It seems like this buzz around “organic lawn treatments” or “natural lawn treatments” is getting bigger and bigger as the years go on, but there is just so much freaking mis-information out there that frankly, it annoys me. Now I know that ain’t ya’lls fault so I won’t take it out on you. Instead, let’s talk straight about it ok?

What Is Organic Fertilizer?

Organic fertilizers are ones that come from something that was once living. This can be poop, ground up bones, plant compost, poop poop and poop! The thing is, see, the turf needs nitrogen to grow green (that photosynthesis thing is pretty important) and you can get some nitrogen from organic fertilizers. Does that make them better for the environment? Not necessarily.

Pounds On The Ground

You see, organic lawn treatments are nice because they are “natural” but there is a drawback and that being how stinking much you gotta put down to get some results. An example is Milorganite Organic Lawn fertilizer. This is good stuff and has nitro and iron in it. But you have to put down 15 lbs of it per 1,000 square feet of lawn area. THAT is a lot of fert ya’ll!

Compare that to the synthetic Scott’s fert you get at the local Home Depot and you are looking at only 3lbs per 1,000 square feet. Much less eh?

Advantage Of Organic Lawn Fertilizers

So why use organics? The reason is that they are super slow release and I like that! Slow releasing organic lawn fertilizers will not over-push the lawn’s growth, instead, feeding it slowly over time. That means it won’t burn either, so it is full proof.

One thing to consider with organics, however, is that they will NOT release their nutrients until temps are up in the 50s during the day and night. Most of your traditional synthetic ferts will let out nutrients with water, but organics need heat. So don’t expect super fast greening with them, but slow and steady green.

Really, the very best lawn treatment program will include a little of the synthetic stuff, and a little of the organic stuff in a nice balance. I love the lawn balance! Get my book here that tells you all about it!