Beat the Heat With a Stronger Lawn
July is a tough month for your lawn. It’s the peak of Ohio’s summer, and that means both sweltering heat and a lot of foot traffic if you’re hosting barbecues or letting the kids play outside. That adds up to a lot of stress for your lawn.
What’s the solution? Mid-summer step 3 fertilizater is key. Use the Step 3 All Purpose Greener fertilizer that we offer here at Kurtz Bros., Inc. to keep your lawn green and vibrant through the worst of summer’s stresses. Below, we’ll show how to apply Step 3 fertilizer, why July is the right time to apply it, and some tips to help with application.
What is Step 3 Fertilizer?
Step 3 All Purpose Greener fertilizer is a nitrogen-rich summer fertilizer designed to provide your lawn with the nutrition it needs for even greening without burning. This is a 22-0-4 formula containing 50% humic-coated urea, which means it’s a slow-release formula that will provide your lawn sustained feeding throughout the summer months. It also contains iron to help grass achieve a rich green shade. Each 50-pound bag will cover up to 14,200 square feet.
And why is it referred to as Step 3? Because this product is part of a full seasonal plan:
- Apply Step 1 Pre-Emergent between March 15 and May 1 to fertilize and prevent crabgrass.
- Apply Step 2 Weed & Feed between May 1 and July 1 to fertilize and kill broadleaf weeds.
- Apply Step 3 All Purpose Greener between July 1 and September 1 to feed and protect lawns against summer stress.
- Apply Step 4 Winterizer between September 1 and November 15 to fortify lawns against the coming winter.
We also offer a Step 3 Alternate Grub Preventor, which is meant as an alternative to Step 3 All Purpose Greener where grubs are causing problems. The Grub Preventor offers a slightly lower level of fertilization plus insecticide designed to control grubs — a balance designed to help lawns recover.
Why July is the Right Time for Step 3
The biggest question that people ask is when to apply Step 3 fertilizer. Early July is the perfect time because midsummer brings a lot of challenges for your lawn. By this point, most of spring’s nutrients — including any fertilizers you may have applied — have been depleted. July is also the trifecta of lawn stressors: Increased foot traffic, extreme heat, and dry weather all lead to yellowing and patchiness.
Combined with regular watering, Step 3 is designed to replenish your soil, ensuring your lawn has the necessary moisture and nutrients to support active summer growth so that you can avoid heat-induced yellowing and patchiness.
Application Tips for Best Results
Wondering how to apply Step 3 fertilizer? It’s easy. Just follow these recommendations:
- Apply early in the morning or evening. Avoid application during the hottest part of the day since this can hinder absorption into the soil and cause leaf burn.
- Use a broadcaster spreader to apply Step 3 evenly over your entire lawn.
- If you’re not expecting rain within the next 24 hours, water in the fertilizer lightly.
When applied using the tips above, Step 3 will give your lawn six to eight weeks of feeding, at which point, it’ll almost be time to follow up with the Step 4 Winterizer.
Common Questions Answered
Still have questions? Read below for answers.
Will this burn my lawn?
When applied correctly, no, it will not. Typically, there are two reasons why fertilizers burn lawns. The most common reason is that too much was applied — and that is easily avoided by making sure that you’re using Step 3 at a rate of 50 pounds per 14,200 square feet.
The second reason why fertilizers sometimes burn lawns is that they’re applied and watered in during the hottest part of the day. This can cause water to evaporate too quickly, which doesn’t allow enough time for the fertilizer to properly absorb into the soil. Where it contacts leaves and stems, it can cause burns.
Can I mow before or after application?
It’s best to mow the day before application. This will give the fertilizer time to absorb and start feeding the lawn before the stress of another mowing session.
Is this safe for pets and kids?
It’s best to keep pets and kids off the lawn until you’ve watered the fertilizer in and allowed it to dry. That will prevent exposure and help ensure you get the best results.
Part of a Complete Lawn Care Plan
Remember: Step 3 All Purpose Greener fertilizer is part of the broader Kurtz seasonal lawncare program. To maximize results and enjoy a lush lawn throughout the growing season, be sure to combine it with the other steps.
- Step 1 Pre-Emergent in the spring
- Step 2 Weed & Feed in early summer
- Step 3 All Purpose Greener in midsummer (now!)
- Step 4 Winterizer in the fall.
It’s a simple schedule that will promote long-term turf health and weed resistance — and it’ll help you have the greenest lawn in the neighborhood, no matter the season.
Ready to Feed Your Lawn or have additional questions? Contact Kurtz Bros today and get your lawn what it deserves during this hot summer heat! Order Step 3 Fertilizer online here.
