One of the many things that could bring delight to your tenants is an attractive lawn. It’s not just a pleasant sight, but it also brings a lot of curb appeal to your single-family rental property in Merrifield! If you want your lawn to continue to be green and healthy, the key is to fertilize it constantly and appropriately. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your rental property’s lawn looking great throughout the warmer months.
- Start in the Spring
The best time to apply the first round of fertilizer to your rental’s lawn is early in the spring. Once the soil has warmed up to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to apply some fertilizer. Take your hint from the first new growth of grass to begin fertilizing. This signals that the soil is warm enough. The first feeding typically happens in mid-April for most areas of the country.
- Buy the Right Fertilizer
Upon buying fertilizers, it is important to look for the right mix of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Landscapers and lawn care experts recommend choosing a fertilizer with a mixture of 20-5-10 for spring. A worthy alternative is a slow-release fertilizer that comes in granular form. This type of fertilizer allows you to save time since slow-release fertilizers break down into the soil over time, making it possible to not fertilize as often. Also, granular fertilizers are easier to apply and to control how much you use.
- Water Regularly
An error that property owners tend to make is to overwater their lawn, assuming that this will lead to less usage of fertilizer. However, if you water your lawn and stimulate growth, you’ll need to apply more fertilizer to provide the appropriate amount of nutrients. When applying fertilizer, be sure to check the label and follow watering instructions. Some types of fertilizer require a wet lawn for application, while others can be applied when the lawn is dry. Follow the steps to ensure safe practice.
- Use the Right Spreader
For fertilizing lawns of single-family rental homes, it is highly recommended that you use a broadcast spreader. A broadcast spreader is relatively inexpensive and easy to use and will help you control how much fertilizer you use. If your area is relatively smaller, a handheld broadcast spreader would be good, as you only typically crank it by hand. Regardless of which size of spreader you use, remember to walk at a steady pace to ensure consistent coverage.
- Apply Carefully
For large lawn areas, it is highly recommended that you use a specific pattern to spread fertilizer evenly. For example, one recommended approach is to start by going around the perimeter of the lawn first, then fill in the middle area by working in only one direction. Apply the first half of the fertilizer this way, then spread the second half by moving in a perpendicular direction to your first application. This routine will ensure even coverage and prevent using too much fertilizer in any one place.
Remember…
Plan to fertilize your lawn at least four more times after your rental property’s initial feeding in April. Experts recommend applying the second round of fertilizer after four weeks, then every six to eight weeks throughout the summer and fall.
By following these simple steps, your rental property’s lawn can grow strong and healthy season after season. We can understand if this may come as something of a daunting task. But, we’re here to help. At Real Property Management Deluxe, we make your life just a little bit less complicated. Don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a ring at 218-454-7368 to know more about what we can do for you.
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