Our lawns are an integral part of our homes. They’re where we host backyard barbecues, play fetch with a new puppy, or kick off our shoes to enjoy those warm summer evenings. Lawns increase property values, help lower cooling costs, and have a positive net effect on the environment.
Proper lawn care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. At Blue Grass, we understand that our customers want to minimize work while maximizing the beauty and functionality of your green spaces.
To that end, we offer standard and custom-designed fertilizing plans to take the guesswork out of keeping your turf healthy.
Our standard feeding programs were developed with years of collecting soil sampling data from all over eastern Iowa. That is why our standard 4-Step programs work so well for most Iowa lawns.
We also offer custom-designed programs based on soil sampling information from your lawn. This method is the most sure-fire way we can help you keep your lawn looking as healthy as the day it was installed.
Custom-Feeding Program
Doing a soil sample with us provides the information we need to build a customized program for your lawn’s specific needs, based on your soil type, grass species, preferred feeding methods, and Iowa’s climate.
Fertilizer FAQs
+ Do all fertilizers have chemicals in them?
No. Fertilizers are plant food in the form in nutrients and minerals you would recognize from the period table, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, boron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, etc.
However, some fertilizer products have synthetic chemicals added to them for a specific purpose, such as a weed preventer.
At Blue Grass, we carry fertilizer products that are chemical-free (such as 13-13-13, 16-4-8, 22-0-4 w/ HCU, lime, and gypsum) and also fertilizers that include both food and chemicals (weed preventers, grub preventers, weed-and-feed).
What to have an even deeper understanding of fertilizers and how they work? Read this.
+ But aren't fertilizers bad for the environment?
No. Feeding plants and soils with food that is needed at the correct rate actually promotes healthy growth. A healthier plant is more likely to resist diseases, will produce more oxygen and sequester more carbon dioxide, will provide better cover for good bugs and animals, will filter more water, and will grow more densely with its neighbors, helping to naturally repell unwanted plants.
What IS bad for the environment is people using products irresponsibly, like applying products they don't understand at the wrong rate, at the wrong time of year, or in inappropriate places, like on sidewalk or driveways that have no ability to absorb the product.
+ Even phosphorus?
Correct. Phosphorus is a necessary nutrient for root development in plants. Can this nutrient be used irresponsibly? Yes. But that is why we work so hard with our customers to make sure they are capable of caring for their plants well.
+ What are the best ways to ensure I am feeding my lawn responsibly?
So glad you asked!
- MEASURE YOUR LAWN. We know how much food grasses need at different times of year to thrive. In order for us to advise you correctly, you need to bring us accurate numbers for the space you are trying to maintain. We will need to know the square footage of the area. You can find the square footage of a square or rectangular area by taking the length x width. And just in case you just took out an above-ground pool and need a refresher, the area of a circle is πr² #geometryinreallife
You can also use technology to help you! If you go to Google Earth and enter your address, there is a measurement tool that will allow you to calculate the square footage of an area with a few clicks of the mouse. #betterlivingthroughtechnology Either way works!
- Follow our instructions. If we tell you that you will have half a bag left of a product, then don't go out and spread the rest just because you don't want leftovers in your garage. Get a tote, wrap up the half-a-bag, and use the rest next year when it is time to apply that product again!
- Should I lime my yard? Only if you have done a soil sample that indicates lime is necessary. Lime will raise the pH of your soil which can cause major issues if your pH is already higher than it should be.
- Calibrate your spreader. You are only as accurate as the tool you are using. Calibrating is easier than it sounds and it should be done on all spreaders, regardless of how old or new they are. [Instructions can be found here.]3
+ What products do you carry?
FLAGSHIP FERTILIZER PRODUCTS
13-13-13 (Triple 13): High quality, hot-blend, plant starter containing nutrients and minerals for new lawns or to quickly green-up a mature yard. Excellent product for areas needing repairs from doggos or kiddos. Will encourage lateral growth to fill in yellow spots and patchy areas. Works well on any lawn. This product is chemical-free, pet-safe, and kid-safe.
20-0-5 w/ Dimension: Slow-release food (120 days) with pre-emergent, crabgrass control. Do not apply to newly seeded areas.
32-0-5 w/ Dimension + Acelepryn: Extra-slow release food (160 days) with pre-emergent, crabgrass control and pre-emergent insect control. Do not apply to newly seeded areas that have not been mowed at least two times. Labeled by as EPA “Low Risk Insecticide” for pollinator species and earthworms.
16-4-8 w/ S & Micros: High quality, hot-blend fertilizer containing nutrients and minerals for quick minor repairs and a well-rounded feeding. Excellent product for areas needing repairs from doggos or kiddos. Works well on any lawn. This product is chemical-free, pet-safe, and kid-safe.
20-0-8 w/ Q3: Slow-release food with perennial broadleaf and annual weed grass control. Use in fall. Apply to a wet lawn (early morning when still dewey or frosty), and no rain is predicted for 24 hours. Do not mow or irrigate for 24 hours.
For timely reminders on when you apply each step, follow us on Facebook!
AS NEEDED APPLICATIONS
Following any of our programs should limit any issues you may see. However, even the most well-kept yards may need a quick “pick-me-up” application from time to time. Here is a list of other products worth considering:
Gypsum: A soil conditioner (calcium and sulfur) that makes nutrients more readily available to the root system. Works to help turn heavy clay-like soil into an open porous structure (relieving compaction). Gypsum also aids in the repair of yellow spots in dog damaged lawns and winter salt damage. This product is chemical-free, pet-safe, and kid-safe.
Lime: A soil conditioner and source of calcium and magnesium. Lime is a pH adjuster that raises the pH of soil. Only apply lime if you have determined your soil pH with a soil sample. This product is chemical-free, pet-safe, and kid-safe.
Dylox*: Controls white grubs, sod webworms and cutworms. Water thoroughly within 24 hours after applying. Do not mow until granules are watered in. Starts working within 24 hours. Degrades quickly - does not linger. Please note: A few grubs in your yard is not an infestation. The general rule with grub control is that you need to treat your yard if you have more than 10 grubs per square foot. Grubs occur in any soil type, much like worms or centipedes; they are a part of a healthy ecosystem when in balance with the other life around them.
Headway: Controls several common diseases. Applications rates and timing vary depending on the disease.
Gary’s lawn
“I have been a customer of Blue Grass now for about 20 years. My first experience was with maintaining my existing lawn. It looked sad when I started. My dad growing up ALWAYS had a perfect lawn, but I never caught the bug to learn how. I got started on the 4 Step Plan after talking to the folks at Blue Grass, and wow what a difference. My lawn got greener and the small bare patches started filling right in. I really never thought it would be that easy. I can’t tell you haw many times I have been asked “Who takes care of you lawn?” I’m happy to say it is me. I urge you, if your lawn needs help, contact Blue Grass. It’s easier than you think to have a great lawn. By the way, while dad was still around, he used them too.”
