least 8 inches. Adjust your watering method as necessary.
How frequently should I water a new lawn?
When a lawn is newly established from seeding or sodding or is affected with patch disease symptoms, frequent watering is necessary to keep it alive.