Fertilizer treatments are scheduled applications of nutrients, mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, that feed turf through the growing season. A good treatment program matches the product and timing to how the grass is growing, follows New Hampshire’s turf fertilizer rules, and is often paired with weed control. For commercial properties and HOAs, a planned program keeps common lawns thicker and greener without guesswork.
The Difference Landscapes has provided
fertilization and weed control for commercial and residential properties on the NH Seacoast from Lee since 2003. This explainer covers how fertilizer treatments work in general so property managers and boards can ask better questions.
What is a fertilizer treatment?
A fertilizer treatment is one application of fertilizer to a lawn. Most programs include several treatments over the season rather than one large feeding, because grass uses nutrients steadily while it grows. Spreading treatments out also lowers the chance of nutrients washing away before the grass can use them.
What do the numbers on a fertilizer bag mean?
Every fertilizer label shows a grade with three numbers, known as N P K. According to the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food, those numbers are the guaranteed percentages of total nitrogen, available phosphate and soluble potash, in that order.
- Nitrogen supports leaf growth and green color.
- Phosphorus supports root development, especially in new lawns.
- Potassium helps grass handle stress such as cold, drought and wear.
What is the difference between slow release and quick release fertilizer?
Slow release, or controlled release, usually refers to nitrogen that becomes available to the grass gradually. Quick release nitrogen is available right away. Slow release products feed more evenly over time, while quick release products act faster but are more likely to leach or run off if they are not applied carefully. Many programs use a mix, chosen for the time of year.
How does New Hampshire regulate turf fertilizer?
New Hampshire has specific rules for fertilizing lawns and turf, and they apply to licensed commercial applicators as well as homeowners. Under
RSA 431:4-e, fertilizer may not be applied:
- During heavy rain, or when heavy rain is predicted
- When the ground is frozen
- When the turf is not actively growing
- On impervious surfaces such as drives and walks, and any that lands there must be collected right away
- Within 25 feet of a storm drain, or where it can enter a storm drain
- Within 25 feet of surface waters
Related sections of state law also limit how much nitrogen and phosphorus turf fertilizer can contain and how much can be applied. For property managers, the practical point is simple: a treatment program should be built around these rules, not around the label alone. UNH Cooperative Extension publishes a plain language
fact sheet on the NH turf fertilizer law.
Why should a property get a soil test?
A soil test shows the soil’s pH and nutrient levels, so treatments supply what the lawn actually needs. UNH Cooperative Extension recommends testing before seeding a new lawn and at least once every three years after that. Extension offers
soil testing services, including a form for commercial landscapes. Its standard soil test does not measure nitrogen, so nitrogen rates are based on the grass’s needs and the level of care the property wants.
How do fertilizer treatments work with weed control?
A thick, healthy lawn is one of the best defenses against weeds, and fertilizer helps build that density. Weed control treats the weeds that do appear, or prevents some from sprouting. Many programs schedule the two together so each visit does more. Our
weed control page explains that service in more detail.
What should property managers ask about a fertilizer program?
Before you approve a program for an office park, retail site or HOA, ask:
- How many treatments are planned, and roughly when?
- What type of products are used at each treatment?
- How does the program follow New Hampshire’s turf fertilizer rules, including storm drain and water setbacks?
- Is a soil test part of the plan?
- Is weed control included, or priced separately?
- How will residents or tenants be told about treatment days?
Ready to plan fertilizer treatments for your property?
We are happy to look at your lawns and talk through a fertilization and weed control plan. Our
property maintenance programs can bundle treatments with mowing and cleanups. Call (603) 605-8880 or request an estimate through our
contact page. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Frequently asked questions
What are fertilizer treatments?
They are scheduled applications of nutrients, mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, spread across the growing season to feed turf as it grows.
What does N P K mean on fertilizer?
It stands for the guaranteed percentages of total nitrogen, available phosphate and soluble potash in the product, listed in that order.
Can fertilizer be applied when the ground is frozen in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire law does not allow fertilizer on urban turf or lawns when the ground is frozen, during heavy rain, or when the grass is not actively growing.
How close to a storm drain can fertilizer be applied in NH?
State law does not allow turf fertilizer within 25 feet of a storm drain or surface waters, or anywhere it can enter a storm drain.
How often should a commercial lawn be soil tested?
UNH Cooperative Extension recommends a soil test before seeding a new lawn and at least once every three years after that.
Do you offer fertilization and weed control for commercial properties?
Yes. The Difference Landscapes offers fertilization and weed control for commercial and residential properties.
