One way to keep your tenants satisfied with their single-family rental property in Toana is to add curb appeal by adding an attractive lawn. To preserve a green and healthy lawn, it is essential to fertilize it well from time to time. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your rental property’s lawn looking great throughout the warmer months.
- Start in the Spring
The best time to apply the first round of fertilizer to your rental’s lawn is early in the spring. Once the soil has warmed up to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to apply some fertilizer. The temperature of the soil is revealed with the first new growth of grass — this suggests that the soil is already warm enough. The first feeding typically happens in mid-April for certain regions of the country,
- Buy the Right Fertilizer
It is important to look for the right mix of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium when you’re on the hunt for what type of fertilizer to use. Landscapers and lawn care experts recommend choosing a fertilizer with a mixture of 20-5-10 for spring. A recommended pick would be a slow-release fertilizer that comes in granular form. Slow-release fertilizers break down into the soil over time, leading to lesser frequencies needed to fertilize. Also, granular fertilizers are easier to apply and to control how much you use.
- Water Regularly
A common practice among property owners is overwatering their lawns. This leads them to believe that they won’t have to use more fertilizers — this is simply wrong. However, if you water your lawn and stimulate growth, you’ll need to apply more fertilizer to provide the appropriate amount of nutrients. When applying fertilizer, be sure to check the label and follow watering instructions. Some types of fertilizer require a wet lawn for application, while others can be applied when the lawn is dry. So as not to harm your beautiful lawn, follow these simple steps.
- Use the Right Spreader
For fertilizing lawns of single-family rental homes, highly recommended is a broadcast spreader. A broadcast spreader is relatively inexpensive and easy to use and will help you control how much fertilizer you use. If your area is relatively smaller, a handheld broadcast spreader would be good, as you only typically crank it by hand. In any case, whatever size of the spreader you choose, don’t forget to walk at a steady pace to ensure consistent coverage.
- Apply Carefully
For large lawn areas, it is highly recommended that you use a specific pattern to spread fertilizer evenly. For example, one recommended approach is to start by going around the perimeter of the lawn first, then fill in the middle area by working in only one direction. Apply the first half of the fertilizer this way, then spread the second half by moving in a perpendicular direction to your first application. This routine will ensure even coverage and prevent using too much fertilizer in any one place.
Remember…
Once your rental property’s first feeding in April is done, plan to fertilize your lawn at least four more times. Experts recommend applying the second round of fertilizer after four weeks, then every six to eight weeks throughout the summer and fall.
By following these simple steps, your rental property’s lawn can grow strong and healthy season after season. If all of these details are a bit too intimidating for you, let us know. At Real Property Management VA Peninsula, we work with you and for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a ring at 757-251-9188 to know more about what we can do for you.
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