One of the most popular phrases is that the grass is always greener on the other side. Well, sure, this may be true if the person on the other side knew when to apply their lawn fertilizer. In order to create and maintain a great looking lawn, you are going to first need to understand the importance of applying fertilizer. Much like a home, no matter how much work you put into the rest of the structure, if the foundation on which it was built wasn't properly placed, then everything comes down. Therefore, the following includes crucial information regarding the best time of the year to apply lawn fertilizer. 

Condition of the Lawn

There are a variety of factors that affect the condition of the lawn. Many of these are very much related to the season in which you are planning to add your fertilizer. So, let's talk about rainfall. You might think that water is a good thing when getting your lawn ready, but in fact, applying your fertilizer before heavy rains must be avoided. Therefore, if you are within a region that sees heavy rains during April, March might not be the best of times to begin this project. Those who experience extreme summer heats should avoid those months as the lawn is in no condition to hold enough moisture to allow the grass and fertilizer to blend properly. 

Type of Grass

There are almost a dozen types of grass within the United States. However, today we're going to concentrate on the most common, which is the Kentucky bluegrass. For this type of grass, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer. This means that the chemicals, especially nitrogen, are released slowly throughout the weeks. Some of the best brands of fertilizer will contain 40% to 50% of its nitrogen in a slow-release form. It should be noted that you must always pay attention to the type of fertilizer you are buying, as not all fertilizer is created as a universal use tool. 

Best Season to Apply Fertilizer

Although your location will play a part, the most recommended time to apply fertilizer is during early fall. This is because the ground is still warm with the heat of summer. The combination of a warm ground, more balanced rainfall, and cool afternoons make it the ideal time for your fertilizer to get to work and make your lawn look amazing.

Spring season is fast approaching. With it comes the fresh breeze, warmer temperatures, and of course, a poorly kept garden.

Due to inactivity during winter, you need to ensure that your mower is in good condition to restore order. Today's article shows you how to get your lawn mower up and running in preparation for the upcoming spring season.

Check the Undercarriage

According to the National Library of Medicine, in 2015, over 934,394 lawn mower related injuries were reported in the U.S. It is essential to check the undercarriage for any dirt, rubble, and even animals that may have gotten in gnawing on sensitive parts. This allows you to maintain and refill any necessary components with ease since you understand what needs servicing.

Clean and Sharpen the Blades

While performing maintenance for the upcoming spring season, it is essential to ensure that your mower's blades work optimally. Inspect the blade and try to spot any cracks, dents, dull edges, and any signs of wear. If you choose to ignore this, your mower's cutting power will be significantly diminished.

Consider sharpening your blade, or get a replacement if the damage is extensive. A local hardware store can quickly provide the necessary spare parts required to get your mower up and running seamlessly.

Prepare the Fuel and Oil

Always analyze your mower's fuel and oil level before carrying out any chores. With frequent use, the mower's oil filter is bound to clog up with debris, so you need to clean it and add more oil constantly.

Failure to do so can lead to a burned-out engine due to low compression within the block.

More so, your mower's fuel can spoil if not used within 30 days. This can cause your engine to sputter, which prevents the mower from effectively functioning. You can easily tell if your fuel is bad when you sniff any weird odor or notice a dark, thick, and gummy-like appearance. Drain out stale fuel and replace it with suitable gas from the station, which is low on ethanol content to reduce pollution and protect your engine.

Look for Rust and corrosion

Rust can cause extensive damage to your mower and render it immobile during spring. It is commonly formed due to placement in a moist environment or repeated cutting of wet grass, which tends to build on the mower deck. Over time, the air within the mower causes the wet parts to oxidate, resulting in corrosion of delicate metal parts.

This can end up destroying parts of the mower chassis leaving holes, cracks, and deep abrasions. You can patch up these holes by metal flashing or hiring an excellent welder to seal the breaches. Aside from the frame, spark plugs are susceptible to rusting and should be frequently replaced. If ignored, your corroded spark plug will fail to spark, causing engine failure.

In Summary

Adhering to the given tips can easily get your mower in perfect condition for the spring season. Carry out routine checks to keep the crucial machinery functioning optimally.