Choosing a lawn fertilizer is crucial for any homeowner looking to maintain a healthy lawn. With a multitude of options available at every home and garden store, how can you make the right decision for your specific lawn needs? First things first: All homeowners should consider two main fertilizer types. Liquid and granular fertilizers are designed to deliver essential nutrients to your lawn. Both types of fertilizers have their unique advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh your options. Let's compare liquid vs. granular fertilizer to determine the right choice for you.
Granular vs. Liquid Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a vital step in any complete lawn care routine! Depending on your goals, you can choose between granular and liquid fertilizer applications. Granular fertilizers are comprised of solid pellets, while liquid fertilizers are fluid sprays. While both are excellent for routine lawn maintenance, we've come to favor liquid fertilizer for many reasons. So, let's review the six differences between liquid and granular fertilizers.
Nutrient Content
Granular and liquid fertilizers are both great options for feeding your lawn. However, there are significant differences in their nutrient content and performance. Granular fertilizers are better for a slow-release feed. The solid particles take time to dissolve, so your grass receives a steady dose of nutrients. But liquid nitrogen fertilizers are a top choice if you're looking for a quick-release nutrient boost. With faster results, liquid fertilizers are the key to greening up a lawn within days. At Southview Outdoor Services, we've come to prefer liquid fertilizer for our customers and have seen better results with our liquid products.
Application Method
As a homeowner, you can choose which application method you prefer for your particular needs. Liquid fertilizers are applied using a sprayer, making the process straightforward for lawn owners. Liquid applications also deliver thorough and even coverage, so every inch of your lawn is adequately treated. On the other hand, granular fertilizers are applied manually or with a spreader, which can be more labor-intensive and may not provide uniform coverage.
Ease of Use
Liquid and granular fertilizers are distinct in terms of ease of use. Liquid fertilizers are easier to apply because they don't require bulky tools. They are simply prepped by mixing the concentrated fertilizer with water for easy distribution. Meanwhile, granular fertilizers are more labor intensive, requiring manual spreading and post-application watering to activate the nutrients. However, they only need to be distributed four times per year to maintain a stunning lawn.
After testing both liquid and granular fertilizers for our customers, we found that liquid fertilizer is our go-to because of its ease of use. The seamless application process helps us deliver speedy services, so we're in and out of our customers' properties within no time. Plus, we can mix micronutrients into the liquid solution to supply specific enrichments to our customers' grass. This benefit helps us tackle individual lawn deficiencies and provide a more personalized fertilizer service.
Cost
The cost of each fertilizer type can also influence homeowners' decisions. The cost can vary depending on factors like the fertilizer brand, nutrient makeup, and application rates. However, granular fertilizers are often more economical than liquid products. Buying granular fertilizer in bulk can also save you money, especially when granules only need to be applied four times in the growing season. If you're weighing the cost of liquid and granular fertilizer, make sure your choice reflects your lawn's needs and personal lawn goals over all else.
Environmental Impact
When fertilizers aren't applied with care and precision, they can contribute to nutrient runoff. Runoff occurs when fertilizer seeps into nearby bodies of water, affecting the local ecosystem. Liquid fertilizers may leach into groundwater if overapplied or used right before heavy rainfall. Granular fertilizers are also prone to runoff during heavy rain but are less likely to leach into groundwater due to their slower release.
The best way to avoid runoff is to call on a local lawn care technician who will minimize the environmental impact of fertilizer applications and deliver invaluable lawn care results. Our lawn care experts are skilled in effective and efficient liquid fertilizer applications that reduce the chances of pollution. By fertilizing at the right time every time, we ensure that the whole fertilizer application is absorbed into the soil.
Shelf Life and Storage
Believe it or not, both fertilizers have incredibly long shelf lives! When stored properly, liquid fertilizers can last several years, while granular fertilizers can last almost indefinitely. Both granular and liquid fertilizers should be stored indoors in a dark, dry place like a basement or garage. The best receptacles for them are their original containers, which are made to be humidity-resistant and tightly sealed.
Liquid vs. Granular Fertilizer: Which Is Right For You?
Well, we can't make that decision for you! It comes down to your specific lawn maintenance needs and personal preferences. Before running to the store for fertilizer, weigh the pros and cons to determine the best route for you. Or, consider reaching out to a local lawn care specialist in Stutsman County to get even more insight into expert fertilizer applications.
Southview Outdoor Services has rigorously tested both liquid and granular fertilizers for our clients, and liquid fertilizer has come out on top. Our technicians started out using liquid and switched to granular. However, we didn't see the results we were looking for. Now, we've switched back to liquids, and they're here to stay!
Our liquid fertilizers guarantee that applications are evenly applied, rich in macro and micronutrients, and best meet our customer's needs. Finally, its seamless application process makes it a win-win for our customers and technicians. After years of experimenting, we have our liquid fertilizer applications down to a science.
Schedule A Spring Fertilizer Application Today!
Does the wintry North Dakota weather have you feeling blue? Plan for a blooming springtime by scheduling a liquid fertilizer application with Southview Outdoor Services! Contact our Jamestown, ND team at (701) 952-7300 to learn more about our fertilizing services through our lawn fertilization program for properties in North Dakota.