Granular vs Liquid Fertilizer - Which Type Should You Use?

Fertilizer is an essential part of maintaining a healthy, green lawn. There are two types of fertilizers that you can give your lawn in Alabama: granular and liquid. While both types of fertilizers provide nutrients to your grass, they differ in how they're applied and how quickly they release those nutrients. Granular fertilizers come in pellet-like granules that are spread across your turf, slowly breaking down and releasing nutrients over time. Meanwhile, liquid fertilizers are sprayed onto your lawn and release nutrients quickly.

While both types of fertilizer will provide your grass with nutrients, granular treatments tend to be better. The steady release of nutrients ensures a consistent stream of nourishment for your lawn while preventing risks like fertilizer burn. The best time to apply granular fertilizers on your lawn is in late spring or early summer, and another application at the end of the summer.

What's the difference between granular and liquid fertilizer?

Granular fertilizer is a dry, solid form of fertilizer that comes in small, pellet-like granules. It's typically applied using a spreader, which evenly distributes the granules across your lawn. Once the granules are on the ground, they slowly break down and release nutrients over time. This slow-release process provides your grass with a steady supply of nutrients, which helps promote healthy growth and development.

Liquid fertilizer, on the other hand, is a liquid form of fertilizer that's sprayed onto your lawn using a hose-end sprayer or backpack sprayer. Unlike granular fertilizer, liquid fertilizer is absorbed quickly by your grass and provides an immediate boost of nutrients. However, because it's absorbed so quickly, it doesn't provide the same long-lasting benefits as granular fertilizer.

Which is better: granular or liquid fertilizer?

While both granular and liquid fertilizers have their benefits, granular fertilizer tends to be the better option for most lawns. The slow-release nature of granular fertilizer provides a steady supply of nutrients to your grass over time, which helps promote healthy growth and development. Additionally, because the nutrients are released slowly, there's less chance of fertilizer burn, which can occur when too much fertilizer is applied at once.

Granular fertilizer also tends to be more cost-effective than liquid fertilizer. Because it provides a slow release of nutrients, you don't need to apply it as often as liquid fertilizer. This means you'll spend less money on fertilizer over time, which can add up to significant savings.

When should you apply granular fertilizer?

To keep your lawn healthy and green, it's important to apply granular fertilizer at the right times throughout the growing season. The best times to apply granular fertilizer are once in late spring or early summer and once at the end of summer.

In late spring or early summer, your grass is coming out of its dormant winter state and needs a boost of nutrients to help it grow and develop. Applying granular fertilizer at this time will provide your grass with the nutrients it needs to thrive throughout the summer months.

At the end of summer, your grass is preparing for the cooler fall and winter months ahead. A granular fertilizer at this time will help your grass build up its root system and store nutrients for the winter. This will help your grass come back stronger and healthier in the spring.

Give us a call today to sign up for our lawn fertilization service!

Providing your lawn with the right type of fertilizer is key to strengthening its health and improving its vigor. Here at Quality Creative Landscaping, we offer a lawn fertilization service that will keep your grass well-nourished during the growing season! This service includes granular fertilizer treatments in late spring or early summer, and once at the end of the summer. This program also includes weed control treatments to ensure your lawn can maximize the nutrients from the fertilizer.

Our lawn fertilization service is offered to commercial and residential properties, along with HOAs, in Mountain Brook, Liberty Park, Greystone, and other nearby areas in Alabama. We also offer our services in Huntsville. Call us today at (205) 655-7730 to sign up!