Lawn fertilization is the process of applying nutrients to your lawn to promote healthy growth, vibrant color, and disease resistance. Just like you need a balanced diet to stay healthy, your grass needs essential nutrients that Oklahoma’s clay soil often lacks. A properly fertilized lawn is thicker, greener, and better able to crowd out weeds and withstand stress. Complete Lawn Care has been providing expert fertilization services to Tulsa-area homeowners for 25 years through our comprehensive 7-step program.
The Essential Nutrients Your Lawn Needs
Lawn fertilizers contain three primary nutrients, represented by the three numbers on the bag (like 24-0-11):
Nitrogen (N) – First Number: The most important nutrient for lawns. Nitrogen promotes leaf and blade growth and gives grass its deep green color. Lawns need more nitrogen than any other nutrient.
Phosphorus (P)—Second Number: Supports root development and is most important for new lawns. Established lawns in Oklahoma typically have adequate phosphorus in the soil.
Potassium (K) – Third Number: Promotes overall plant health, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. Important for helping grass survive Oklahoma’s hot summers and cold winters.
How Often Should You Fertilize Your Lawn?
Fertilization frequency depends on your grass type:
Bermuda Grass: 4-6 applications per year, April through September. Bermuda is a heavy feeder during its active growing season.
Zoysia Grass: 3-4 applications per year, May through August. Zoysia needs less nitrogen than Bermuda.
Fescue Grass: 2-4 applications per year, primarily in fall (September-November) with a light spring application. Never fertilize fescue in summer.
General rule: Space applications 6-8 weeks apart during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing dormant grass or during extreme heat.
Understanding Fertilizer Numbers
When you see numbers like 24-0-11 on a fertilizer bag, they represent the percentage by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A 50-pound bag of 24-0-11 contains 12 pounds of nitrogen (24% of 50), zero phosphorus, and 5.5 pounds of potassium (11% of 50). The remaining weight is filler material that helps distribute nutrients evenly.
For established lawns: Look for fertilizers with high first numbers and low or zero second numbers (like 24-0-11 or 29-0-4).
For new lawns: Starter fertilizers with higher phosphorus (like 18-24-12) help establish root systems.
Quick-Release vs. Slow-Release Fertilizers
Quick-release: Nutrients are immediately available. Provides fast green-up but can burn grass if over-applied. Effects last 2-4 weeks.
Slow-release: Nutrients release gradually over 6-12 weeks. Provides steady feeding with less risk of burning. More expensive but better value.
Professional preference: Most lawn care companies use slow-release formulations because they provide better, longer-lasting results with less risk.
Why Proper Fertilization Matters
Under-fertilization: Results in thin, pale grass that’s susceptible to weeds, disease, and stress.
Over-fertilization: Burns grass, promotes disease, creates excessive thatch, and wastes money. Can also pollute waterways through runoff.
Proper fertilization produces thick, green grass with strong roots and natural resistance to weeds, pests, and environmental stress.
Complete Lawn Care’s 7-Step Fertilization Program
For 25 years, Complete Lawn Care has refined our fertilization program for Oklahoma’s unique conditions. Our 7-step program delivers the right nutrients at the right time, using professional-grade products not available at retail stores. We take the guesswork out of fertilization so you get consistent results without the risk of over- or under-feeding your lawn. We also offer soil testing to identify any specific nutrient deficiencies in your soil.
Contact Complete Lawn. Care:
Phone: (918) 605-4646 | Email: [email protected] | Online: completelawncaretulsa.com/get-a-quote