Fertilizer 101

Fertilizer 101: Nourishing Your Lawn

Fertilizers are natural or artificial substances containing essential chemical elements that enhance plant growth and productivity. They improve the natural fertility of soil or replace nutrients depleted by previous crops. These chemical compounds play a pivotal role in plant nutrition, with the primary elements being nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Secondary elements include sulfur, magnesium, and calcium.

Modern Fertilizers: Sources and Components

Modern fertilizers are sourced from various materials. Nitrogen fertilizers, for instance, are derived from synthetic ammonia, which can be in gaseous form or dissolved in water. They can also be converted into salts like ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium phosphate. Additionally, packinghouse waste, treated garbage, sewage, and manure serve as common sources of nitrogen.

Tompkins Lawn Care understands that maintaining top-quality grass requires excellent fertilizers. We invest in high-grade fertilizers, custom blending them to precise specifications, ensuring that they meet the highest quality standards.

Organic vs. Synthetic: Two Faces of Fertilizers

Fertilizers can be categorized into two main groups: organic and synthetic. Organic fertilizers are derived from biosolids, whereas synthetic fertilizers are created using chemical compounds to produce synthetic ammonia, which is later converted into salts.

Organic fertilizers can be seen as more of a soil amendment than a fertilizer due to their lower nitrogen content, about 5% compared to the 25% to 32% found in common synthetic fertilizers. While organic fertilizers provide valuable organic material, they may not supply sufficient nitrogen to stimulate growth, especially in depleted, inorganic soils commonly found in new construction areas.

Synthetic fertilizers offer ample nitrogen but may not benefit the soil immediately. Organic material accumulation in the soil occurs much more slowly when using synthetic fertilizers alone. Aeration and proper cutting techniques, such as mulching grass clippings, are the best ways to enhance organic material in the soil.

Best of Both Worlds: Our Hybrid Approach

Our approach combines the strengths of both organic and synthetic fertilizers. By blending slow-release synthetic ammonia fertilizer with insoluble organic fertilizer, we create a product that minimizes environmental impact while promoting soil health. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, working together effectively to achieve vibrant and healthy turfgrass.

Weed Control: Keeping Your Lawn Beautiful and Weed-Free

Effective weed control begins with maintaining thick, robust turfgrass. When your lawn loses vigor and weakens, weeds find the perfect opportunity to thrive. Once established, they can rapidly spread, often requiring chemical intervention to address the infestation.

At Tompkins Lawn Care, we take a proactive approach to weed control. Instead of repeatedly applying pesticides to combat returning weeds, we aim to address the root of the issue. We understand that failing turfgrass allows weeds to flourish, so our focus is on improving your lawn’s overall health and vitality.

Our strategy emphasizes cultural practices, including proper fertilization, annual aeration to alleviate compacted soil, and effective mowing techniques. These practices yield superior results without the environmental impact of continuous pesticide use. We believe in sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions to keep your lawn vibrant and weed-free.