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guide to fertilizing your lawn

The Ultimate Guide To Fertilizing Your Lawn

Written by Santa Rita Landscaping on . Posted in Fertilizer, Fertilizing Trees.

Many landscaping services in Tucson, AZ, cater to front yards full of dirt given the desert climate. Some might have a nice layer of rock with a few plants, but how often do you see one with real grass? Not very often, and that’s a shame because a healthy lawn can add so much life and character to a home.

In this guide to fertilizing your lawn, learn about the steps you can take to transform your outdoor space. When you’re ready for a soft, luscious yard that your kids can play in, call Santa Rita Landscaping. Our experts can give you the best advice on fertilization, watering, and pruning. 

Begin With Soil Testing for Optimal Results

The first step to fertilizing your lawn the right way is soil testing for nutrients. You can buy home soil test kits online or at your local hardware store and get the results right away. Complete the following steps:

  1. Dig 4 to 6 inches into the ground and take a sample of the soil.
  2. Take samples from multiple areas around your property and mix all them in a clean bucket.
  3. Remove large debris and let the soil fully dry.
  4. Follow the instructions on the test kit using your sample.

Your results will show your soil’s pH level along with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) levels. Based on these results, the test will recommend an NPK ratio to help balance your soil and improve plant growth.

Tips for Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Your Lawn

Once you understand what your lawn needs, the next step is choosing the right type of fertilizer, such as a slow-release vs. quick-release fertilizer.  

Use quick-release fertilizer if your lawn needs an immediate boost or if you’re fertilizing during the growing season. For long-term feeding with less maintenance, use a slow-release fertilizer.

What about granular vs. liquid fertilizer application? Granular fertilizer comes in small, dry pellets that you typically apply with a drop or broadcast spreader. It’s commonly used with slow-release formulas.

Liquid fertilizer contains a concentrated solution mixed with water that you apply with a tank sprayer, which you can find at most hardware stores. This method delivers nutrients quickly and is ideal for fast results.

How To Fertilize Your Lawn Without Harming the Environment

Desert lawn care starts with an optimal lawn fertilization schedule. Start fertilizing early in the spring and conduct soil tests throughout spring and summer to guide your fertilization schedule. To focus on the environmental impact and runoff prevention, avoid fertilizing before heavy rain and be mindful of how much water your lawn actually needs.

Transform Your Yard With Santa Rita Landscaping

A healthy yard is more than just grass. Fertilizing shrubs and other vegetation in your yard will make sure every part of your landscape gets the nutrients it needs. This guide to fertilizing your lawn breaks down the basics, but expert care makes all the difference. 

When you’re ready for a lush, green yard that stands out, trust professionals who know Tucson’s unique climate and soil. Call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421 today!

Time to Fertilize your Shrubs

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Fertilizer, Fertilizing Trees, Landscaping.

Shrubs add new life to your home’s landscape. Fertilization will get you the most vibrant looking shrubs around your home. The guidelines below can help you nourish these diverse and resilient plants with the right fertilization techniques.

WHEN TO FERTILIZE

A good fertilization schedule falls around the major holidays of the warmer months. Mark your calendar to fertilize on Easter, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, and your shrubs will look great all year round.

CHOOSING A FERTILIZER

Following the holiday fertilization method above, it is important to select a good general-purpose fertilizer. At Santa Rita Landscaping, we recommend a granular fertilizer for regular use which is easy to use and does not require mixing.

When choosing a general-purpose granular fertilizer, look for one that contains around 10% Nitrogen(N), 10% Phosphorus(P), and 10% Potassium(K), (10-10-10). Note that Granular Fertilizer can be very concentrated, so follow the directions on the brand you buy to apply properly.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply the fertilizer evenly around the plant. If you pile the fertilizer up in one spot, it will become too concentrated. Spread the fertilizer around the plant evenly from the trunk to the outer edge of the plant’s canopy. Since Granular Fertilizer is intended to dissolve slowly over time, you will need to give the plant a good watering before and after application.

If your shrubs do not look their best using a general-purpose fertilizer, you might need to invest in a fertilizer designed to address certain nutritional needs for your plants. Consulting a landscaping professional can help you determine which fertilizer will be the right fit for your yard.

SIGNS OF POOR FERTILIZATION

If you have yellowing leaves on the plant, your shrubs are not being properly fertilized. Other signs may be the absence of blooms on flowering shrubs, thinning of leaves, and weakened branches. To resolve these issues, you should change your pruning routine for your shrubs and adjust watering in addition to selecting a new fertilizer.

