One way to keep your tenants satisfied with their single-family rental property in Oakland is to add curb appeal by adding an attractive lawn. The key for a lawn to remain green and healthy is in the way it is fertilized — responsibly and properly. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your rental property’s lawn looking great throughout the warmer months.
- Start in the Spring
The best time to apply the first round of fertilizer to your rental’s lawn is early in the spring. Once the soil has warmed up to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to apply some fertilizer. How can I tell if the soil is warm enough? When you notice the first new growth of grass. For most areas of the country, the first feeding typically happens in mid-April.
- Buy the Right Fertilizer
Upon buying fertilizers, it is important to look for the right mix of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. Landscapers and lawn care experts recommend choosing a fertilizer with a mixture of 20-5-10 for spring. A good option to consider is a slow-release fertilizer that comes in granular form. Because of how slow-release fertilizers work — they break down into the soil over time — you can fertilize less often. Also, granular fertilizers are easier to apply and to control how much you use.
- Water Regularly
A common practice among property owners is overwatering their lawns. This leads them to believe that they won’t have to use more fertilizers — this is simply wrong. However, if you water your lawn and stimulate growth, you’ll need to apply more fertilizer to provide the appropriate amount of nutrients. When applying fertilizer, be sure to check the label and follow watering instructions. Some types of fertilizer require a wet lawn for application, while others can be applied when the lawn is dry. When you stick to the steps that need to be followed, you can’t go wrong.
- Use the Right Spreader
For lawns of single-family rental homes, the popular choice is a broadcast spreader for fertilizing. A broadcast spreader is relatively inexpensive and easy to use and will help you control how much fertilizer you use. If you don’t mind the typical crank-by-hand method, a handheld broadcast spreader would do the job. Whether you go for a smaller size or not, the spreader is not as important as you must walk at a steady pace to ensure consistent coverage.
- Apply Carefully
For large lawn areas, consider applying a specific pattern to spread fertilizer evenly. For example, one recommended approach is to start by going around the perimeter of the lawn first, then fill in the middle area by working in only one direction. Apply the first half of the fertilizer this way, then spread the second half by moving in a perpendicular direction to your first application. This routine will ensure even coverage and prevent using too much fertilizer in any one place.
Remember…
At the end of your rental property’s first feeding in April, plan to fertilize your lawn at least four more times. Experts recommend applying the second round of fertilizer after four weeks, then every six to eight weeks throughout the summer and fall.
By following these simple steps, your rental property’s lawn can grow strong and healthy season after season. Can’t be bothered? Not a problem. At Real Property Management Masters, we make sure you can still achieve the things you want to. Allow us to do the work for you. Feel free to contact us online or by phone at 510-398-8704. We’ll be glad to answer any of your questions.
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