It’s hard to believe that we’re talking about applying fertilizer to our lawns here in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio since there’s still snow on the ground and below freezing temperatures every night.

But spring is a-coming, and before you know it, it’ll be time to apply that first batch of fertilizer. Here are four facts that you need to know before you put that first fertilizer application on your Ohio lawn:

1. Your soil is the best barometer to see what type of fertilizer you’ll need this spring. Many organic fertilizers recommend this route because their formulations are designed to feed the soil that feeds your grass. But it’s good to know your soil’s health even if you use traditional fertilizers. Simply put, the state of your soil will determine the health of your grass come late spring through fall. Check out Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources to learn more about soil testing at http://ohiodnr.com/soilandwater/soils/soilsampling/tabid/9074/Default.aspx.
    
2. Decide what your purpose for fertilizing is. For example, some folks just want to give their grass a kick in the pants early in the season to get a green, lush look by early April. Other folks really want a lush carpet of green from late March through late November every year. Your goals for your lawn determine the type of fertilizer you’ll use now, and how much you’ll fertilize your lawn this season.
    
3. You need to choose between organic and traditional fertilizers. Your local garden centers and big box stores sell both kinds. You need to decide what’s important to you because you’ll be investing your hard-earned dollars in any kind of fertilizer you use. Here’s a hint: Use the best kind—traditional or organic—that will meet your goals for your lawn as well as keep your local environment healthy.
    
4. Remember your grass type: In Cleveland and Columbus, your grasses are called “cool season” grasses. They’re developed to withstand Ohio’s cold winters and springs. Thus, you should buy fertilizers for cool season grasses. Granted, your local box store and garden center knows this too, and they’ll only stock fertilizer that works in your region. But it doesn’t hurt to Google different brands to see which ones best feed your grass.
    

Use these four facts before you buy your fertilizer and you’ll be well-prepared this spring when the snow finally melts and you can feed your lawn the nutrients it needs to grow green and full this summer.

Get a Jump on Spring with our Lawn Care Hiring Guide!

So instead of buying fertilizer, you figure you'll just hire a lawn care company to take care of it for you. Sometimes that process can be just as stressing! That's why we've put together a great guide that will lead you through the process step-by-step! The best part of this guide is that it's yours ABSOLUTELY FREE by clicking on the button below.

About Wendy:
Wendy Komancheck is an accomplished Freelance Writer for Trade Magazines, Websites, and Local Businesses, specializing in horticultural articles. Check out Wendy's bio and website by Clicking Here. Wendy's Google+ Page