Grass Color Vs. Fertilizer Ratio

Maximum Color

• In their guide to fertilizing lawns, the Purdue University Extension recommends three fertilization schedules based on the color you hope to bring out in your lawn. The first of their recommendations is meant to bring out the most deep, green color in your lawn grass. First, apply 1 lb. nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 feet in September followed by 1-1.5 lbs. nitrogen per 1000 feet again in early November. From mid-May to early June, apply another 1 lb. per 1000 feet of nitrogen fertilizer and just under a pound again in mid- to late July. Following this fertilization schedule, alongside other cultural practices such as mulching and irrigation, will give a noticeably green color to your lawn throughout the growing season.

Medium Color

• Perhaps you want a green, vigorous color for your lawn without any of the labor-intensiveness of the maximum fertilization program. This fertilization schedule is practically the same as the maximum schedule save for the last application in mid- to late July. This fertilization schedule, again so long as other cultural practices are maintained as well, will still provide an aesthetically pleasing green color to your lawn grass and ensure long-term vigor while side-stepping the more stringent fertilization requirements of the maximum color fertilization recommendations.

Minimum Color

• For the particularly busy homeowner, a minimum fertilization schedule will provide the least in terms of a deep and noticeable green color but will still ensure a healthy and established lawn with enough vigor to provide resistance to disease, drought and other threats. For this schedule, simply apply the first 1 lb. per 1000 square feet in September and omit all the subsequent applications.

Other Considerations

• The above guidelines are generalized but still are relatively specific to the Indiana climate. Following the same general fertilization schedule will still produce similar results in terms of lawn health and color, but you may need to adjust the time of year in which the fertilizer is applied due to variations in climate, particularly if weather conditions in your area are drastically different from Indiana's. Consult a local university extension office for advice on how to adjust fertilization schedules so that they are customized for your climate.