10-10-10 Fertilizer: Benefits and How to Use On Your Lawn

Using the right kind of fertilizer gives your lawn a lush green color that is enviable in your neighborhood. There are different kinds of fertilizers in the market, and you have probably heard about 10-10-10 all-purpose fertilizer. So, is this fertilizer good for lawns?

10-10-10 fertilizer is best for your lawn since it contains nutrients in abundance. It has high ratios of primary nutrients required by the lawn,  that is, Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). It is also found in different forms that are easily absorbed by the lawn.

Is 10-10-10 Fertilizer Good for Lawns

10-10-10 fertilizer is suitable for lawns and other non-fruiting plants in your garden, such as trees, flowering plants, shrubs, and certain vegetables like broccoli and lettuce. However, it is not suitable for fruiting plants or vegetables. It contains high amounts of nitrogen that may promote lush foliage growth at the expense of fruits.

It is easy to apply this type of fertilizer on your lawn since it comes in different forms that include:

• Easy to use liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer
• Slow-release granular fertilizer 
• Organic fertilizer

Using liquid fertilizer on your lawn gives quick results. It is absorbed by grass almost immediately after application. Nutrients are readily available to the plant in a liquid form. You will be able to see positive results within 1 to 5 days.

On the other hand, it may take 1 to 2 weeks to see results when you use slow-release granular fertilizer or organic. They take more time to break down into a form that a plant can absorb. The good thing is that they are absorbed by the plants for a longer period of time as compared to liquid fertilizers.

Before applying any fertilizer on your lawn, read and understand the manufacturer’s recommendations. They will always indicate the amount to use. In general, you may apply at the rate of 1 pound per 1000 square feet of lawn or 45 grams per square foot. Water the lawn lightly after applying the fertilizer.

When Should You Use 10-10-10 Fertilizer on Your Lawn? 

When it comes to 10-10-10 fertilizer, it is recommended to apply it on the lawn in early spring when the grass growth is most active. Fertilizing your lawn in the winter season is not recommended, as the plants are normally dormant during this period. Fertilizing during a hot summer may burn your grass.

10-10-10 fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen will help the lawn to grow lush green, whereas phosphorus and nitrogen promote root development and resistance against diseases and pests.

Be sure to use a rate of 10 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn. It is also important to understand that granular fertilizer dose is applied at a spacing of at least 30 days. While liquid fertilizer can be re-applied after every two weeks.

How to Use 10-10-10- fertilizer on your lawn

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use 10-10-10 fertilizer on your lawn:

1. Conduct a Soil Test

Before you apply any fertilizer to your lawn, be sure to conduct a soil test. Your lawn may not even be in need of fertilizer in the first place. The test helps to determine the exact nutrients that are lacking in the soil. It also provides recommendations on the proportions needed.

If the soil has a deficiency of the three primary nutrients, i.e., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Then you can go ahead and apply 10-10-10 fertilizer to your lawn. However, if the soil is lacking only one primary nutrient, then you have to choose a fertilizer with a different ratio. 

2. Determine the Grass Type

Collect the sample of the grass and take it to a university extension office to determine whether it’s a cool or warm season variety. Cool-season varieties are fertilized once in spring and twice in the fall. Spacing should be 30 days from the first application.

On the other hand, fertilize warm-season grass twice in both spring and fall. Apply the first application when new growth starts to appear. The second application should be 30 days later.

3. Understand the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Before applying any fertilizer to your lawn, read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. They give information on how to apply the fertilizer, safety precautions, nutritional ratios, and the company information. 

4. Prepare your Lawn for the Fertilizer

It is important to prepare your lawn adequately prior to fertilizer application. Mow the lawn and water adequately to moisten the soil. Fertilizer may not break down easily when applied to dry soil. It may also cause stress and burns to your lawn. Allow grass blades to dry completely before fertilizer application.

5. Wear Protective Gear 

Fertilizer contains harmful chemicals that can harm your health. Applying fertilizer in your lawn without wearing protective gear can cause chemical burns on the skin and other ailments. Wear gloves, gumboots, safety goggles, a face mask, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.

6. Apply Fertilizer

Apply 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer at the rate of 10 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn. Calibrate the spreader to release fertilizer at this rate.  Measure the fertilizer and pour it into the spreader before positioning it on the walk sides to deliver the fertilizer to the lawn.

After application, water your lawn to a depth of 3 inches to dissolve the fertilizer in the soil. This can be achieved through positioning a sprinkler at the center of the lawn so as to reach the entire surface of the grass. The best time to fertilize a lawn is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid midday heat.

How Long Does it Take 10-10-10 Fertilizer to Work?

You have applied 10-10-10 fertilizer on your lawn, and you are wondering how long it takes to see amazing results. Generally, it depends on the type of fertilizer you are using. Is it liquid or granular fertilizer?

Liquid Fertilizer

Liquid fertilizers are quick-release; they are absorbed by the lawn through the leaves and roots almost immediately after application. Therefore, you will start to see a noticeable change in 3 to 5 days. In liquid form, the nutrients are readily available to the plant.

Liquid fertilizer also tends to be gentler when you apply it to the lawn. There are reduced chances of lawn burning. Also, it doesn’t crust on the soil to stress the plants. It is easy to apply; you just pour it into a sprayer, mix it with some water, and you are ready to go.

Like any other type of fertilizer, it has its pros and cons. Since it is a quick-release fertilizer, you may find yourself fertilizing your lawn more often since the nutrients are quickly absorbed by the lawn. Additionally, it is more expensive due to its convenience.

When not stored properly, liquid fertilizer can freeze, especially during the winter season. When in a frozen state, some chemical reactions may take place to degrade its nutritional content. They also have an expiry date, and cannot be stored for a longer period once opened. 

Granular Fertilizer

Granular fertilizers are either synthetic or organic. Synthetic fertilizers are quick-release. Therefore, you are likely to see results 4 to 5 days after application. Synthetic fertilizers contain nutrients that are readily available for your lawn. They don’t need to undergo decomposition in order to release nutrients into the soil.

Granular synthetic fertilizers require water to dissolve before releasing the nutrients. Ensure your garden is watered well before application. You do not want to burn your carefully nurtured lawn. One better thing about granular synthetic fertilizers is that they are readily available in the market at a lower price.

On the other hand, it will take more time to see results when you apply granular organic 10-10-10 fertilizers on your lawn. They take more time to decompose before releasing nutrients into the soil. However, they improve fertility, drainage, and the overall health of the soil when incorporated into the soil before planting.

Final Thoughts

10-10-10 fertilizer is an all-purpose formula suitable for lawn, trees, and some vegetables in your garden. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassiu,m which are primary nutrients required by plants. For a lush green lawn, apply the fertilizer at the right time and correct ratios. You do not want to burn your carefully nurtured lawn.