Keeping it Green

Fall Fertilization

RECOmmENDATIONS

Fall

is the time to feed your turf and landscape and institute a strong fall fertilization recovery program. Landscapes are in full recovery rous (phosphate) (P), and potassium (potash) (K) in the package. For example, the numbers 15-1-6 on a fertilizer label would indicate that the product contains, by weight, 15 percent nitrogen, 1 percent mode from summer stress and turf and landscape are hungry for phosphorous, and 6 percent potassium. Read the labels carefully to support to restore root reserves (carbohydrates). This root building effort insures sufficient energy resources that will promote new determine the right application rate. growth in the spring. ONCE YOU DO THAT, THEN YOU SHOULD: Begin developing your fertility program by collecting informa- ? To calibrate your fertilizer spreader tion. Determine the square footage for your turf and bed areas sepa- http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH024 rately since fertility requirements vary by plant type. Most fertilizer ? Know your soil pH, nutrient inadequacies including recommendations are given with use rates by the 1000 sq. ft. macronutrients and micronutrients - send soil samples to the Soils Lab at the UF - This information will help identify any HOW mUCH TO APPLY? special requirements for your yard. http://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/ It is important to understand how nutrients are packaged in fertilizer ? Know and understand the fertilizer ordinances of your county. products. There are three prominent numbers, divided by hyphens, This will ensure you are in compliance with the regulations on every fertilizer label; these are required by law to inform the governing your county such as the Sarasota County Fertilizer consumer of the percentage (by weight) of nitrogen (N), phospho- and Landscape Management Code. ? Know and understand the regulations surrounding fertilizer applications near Southwest Florida Turf Grass Fertilization Recommendations waterways to protect our waterways. This guide is for fertilization where no soil test exists. To properly apply the rate of P (phosphorus) and K (potassium) required, a soil test is required. It is recommended to always soil test. January February March April May July August September October November ST. AUGUSTINE TURf GRASS Basic Maintenance Level December none none none C = Complete fertilizer applied at 1.0 lbs N/1000 sq. ft. containing 50% soluble and 50% slow-release N. 10

Living

OUT EAST October 2008 ZOYSIA TURf GRASS Basic Maintenance Level SHRUb bEDS PALmS & TREES Basic Maintenance Level C C C none none none C C C none none none C C none none none none none none none none none none C C C none none

Impact

none STORAGE AND HANDLING TIPS ? Store fertilizers separately from solvents, fuels and pesticides since the nitrates fertilizers are oxidants and can accelerate a fire ? Store fertilizer in a protected area from rain fall to prevent contamination of ground water ? When loading fertilizer into your spreader do so away from wells or water bodies ? Clean up spills immediately For further information, call Manatee County Extension at (941) 722-4524 or Sarasota County Extension at (941) 861- 9900 or call me at Sustainable Landscape Supply at (941) 706-4450. By Tammy Kovar, Certified Arborist and owner of Biological Tree Services and Sustainable Landscape Supply in Lakewood Ranch. She can be reached at (941) 706-1414.

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