Fertilizer – Dealing with Price Increases

Q: The price of 10-10-10 fertilizer has doubled! What can I buy as a alternative to lower my fertilizer cost on 3,500 sq. ft. bermuda and 14,500 sq. ft. fescue? I’m trying to follow my University of Georgia soil test recommendations.

A: Since nitrogen (the first number on the bag) is the most important nutrient for grass, you can compare prices for the nitrogen in your fertilizer options by multiplying the first number times the weight of the bag times .01.

Divide the answer into the price for the bag. The result is the price per pound you’re paying for nitrogen.

(Example: for a 40 lb. bag of 10-10-10 that costs $12, you’re paying $3 per pound.)

The UGA soil test report you received was for optimum grass performance. You could cut application amounts by one-half and allow the grass to fend for itself, particularly if you allow clippings to remain on the grass.

Another way to cut costs is to limit the number of full fertilizer applications.

Fescue can get by with three feedings each year: Sept, Nov and March.

Bermudagrass can also get by with three feedings: in May, June and early Sept.