Maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn year-round requires more than occasional watering or mowing—it begins with proper nutrition. Slow release fertilizer offers a sustainable, efficient, and low-maintenance solution for turf health, promoting steady growth without the spike-and-crash cycles of conventional fertilizers. Whether you’re a homeowner or groundskeeper, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the advantages, optimal use, and best practices of using slow release fertilizer for lawns, with insights into how advanced formulations like Yarafert’s product line—including Biofast, SULFOMIX, and Ugarit—can elevate your lawn care regimen.
Why Slow Release Fertilizer Is Ideal for Lawn Maintenance
Unlike quick-release fertilizers, which deliver nutrients all at once, slow release fertilizer is engineered to feed grass gradually over time. This extended release reduces the risk of over-fertilization and nutrient runoff, providing consistent nourishment and healthier turf.
Key Advantages:
- Prolonged nutrient availability: Encourages steady root and blade development without excessive top growth.
- Fewer applications: Reduces labor and material costs by requiring fertilization only every 6–12 weeks.
- Eco-friendly performance: Minimizes leaching into waterways and volatilization into the air.
Many Yarafert products are tailored for slow nutrient delivery. For instance, Ugarit 10-0-5 + 70% Organic Matter combines nitrogen with humic and fulvic acids, allowing for slow, soil-enhancing nutrient uptake while improving microbial activity.
Best Times to Apply Slow Release Fertilizer to Turf
Applying slow release fertilizer at the right time is essential for maximizing its benefits. Timing depends on grass type and seasonal conditions.
General Timing Guidelines:
- Cool-season grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, fescue):
- Early spring (March–April)
- Late summer/early fall (September–October)
- Warm-season grasses (e.g., Bermuda, zoysia):
- Late spring (May–June)
- Mid-summer (July–August)
Application Tips:
- Apply when soil temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C).
- Avoid application during drought or immediately before heavy rainfall.
Biofast by Yarafert is a gel-based fertilizer with 12-12-12 NPK and high humic/fulvic acid content—ideal for early spring application to jumpstart grass growth and improve nutrient retention in the soil.
How Slow Release Fertilizer Reduces Mowing and Runoff
Fast-acting fertilizers often lead to rapid top growth, which increases the frequency of mowing and the risk of clippings clogging lawns. Slow release fertilizer, by contrast, promotes even growth, reducing maintenance and environmental impact.
Here’s How It Helps:
- Even nutrient absorption means less excessive top growth.
- Reduced mowing frequency saves fuel and labor.
- Lower runoff risk protects local waterways.
Formulas like SULFOMIX, rich in micronutrients such as iron (6%) and sulfur (11%), support chlorophyll production and root health without spiking growth. These balanced nutrients are released gradually, keeping the lawn lush without overwhelming it.
Choosing Slow Release Fertilizer for Different Grass Types
Each grass species has unique nutrient requirements. Selecting the right slow release fertilizer ensures compatibility with your turf and local conditions.
Recommended Fertilizers by Grass Type:
| Grass Type | Ideal Slow Release Fertilizer | Key Nutrients Needed | Suggested Yarafert Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Balanced NPK + Micronutrients | N, P, Fe | Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE |
| Bermuda Grass | High Potassium & Sulfur | K, S, Mg | Ugarit K-T-S 70 |
| Fescue | High Organic Matter | N, Ca, Organic C | Ugarit 10-0-5 + Organic |
| Zoysia | Low P, High K | K, Fe, Zn | Ugarit 0-5-65 |
CALCIMAG, containing calcium (22%) and magnesium (3%), is especially useful for correcting soil pH imbalances in fescue and zoysia lawns while delivering slow-release nitrogen for consistent growth.
Safe Watering Practices After Applying Slow Release Fertilizer
Watering plays a critical role in activating slow release fertilizer and ensuring nutrients penetrate the root zone efficiently. However, overwatering can diminish effectiveness and lead to runoff.
Best Watering Practices:
- Initial light watering: Apply 0.25–0.5 inches of water within 24 hours to help granules settle.
- Maintain moderate soil moisture: Aim for 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
- Avoid irrigation immediately before heavy rain: To prevent nutrient wash-off.
Using Ugarit Multi (containing 30% K?O and 10% CaO), you can supplement irrigation cycles with essential potassium and calcium to improve drought resistance and soil permeability.
Additional Tips for Optimal Lawn Fertilization
To enhance your lawn’s health, follow these practical suggestions when using slow release fertilizer:
Before beginning your application routine, keep these points in mind:
- Soil testing: Always test soil pH and nutrient levels to guide fertilizer selection.
- Mow before fertilizing: This prevents the granules from being removed too early.
- Avoid overlap: Use a broadcast spreader and apply in crisscross patterns to ensure even coverage.
- Monitor grass response: Observe color and growth rate to fine-tune future applications.
Yarafert’s Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE is ideal for mid-season boosts, providing slow-release nitrogen and trace elements for sustainable growth, particularly after summer stress.
Summary Table: Yarafert Slow Release Fertilizer Options
| Product Name | Key Nutrients | Form | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULFOMIX | Fe, Zn, MgO, S | Suspension | Early season recovery |
| Biofast | 12-12-12 + Humic/Fulvic | Gel | Spring boost, organic enhancement |
| Ugarit K-T-S 70 | K?O: 36%, SO?: 70% | Liquid | Potassium-heavy summer feeding |
| CALCIMAG | N: 15%, CaO: 22%, MgO: 3% | Liquid | Soil pH and calcium correction |
| Ugarit 10-0-5 + Organic | 70% Organic Matter, Humic, Fulvic | Granular | Low-phosphorus lawns |
Take Action: Build a Smarter Lawn Fertilization Strategy
With the right approach and products, slow release fertilizer can transform your lawn into a lush, low-maintenance landscape. Whether you’re restoring nutrient-depleted soil or preventing overgrowth, Yarafert’s comprehensive product line—from Biofast to Ugarit K-T-S 70—offers tailored solutions for every turf condition.
Ready to revamp your lawn care routine?
- Explore Yarafert’s full range of slow release fertilizers to match your turf’s exact needs.
- Contact our agronomy experts for a custom nutrient plan based on your soil and grass type.
- Implement smarter fertilization today—because a healthy lawn starts with balanced, sustained nutrition.