Fertilizer FAQ's

• Should I be concerned about applying a fertilizer product to my lawn if children and pets play on the grass?
• How soon should I water after applying fertilizer?
• What do the three numbers on a package of fertilizer mean?
• During a lawn fertilizer application, is it a concern if some of the fertilizer gets in the flowerbed?
• Why should you fertilize your lawn in the fall?
• How long will fertilizers last in the package?
• Can lime and fertilizer be applied on the same day?
• I applied too much fertilizer to my lawn. What should I do?
• I applied too much Weed and Feed. What should I do?

Should I be concerned about applying a fertilizer product to my lawn if children and pets play on the grass?

Our fertilizers are formulated for safe use throughout the home landscape. When applied correctly, there should be no danger to pets or children. Simply keep children and pets away from the area when applying fertilizers. In addition, take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents. Store unused portions in a safe place out of the reach of children or pets. When using a fertilizer that contains weed control, keep children and pets off the treated area for 24 hours as a safety precaution.

How soon should I water after applying fertilizer?

Regular Fertilizer: Premium, slow release fertilizers like Wilson Pow-R Gro™ will not burn your lawn when used as directed because they are designed to feed safely and evenly over time. Every mix contains some fast release nitrogen to green up your lawn right away.

Water is necessary to carry the fertilizer to the root zone. Watering or rain after application will speed up the greening process. If you fertilize during hot dry conditions, then water immediately after applying fertilizer.

Fertilizer with Weed Control: Water your lawn before application to help the product stick to leaves, but DO NOT water again for 48 hours.

What do the three numbers on a package of fertilizer mean?

The 3 numbers on the bag indicate the percentage of nutrients in the fertilizer. The first number indicates the percentage of Nitrogen (N), the nutrient responsible for green growth. The second number indicates the amount of Phosphorus (P), the nutrient responsible for root, flower, and fruit growth. The final number is the amount of Potassium (K), which is responsible for the overall health of the plant.

During a lawn fertilizer application, is it a concern if some of the fertilizer gets in the flowerbed?

If you are spraying or spreading a regular lawn fertilizer on your lawn, you do not have to worry about stray bits getting into your flowerbeds or bushes. However, if you are spraying or spreading a fertilizer that contains weed control (weed & feed) then you need to be sure to leave a buffer zone between the area that is being spread and the flowerbeds. You should try to stay at least one foot away from the edge of the beds. If you do get some weed & feed in with the flowers, water the area immediately to wash the fertilizer off the plants and down into the ground. Most herbicides need to come in contact with the foliage of the plant in order to kill it. Washing the herbicide off the plant’s leaves will reduce the risk of injury to garden plants.

Why should you fertilize your lawn in the fall?

Fall fertilizer is considered by many turf experts to be the most important feeding of the year. By feeding in the fall, the root system is strengthened and builds a reserve of carbohydrates. This will help the grass to survive the cold winter months and help get your lawn off to a fast start in the spring, which builds a healthier, thicker lawn.

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How long will fertilizers last in the package?

When stored properly, fertilizer can be used for at least 3 to 4 years. Proper storage involves keeping it in a cool, dry location. Liquid fertilizers should not be frozen. When a granular fertilizer gets wet, it becomes clumpy and is not easily spread. If wet fertilizer is spread on a lawn, there is a higher risk of fertilizer burn because the nutrients are concentrated in the clump and not spread evenly over the lawn.

Can lime and fertilizer be applied on the same day?

Yes, as long as you don't apply more than of 24.5 kg of lime per100 m² (50 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.). Also, avoid mixing the products in your spreader at the same time. Instead, apply them separately.

I applied too much fertilizer to my lawn. What should I do?

Water thoroughly (at least an inch) for 4 consecutive days. There is no guarantee that this will work, but taking these steps may reduce potential damage.

Lawn damage from too much fertilizer or spilled fertilizer is often caused by excessive salts in the soil. Adding Gypsum can help neutralize the salts.

I applied too much Weed and Feed. What should I do?

Flush the area with 1 to 2 inches of water daily for 3 to 4 days to minimize potential damage to your lawn. Do not make another herbicide application until next year.

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