For more tips on caring for your Tucson, Green Valley, or Oro Valley home’s landscape, consult Santa Rita Landscaping today. You can explore our custom residential design and commercial maintenance services by visiting our website or calling us at (520) 623-0421.

WHEN TO FERTILIZE YOUR SHRUBS

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Fertilizing Trees, Landscaping.

Diverse and resilient, shrubs can add new life to your home’s landscape.  By following the proper steps for fertilization, your shrubs will stay vibrant.  Here are some fertilization techniques for shrubs:

 FERTILIZE ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS

A good way to remember a fertilization schedule for your shrubs is by using the major holidays during the warm months of the year. You should fertilize on Easter, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day to keep your shrubs looking great all year round.

CHOOSING A FERTILIZER

Make sure you select a good general-purpose fertilizer. We recommend a granular fertilizer for regular use.  It is easy to use with no mixing required.  Select granular fertilizer that contains around 10% Nitrogen (N), 10% Phosphorus (P), and 10% Potassium (K), (10-10-10).  Granular Fertilizer is usually very concentrated, so make sure to follow the directions. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the plant from the trunk to the outer edge of the plant canopy.  Don’t pile it up in one spot. Granular Fertilizer dissolves slowly over time.   It is a good idea to give the plant a good watering before and after application.

POOR FERTILIZATION SIGNS

Yellow leaves on a plant is a sign of poor fertilization as well as the absence of blooms on flowering shrubs, thinning of leaves, and weakened branches.  You may have to change your pruning routine for your shrubs and adjust watering as well as selecting a new fertilizer to solve these problems.

For more tips on caring for your Tucson, Green Valley, or Oro Valley home’s landscape, consult Santa Rita Landscaping today. You can explore our custom residential design and commercial maintenance services by visiting our website or calling us at (520) 623-0421.

NOW IS THE TIME TO FERTILIZE AND CLEAN YOUR IRRIGATION FILTER

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Fertilizing Trees, Irrigation Systems, Landscaping.

April is a great time of year to clean your irrigation filter and reset your irrigation controller for the summer. Your landscape will require springtime maintenance to prepare for the hot Tucson summer days ahead.  We suggest the following preparation tips:

How TO CLEAN YOUR IRRIGATION FILTER

An irrigation system helps keep the shrubs hydrated even with high temps on them keeping them green and lush all year.  First, shut off the water. Then you need to remove and clean the filter which is located in your irrigation valve box so that your system stays clog-free.  Next, unscrew the cap and remove the screen filter. Clean any tough deposits by scrubbing the filter with an old toothbrush, then replace the filter and hand tighten the cap.

TIPS FOR WATERING YOUR PLANTS DURING THE SEASONS

Below is a suggested watering schedule for your irrigation system that you can use as a guide.  Watch your plants carefully anytime you change your watering schedule because your watering schedule will vary depending on the weather, soil, maturity of plants, type of plants, and season.

 

Newly Installed Plants (First  3 Months)

Every other day for 2 to 2.5 hours

First Year – Summer (beginning April 15)

Every other day for 2.5 hours

First Year – Winter (beginning October 15)

Every other day for 1.5 hours

Second Year – Winter

Every third day for 2.5 hours

Second Year – Summer **

Every Third day for 3 – 4 hours

Established Plants – Winter  **

Once per week for 3 – 6 hours

Established Plants – Summer  **

Once per week for 3 – 6 hours

**Take caution when using these settings, in some soil conditions, plants may stress between waterings or some soil will not accept 4 hours of water at one time, multiple start times may be needed.

 

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you get your irrigation system and other landscaped features on your property ready for summer. Call us today at (520) 623-0421 for more information.

Now Is The Time To Fertilize Your Citrus Tree

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Citrus Trees, Fertilizing Trees.

Now Is The Time To Fertilize Your Citrus Tree

February is the time to start thinking about your citrus trees, more specifically giving them the fertilization and the nutrients they need to stay healthy.  Make sure your citrus fertilizer contains a combination of nitrogen, micro-nutrients of iron, zinc, and manganese. You need to fertilize your citrus trees 3 times a year. A good way to remember when to fertilize is to go by the following holidays: Valentine’s Day (February), Memorial Day (May) and Labor Day (September).

You also need to remember that the timing of fertilization is critical as you don’t want to fertilize your citrus tree while it is blooming. Doing so could burn the blooms and cause less fruit production.  Follow the directions closely on the fertilizer bag and be sure to water the trees well after application.