Denver homeowners know the complexities of taking care of their lawns in the harsh Colorado climate. If you want your yard to look green and beautiful, you need to make an extra effort. Otherwise, you could be facing bald patches, brown grass, and aggressive weeds.
The most important part of keeping your Denver lawn in top shape is fertilization. While the process itself isn’t complicated, the schedule may be. Setting up a solid maintenance routine right now can help you enjoy a healthy lawn in the upcoming season.
General Schedule to Follow
The fertilization schedule can depend on your grass type and the general condition of the lawn. However, you can always just follow this simple routine:
- Early Spring (March – April): As the snow melts and temperatures warm up, apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. This will stimulate new growth after the long winter.
- Late Spring (May – June): As summer approaches, switch to a fertilizer that’s high in phosphorus. Phosphorus strengthens the roots, which can help your lawn survive Denver’s hot summers.
- Summer (July – August): You can take a break from fertilizing during the peak summer months. Instead, focus on keeping your lawn properly watered and mowing it regularly. Fertilizing during extreme heat can be more harmful than helpful.
- Early Fall (September – October): When the weather cools down again, it’s time for another dose of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. This helps your lawn build strength before winter.
- Late Fall (Optional, October – November): If you want to give your lawn an extra boost, you can apply a second round of slow-release nitrogen. This optional step can help your grass store nutrients and survive the winters better.
Make changes to the schedule if extreme weather conditions hit. Do not fertilize the lawn during droughts or freezes, even if they occur during the scheduled months.
Best Type of Fertilizer for Your Lawn
Denver lawns do best with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and fall. Slow-release products feed your lawn over time. This encourages steady and healthy growth. In late spring, look for a fertilizer that has more phosphorus.
Be sure to read the label carefully. A fertilizer bag will have three numbers, for example, 20-10-10. These numbers represent the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the product. For example, early and late in the season, a fertilizer higher in nitrogen will be best. In late spring, you’ll want a little more phosphorus.
If you have pets, you need to be careful about the fertilization process. Look for products that are labeled pet-friendly, or keep them off the grass until the fertilizer has been watered in and the lawn is dry.
The Best Time to Reseed Your Lawn
Sometimes, no matter how well you fertilize, your lawn might develop thin spots. Reseeding fills those bare patches and helps maintain a healthy turf.
In Denver, early spring is the best time to reseed. April – May are the best months to reseed when the soil temps are around 55 degrees which is the perfect environment for grass seed germination. The cooler temperatures and moist soil give new grass seeds the best chance to grow strong before summer. Plus, there’s less competition from weeds in the fall. If you reseed in the fall, there is a chance that rabbits will feed on your seed throughout the winter.
When to Water Your Lawn
The watering schedule for your lawn can depend on the temperatures. However, the rule of thumb is to water three times per week during the summer (before 10:00am) and 1 – 2 times a week in the fall and spring. In the winter, only water your lawn once a week if temperatures are above 50⁰F.
Always water the lawn after you fertilize it. This can help the fertilizer sink further into the soil and wash away any substance from the blades.
If you’d like further guidance, please get in touch with our certified lawn care specialists. We can help you set up the perfect lawn maintenance schedule.