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What’s the difference between slow release and fast release fertilizer?
The answer is simple – slow release fertilizers will spread nutrients over an extended period of time while fast release fertilizers will dissolve quickly, making the nutrients readily available. There are many slow release fertilizers to buy, or you can use organic materials such as manure and compost. Keep in mind that if you use organic materials, they require more watering during extremely high temperatures, releasing the nutrients too fast. Slow release fertilizers are best to use for most or all applications on your lawn because it makes the nutrients available for up to two months, whereas the fast release makes them available for about two weeks. The reason most professional services use slow release fertilizers is so that when you apply your first application, it will perfectly line up to your second application (which is about 4 to 6 weeks apart) keeping your lawn green all year around.
Although fast release fertilizer is cheaper to purchase, the only time it’s good to use it is in the fall when your lawn is preparing for winter. This will help quickly release energy to the root system once the grass is entering dormancy. Both kinds of fertilizer have the same nutrients but the way they are derived and delivered is different, and it’s important to know the cons of using fast release fertilizer. Too much top growth caused by immediately available nitrogen is actually harmful and can weaken your lawn. The grass would be producing top growth while the roots are developing, causing the lawn to be more vulnerable to disease. If you are okay with the maintenance, fast release requires more frequent applications and more mowing. This is because it can cause the grass to grow in bursts, in which you will have to mow more often to keep the grass at a reasonable height, and the application does not last as long. An over application of either fertilizer can burn your lawn, but it’s less likely for a slow release fertilizer to burn it. Overall, an extended release of nutrients puts less stress on your lawn and will create a stronger turf.