Getting grass and plants to look green and vibrant is essential as the weather warms up. The trick is using the right product without expending a lot of time and energy. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer checks all the boxes. It delivers high-quality nutrients over a prolonged period of time, keeping grass and plants fed and healthy.

Because there are a variety of technologies out there, you’ll need to consider certain factors when matching a slow-release fertilizer to the lawn care needs of your clients. Taking into consideration the desired overall turf condition, amount and frequency of foot traffic, soil type, history of disease, temperature and drought stress, along with how long you want the results to last will lead you to the right combination of nutrients.

From there, you can apply the proper slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and have an efficient way to maintain a healthy lawn without having to continually reapply. You’ll give the grass and plants the nutrients they need and save yourself time and money.

How slow-release nitrogen fertilizer works

Once applied, slow-release fertilizer provides nutrients to plants and grass by a variety of mechanisms. Most widely, it’s through diffusion through a thin, polymer coating. The outer layer allows water to move through the pores of the polymer coating where it begins to dissolve the nutrient. When enough internal pressure is reached, the dissolved nutrient is pushed out of the fertilizer particle to be utilized by the plant.

Even though it’s a slow-release product, nitrogen fertilizers begin working immediately. The formula typically consists of a percentage of quickly available nitrogen to enhance greening and shoot growth. Then, the slow-release nitrogen component provides the plant with a consistent and predictable amount of nitrogen over time. 

What are the benefits of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers?

There are many benefits to using slow-release nitrogen fertilizers when treating your clients’ lawns. In addition to keeping grass healthy and making lawn care more efficient, slow-release nitrogen fertilizers are also better for the environment.

Supporting plant health

By releasing nutrients continuously over time, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer allows grass and plants to take in what they need from the soil to grow with only a single treatment. You don’t have to go back for a repeat application; everything necessary for turf to stay healthy remains in the soil to ensure improved greening longevity.

Making lawn care more efficient

Because slow-release fertilizers are so effective over the long term, fewer applications can produce excellent results. This type of fertilizer technology means less work and lower costs while maximizing your turf nutrition investment.

With fewer applications, you can handle small and large jobs equally with fewer bags of fertilizer to buy, transport and store. This efficiency can help you simplify your approach to lawn care, directly impacting your bottom line and the demand on your crew for the better.

Helping the environment

The alternative to slow-release, quick-release fertilizers are meant to provide an immediate boost of nutrients, but there’s a chance nutrient loss will occur. These losses can negatively impact surface and groundwaters. 

With a consistent release of nutrients, slow-release fertilizers like LESCO PolyPlus OPTI, reduce the environmental risk of nutrient loss while maximizing root health and vitality, making turf healthy and vibrant and enhancing the ability to combat cultural and environmental stressors.

Types of slow-release fertilizers 

There are different types of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers available in the marketplace. It is important to remember that many release the nitrogen through a variety of mechanisms, moisture amounts or soil temperatures. Your options include:

• Urea formaldehyde releases nitrogen for up to 12 months. It releases based on soil microbial interactions and is ideal for landscaped beds and trees.
• Methylene urea works for up to three months after application and is best for turf that’s already begun growing. It is released primarily based on soil microbial interactions.
• Polymer-coated urea lasts 2-6 months and is suitable on all turf types. It releases primarily based on soil temperature. 
• Polymer-coated sulfur-coated urea is a 10-14 week nitrogen source. It releases based on the amount of micro fractures in the polymer coating which develop over time.

Get the right fertilizer for your next job

Understanding the benefits of the products you use for your business is essential, and you also want to feel confident you’re using the best options. To get product recommendations, and any questions answered, visit your local SiteOne branch and speak with our knowledgeable associates. You can also access a wealth of information in our agronomics Learn section, For your convenience, you can shop 24/7/365 on SiteOne.com or use our SiteOne mobile app.