If you put your lawn on the regular lawn fertilizer schedule outlined below, it will look lush and green, and your neighbors will turn green with envy.

Late February-Early March – apply a simple 15-5-10 for an early green-up. Most companies that make slow-release fertilizers also make a nonslow-release 15-5-10 that provides for a quick two-week green up before we get to the heart of the fertilizer schedule. 

Late March-Early April – apply slow-release 3-1-2 ratio fertilizers. 

Late June-Early July – apply slow-release 3-1-2 ratio fertilizers. 
(recommended formulations 19-5-9, 19-4-10, 18-4-6, 15-5-10.) 

October-November – apply winterizer formulas for winter hardiness. Ratios vary, but make sure they are “winter” or “fall” formulas designed for southern grasses. 
(examples: 18-6-12, 8-12-16, 10-5-14) Will make lawns winter-hardy. 

Before you buy lawn fertilizer, consider the following questions:

• Are you fertilizing cool-season or warm-season grass?
• When should you begin fertilizing your lawn for best results?
• Which nutrients does your soil need most?
• Do you prefer organic fertilizer over synthetic varieties?

Fertilizing your lawn might seem like it would be easy, but doing it effectively can be quite challenging. To choose the right lawn fertilizer schedule you must know the size of your yard, the kinds of grasses that grow there, your soil type(s), and how well the area drains.

Do-it-yourselfers don’t often want to ask for assistance—but when it comes to creating and executing the optimum lawn fertilizer schedule, it’s best to call in the experts. We can help you build a successful program specifically for your lawn by contacting The Landscape Pros.

Below are some affordable landscaping ideas to beautify your yard without going into debt:

Avoid Costly Mistakes:

Really think about how you’re going to use your outdoor space. If you plan a water feature but are annoyed by the noise of babbling brooks, you’re going to spend more money ripping it out and replacing it with something else later.  Take the time to educate yourself and you’ll avoid common pitfalls such as planting a tree too close to your house.

Use What Is Already There:

Preserving existing plants and trees can help you save the cost, materials and resources needed to establish a new planting. Making note of where a yard seems to flood or catch the most sun can be helpful in planning for new plants, patios and play areas. The homeowner can avoid more expense by doing most or all of the work, instead of hiring a professional.

Buy Late in the Season:

Soil, mulch, trees and perennials are less costly when purchased near the end of the season when stores want them gone. In many areas, this is in the fall, which works well for getting plants established before summer comes again. Plants can be found at a discount by checking local gardening clubs, botanical centers and arboretums.

Make Compost:

Mulch and fertilizer can add a large amount to landscaping costs. Homeowners can make compost piles from scrap wood and chicken wire and fill them with a combination of food scraps and waste from the yard. With bags of compost going for at least five dollars at home improvement stores, this approach can be a real money saver.

Be Water Smart:

Landscaping can account for up to 20 percent of water use around the home. Watering a yard is more efficient when done in the early morning or early evening, when there will be less evaporation and strain on local water supplies.  According the Environmental Protection Agency, outdoor water use constitutes almost 20% of total home water use. Look for plants that are drought-tolerant to save on your water bill.

Phase the Yard:

Divide your plan into phases and pay as you go with funds on hand. You’ll save on loan or credit costs and be able to evaluate your progress and adjust plans before moving to the next phase. Splitting a landscaping job into affordable phases will allow the homeowner to avoid taking out loans or using credit to finance the project. This method provides room for evaluation and adjustments before each phase begins and costly mistakes can be avoided. Many lawn suppliers can offer free quotes so that you can assess what separate portions of your job may cost you. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for help and ideas! Many nurseries are willing provide free advice on landscaping.

Taking on landscaping can seem complex and intimidating, but with proper planning and careful purchasing, a yard can be both beautiful and affordable.