Regularly applying fertilizer treatments is key to maintaining a strong and vibrant lawn here in Tennessee, but many people may not know what’s actually in their fertilizer. Well, it’s jam-packed with a wide variety of nutrients that are beneficial for your grass. However, there are three essential nutrients that you should be aware of that make up the majority of fertilizers, and those are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

Nitrogen is primarily responsible for your grass’s growth and will help green it up, making it an important nutrient for grass that is just emerging in the spring after winter dormancy. Potassium increases your turf’s stress resistance against environmental conditions and diseases. Phosphorus will help your lawn establish a strong root zone in your soil. Continue reading to learn more about these three nutrients, and how they work together to benefit your lawn!

1. Nitrogen stimulates grass growth and will help green up your lawn.

Out of the three essential nutrients found in most fertilizers, nitrogen is the most important one because it’s the primary nutrient that stimulates grass growth. Nitrogen is vital when it comes to forming proteins in plants, meaning that your grass will absorb this nutrient more than any other to form proteins so it can grow. So, when you spot a lush and vibrant lawn, chances are that nitrogen had a hand in that because it gives grass its dark, green color.

When your grass has insufficient nitrogen, it tends to thin out and takes on a yellowish color. This not only brings down the aesthetics of your grass, but it can make it more susceptible to various lawn diseases and pests. That’s why you need to supply your lawn with a healthy amount of nitrogen—you want it to remain vibrant and strong.

Be mindful of the amount of nitrogen you apply to your lawn because applying too much at one time can "burn" your turf.

2. Potassium increases your lawn's resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.

Handful of potassium pellets for fertilizer treatment in professional's hands in Bartlett, TN.

Potassium is considered the second most important essential nutrient behind nitrogen. Potassium is responsible for activating enzymes in your grass which are used to synthesize protein, sugar, and starch. This means that potassium is the primary nutrient when it comes to strengthening your lawn to resist diseases and pests. Not only that, but potassium raises your turf’s tolerance against environmental stressors such as droughts and cold weather, making it crucial to help your grass endure the summer and winter seasons.

3. Phosphorus helps your grass establish a strong root system and is perfect for new lawns.

Handful of granular phosphorus pellets for fertilizer treatment in Midtown Memphis, TN.

Phosphorus is the third essential nutrient found in most fertilizers, and it can help you maintain a strong and healthy lawn. But phosphorus works best when it’s used to help establish a new lawn because it’s the primary component of nucleic acids. Phosphorus will aid in the development of new grass seeds and help them create a strong root system in your soil. So, when starting a new lawn, you want to select a fertilizer with a decent amount of phosphorus! Once your lawn is established, then you only need to supply it with modest amounts of phosphorus to maintain its health.

Call us today to enroll in our lawn fertilization program!

It's important to supply your grass with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus so that it can grow and thrive. At Picture Perfect Landscapes, our lawn fertilization program starts in early spring and runs into the winter months to supply your grass with nutrients year-round! We service commercial, HOA, and residential properties in the Memphis, TN area, including surrounding areas like Midtown Memphis and East Memphis. Call us today at (901) 246-7656 to enroll in our lawn fertilization program!