While grass is quite self-sufficient, it doesn’t always have access to all the nutrients it needs from the soil alone. This can lead to a patchy, weed-infested lawn that just doesn’t want to grow.
The good news is that you can improve your lawn’s health by applying the right fertilizers. But before you start spreading fertilizer or invest in residential lawn care services, it’s important to understand the differences between micronutrients vs. macronutrients and how they impact your lawn’s growth and development.
Macronutrients for Lawns
Macronutrients are the big players in lawn fertilization. Grass needs these nutrients in large amounts for overall growth and development. The three primary macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), commonly referred to as NPK. If your lawn isn’t as green as you want it or if it is about to suffer through an intensely hot summer, you may benefit from fertilizers with an abundance of macronutrients:
- Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is perhaps the most important macronutrient for lawns because it helps produce amino acids, proteins, enzymes, and vitamins that are vital for plant health. It’s responsible for giving grass its deep green color and encourages dense, leafy growth. Lawns lacking nitrogen often look pale or yellow and may not grow as thickly. While a highly beneficial nutrient, nitrogen can also lead to excessive blade growth, making your lawn more susceptible to disease and pests, when applied in too great of a quantity.
- Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus plays a key role in root development and plant growth. It helps establish strong root systems and supports the production of seeds and flowers. Lawns that are deficient in phosphorus may have poor root systems, making them more susceptible to stress and slower to recover from damage.
- Potassium (K): Potassium aids in regulating water movement within the grass and strengthens its ability to resist disease, drought, and temperature extremes. It’s also essential for the development of strong cell walls, which contribute to the overall structure and resilience of your lawn.
Micronutrients for Lawns
While your grass requires macronutrients in abundance, it needs micronutrients in much smaller amounts. Of course, this doesn’t mean they aren’t important. In fact, if one micronutrient is missing, the entire plant can display signs of deficiency.
Why are micronutrients so important? Well, these nutrients help activate enzymes, regulate metabolism, and support the development of cell walls. Ultimately, they prompt overall plant health.
Some of the most common micronutrients for lawns include:
- Boron: Boron regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and helps with the development of cell walls. It’s particularly important for root growth and overall plant health.
- Copper: Copper activates specific enzymes and plays a role in chlorophyll production.
- Iron: Iron is essential for chlorophyll production and overall plant metabolism. Iron deficiencies can lead to yellowing leaves, a condition known as chlorosis.
- Manganese: Manganese also activates enzymes and is involved in photosynthesis. It’s particularly important for root growth and development.
- Molybdenum: Molybdenum helps the plant utilize nitrogen more efficiently, which supports overall growth and development.
- Zinc: Zinc helps regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and is involved in the synthesis of proteins and enzymes.
How to Know Your Lawn Needs Micronutrients vs. Macronutrients
Before applying any fertilizer, it’s always a good idea to perform a soil test. Soil tests analyze your lawn’s nutrient levels and reveal whether your grass is deficient in specific macronutrients or micronutrients. This information can guide you in choosing the right type of fertilizer to correct any imbalances.
Get Professional Help With Your Lawn Care
If you’re unsure about your lawn’s nutrient needs or want to ensure your lawn is getting the best care possible, simply call on the professionals at Lawn Specialties. Our comprehensive lawn fertilization services take the guesswork out of caring for your grass. Whether your lawn needs a boost in macronutrients or could benefit from essential micronutrients, our experts will get to the bottom of the problem with a soil test and then provide the right solution for your needs. Contact us today to get started!