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Fertilizer FAQ's
What are our fertilizers made from?
Our fertilizers are made from natural and organic-based sources. Organic is a term used when referring to nitrogen fertilizer sources that are derived from something was once living, such as plants or animals and their byproducts. At NaturaLawn of America, that is the way we interpret "organic" and feel that it is deceptive to call a synthetic chemical fertilizer "organic" simply because it may contain carbon.
The nitrogen portion of our fertilizers can come from various organic sources such as: bio solids, activated compost, soybean meal, blood meal, corn meal, and other assorted food grade items. The most common sources for our organic nitrogen are bio solids.
NaturaLawn® of America fertilizers may also contain phosphorus and potassium, each derived from natural mined mineral sources and deposits.
The phosphorus and potassium used in our exclusive fertilizers create premium products. Since they are from natural sources, they are relatively more expensive than the traditionally used synthetic sources applied by other lawn care companies. NaturaLawn of America believes that the benefits of using these mineral sources far outweigh the economics involved since phosphorus and potassium are essential in encouraging dense root systems, and vigorous turf, and help promote the "good guys" of the soil such as earth worms and beneficial insects.
We also incorporate into our fertilizers a special blend of proprietary products that contain naturally occurring beneficial soil organisms. These additional "good guy" organisms help protect the grass roots from disease and stress.
Do I have to worry about burning the lawn, or doing something wrong that might kill it if done improperly?
Our lawn care products are shipped with easy to read application instructions. If these are followed, you should have excellent results. However, if the products are not applied properly, damage may result. If you were to accidentally spill a bag of fertilizer within a concentrated area, that section of your lawn will smother and/or brown out.
Each bag of fertilizer is designed to cover 5,000 square feet (with the exception of the Natural Alternative Booster which covers 2,500 square feet). We suggest you measure your lawn and apply it accordingly. If you are in doubt of how much your spreader is broadcasting, reduce the opening of your spreader to see how much product is used. Remember , you can always come back and add more, but if you put down to much, it is very hard to take the fertilizer up off the lawn.
Do the products come at the correct time of application with complete instructions?
Our products are shipped as they are ordered. If you order our full program, all of the items are shipped at the same time, so you will receive a full year of material. Instructions are included in the shipment.
Alternative® Jumpstart
(25-1-5) |
Should be applied in early spring. This is the perfect fertilizer to start the year. It is formulated to "jumpstart" the green up in your lawn. |
Natural Alternative® Booster
(7-0-2) |
Should be applied next within 6 - 8 weeks, after the first treatment. (Late spring/early summer application) |
Alternative® Mid-Year Cruiser
(18-1-5) |
Should be applied next. Again, approximately 6 - 8 weeks after the prior treatment. This is the product that helps your lawn survive through the hot summer temperatures. (summer application) |
| Natural Alternative® Recuperator (10-15-5 w/PGA) |
Should be applied within 6 - 8 weeks after the prior treatment. This product is perfect if you will be overseeding your lawn or if your lawn needs help recovering from stress. (fall application) |
Alternative® Winterizer
(20-1-4) |
Should be applied allowing within 5 - 8 weeks from the last treatment. This is the final fertilizer application of the year and should (by following the schedule) take you into late November/early December. This product will provide your lawn with the nourishment it needs for the winter months. |
Can I use the Natural Alternative® Inhibitor in addition to a full program? If so, when do I apply it?
Yes, the Natural Alternative® Inhibitor can be used in addition to the full program. This should be used as the first application of the year before the soil temperatures reach 55° F consistently at a 3" depth. After applying the Inhibitor, wait 6-8 weeks to apply the Jumpstart. Then follow with the Booster in 6-8 weeks, etc.
Will this program work in my climate?
We have locations from the East coast to the West coast, and as far north as Maine, and south to Florida.
How cold is too cold to put the fertilizer down?
NaturaLawn® of America's fertilizers can be applied any time the ground is not frozen.
Does the fertilizer need to be 'watered in'?
No. The organic matter in our fertilizer acts as tiny sponges in the soil that absorb water and release it slowly to the plant when it needs it. The only concern about applying before or after a rain, would be not to apply the fertilizer where the ground has any puddles of water. This might allow the fertilizer to float or runoff and go somewhere other than where it was intended.
What if we are in drought conditions?
The organic matter in our fertilizer acts as many tiny sponges in the soil that absorb water and release it slowly to the plant when it needs it. This will better help your lawn to withstand and survive drought conditions.
Do any of the products enhance or inhibit starting grass from seed?
The Recuperator (10-15-5 w/PGA) will enhance new grass seed. PGA is a plant growth activator containing dozens of beneficial microscopic organisms. These "good guy" soil microbes help speed up germination, root growth, and health! The Natural Alternative Booster (7-0-2) may inhibit germinating grass seeds. This product is a corn-based product which research has shown can inhibit seed germination (weed and good grasses).
Do you have a crabgrass preventer?
Yes - the Natural Alternative® Inhibitor. This features a time tested crabgrass reducer material. While the nutrients release from the fertilizer, a control barrier becomes established to help minimize crabgrass problems later. For best control, this product should be used before the ground temperature reaches 55° consistently at a depth of 3" as this is the temperature that crabgrass germinates.
I am chemically sensitive. Can I use your fertilizers?
First and foremost, peace of mind is more important than a green lawn. If using a lawn care company makes you feel uncomfortable, we would recommend not using any lawn care product. However, our full program was designed with chemically sensitive people in mind. In fact, several chemically sensitive people have used our lawn care services for many years. *Note: The Natural Alternative® Inhibitor is not recommended for use because it contains a weed control product.
Why isn't the Natural Alternative® Inhibitor part of the full program?
The Inhibitor is a new product and has not been integrated into a program, as many lawns can do well without this product. We should always exercise care with products used in lawn care. After much research and evaluation for safety from a plant and human standpoint, we decided to offer the Inhibitor. While the Inhibitor contains material that is registered as a pesticide, we feel that when applied as directed it is a safer alternative.
What is the active ingredient in the Inhibitor?
NaturaLawn® of America's Inhibitor product contains two active ingredients: Balan and Treflan. These materials have two very important positive qualities: efficacy and safety.
Balan and Treflan have, over the years, continuously been consistent crabgrass reducer products tested in numerous university research trials across the country. Consistency of control under various conditions is very important for efficacy.
From a safety standpoint, these products are also used in green house and nursery products for grassy weed control. They are broadcast "over the top" of existing plants without harm since control is only accomplished through the root system of newly germinated seeds. This makes the use of the product extremely beneficial around ornamentals, etc. since it will not cause problems to existing plants, only new seedlings of grassy weeds.
What is the application rate for putting PGA on lawns?
In regard to the PGA on the lawns, we recommend the PGA to be put down at 2 lbs. per acre. Dilute with water so that it is evenly distributed over the lawn. This can be applied with a watering can or hose end sprayer.
Can PGA be applied to flowers and vegetables? If so, how?
PGA can be sprinkled on or into the ground when you are preparing the bed for flowers and vegetables. Water lightly to moisten soil surface so powder will not blow away. This will also help to move the powder into the soil and allow it to begin to work.
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