When to add nitrogen to new lawn

[Rook54]

I have a newly seeded acre of rye & fescue (turf mix) around my home. This yard used to be a farmed ground. Last year we built a home on the property and I have established the lawn. The seed was put in approximately 5 weeks ago and I have grass approximately 3-4 inches tall now. 3 weeks ago, I broadcasted "quad 12" (12-12-12-12). I would like to put down a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen (first # ex. 29-3-3) to give it that nice boost. When would it be safe to do this on such a virgin lawn. Thanks.

Adam

 

[fivestring]

You must get the roots established first.
They have to make it through the first season.
Next year you can go heavier on the nitrogen.

 

[Hambone]

I would do a soil test. I got one at the big box store for $5. Tells ph level, nitrogen, phos, potash

 

[DaveInColorado]

You need to get a soil testing kit! I think I paid $35 for a really detailed kit (dang - can't remember the name of it nor find the website - something like www.forestsupplies.com). It tells me all details of what kind of fertizer I need. I was surprised when it found that I didn't need any more nitrogen. I found that a general use type of fertilizer had closer to the correct ratios than the high nitrogen lawn-only types. I think they recommend more phosphorous for new lawns. Your mileage may vary. It takes me 30 minutes to run the test which I will do a couple of times per year.

 

[GareyD]

Too much nitrogen is hard on your lawn...makes it look nice and green, but causes the roots to stay shallow, which will let any drought conditions kill the grass...

When I was a professional landscaper, I've seen lawns that were under contract with the "Chemical Lawn" companies (lot's of liquid nitrogen) that you could roll up the sod like a carpet!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I agree that you need a soil sample...

Without a soil sample I would recommend instead of 29-3-3...that you go with something more like my favorite of 7-14-21,,,you will end up with a hardier lawn that doesn't need to be mown 3 times a week /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

YMMV
GareyD

 

[gsganzer]

I'll second that recommendation. I've had a healthier lawn since I've been using 10-10-10 or 15-15-15.

 

[Rook54]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will just stick with that 12-12-12-12, and let nature take its course on the rest.


Adam

 

[Junkman]

I have not encountered a fertilizer that had 4 numbers.... what is the 4th number represent???? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[rambler]

Ditto, what's the 4th number for?

--->PAul

 

[Rook54]

The numbers are the nitrogen, potash, and phosphorus, and the fourth is sulfate (sulfur) and that is derived from the ammonia sulfate, which is used for the nitrogen number as well. I guess sometimes they use different chemicals to obtain the nitrogen such as urea, but in this case it is ammonia sulfate. so you get the extra "12" . I got it at a feed & seed store.