Keeping your lawn in Colorado well-nourished is essential to its health, and fertilizer is just the thing to do that! If your lawn is receiving regular fertilizer treatments, you may wonder whether the treatment needs to be watered in afterward. Well, this depends on the type of lawn fertilizer used; granular is typically always watered in to activate it, while liquid usually doesn't need to be, though some products do. Watering after fertilizing can help the nutrients reach the roots of your grass quicker so they can absorb them and reap the benefits. When in doubt, ask your lawn care provider! They will tell you whether you should water the fertilizer treatment or if you should wait or do it right away.

Whether You Need to Water in Lawn Fertilizer Depends on the Type Used

Liquid fertilizer treatment being applied to a lawn in Grand Junction, CO.

Whether you need to water in lawn fertilizer depends on the type used. There are two types of fertilizer products that your lawn can receive: granular and liquid.

  • Granular fertilizer is typically always watered in afterward to activate it. This type of fertilizer comes in small granules that need to be broken down to release the nutrients to your lawn, and watering dissolves it and activates the nutrients.
  • Liquid fertilizer usually doesn't need to be watered in since it's already in liquid form and can immediately start providing nourishment to your turf. They are absorbed quickly by your lawn as they penetrate the soil and come in contact with the grass blades. However, some products do require watering afterward.
The rate at which your lawn absorbs fertilizer depends on the product used and the weather on the day of application.

How does watering after fertilizing your lawn help?

While watering in lawn fertilizer depends on the type used, this extra step provides essential benefits that ensure your grass maximizes the nutrients better! Watering after fertilizing activates the nutrients in the treatment. The water will dissolve the product so it can penetrate the soil and be absorbed by the roots of your grass quickly. For example, if you don't water after applying liquid fertilizer, the product will sit on top of your lawn and may not be utilized effectively.

Watering in the fertilizer treatment also helps avoid fertilizer burn. This type of treatment packs concentrated nutrients that can burn your grass blades when absorbed at once. Watering it in will dilute the product and allow it to release the nutrients at a steady and controlled rate, preventing the damage caused by fertilizer burn.

Your lawn care provider will tell you whether you should water in the fertilizer.

While it's helpful to know whether you need to water in lawn fertilizer, your lawn care provider will tell you whether you should or not. They have a better understanding of the type of fertilizer applied to your lawn. Lawn care pros will also inform you if you should wait to water in the treatment or do it right away, depending on the product they use. Proper watering instructions should be provided to you to ensure optimal nutrient uptake! This way, you don't accidentally water too soon or not at all if needed, and cause issues with the fertilizer application.

Call us today to sign up for our lawn fertilization service!

At Mesa Turf Masters, we understand that a well-nourished lawn is the foundation for healthy, beautiful grass. Give your lawn enough nourishment during the growing season with our lawn fertilization service! This service involves 6 visits to your property during the year. Depending on the season, your lawn will receive either a liquid or granular fertilizer treatment. We offer our lawn fertilization service to property owners in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and other surrounding areas in Colorado. Call us today at (970) 434-5440 to sign up!