Granule vs liquid fertilizer: Grass care options

When taking care of lawns, many homeowners face many options of both granule and liquid fertilizer. Grass fertilizers all accomplish the same goals, though there are some key differences between granule and liquid forms.

To help you decide which option is right for you and your lawn, here is a basic guide to granular vs liquid fertilizer:

Granular lawn fertilizer

Granular lawn fertilizer is also called solid fertilizer or pellet fertilizer. This type of fertilizer is spread onto your lawn before watering and gradually absorbs along with the moisture.

Liquid lawn fertilizer

Liquid lawn fertilizer is a concentrated liquid containing all the necessary nutrients for a healthy lawn. Once you add the concentrate to water, you can spray liquid lawn fertilizer as if you were watering with a garden hose

Nutrients

Lawn fertilizer typically contains three basic nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These minerals help to enhance growth, root development and strength.

While the lawn itself can’t tell the difference between different fertilizer formulas, there are some differences in terms of nutrient absorption and spread. Slow-release granular fertilizer can’t always cover as much ground as a fast-acting liquid fertilizer. Therefore, you might end up with areas of higher concentrations of nutrients with granules than with liquid fertilizers.

Cautions & considerations

As with any type of gardening, there can be downsides to over-feeding your lawn. Some signs of an over fertilized lawn include browning tips, slow growth or a crusty residue on the soil surface. It’s important to follow included instructions to avoid overwhelming your yard.

Not sure which type of lawn fertilizer is right for you and your lawn? Keep these basics in mind when making your decision, but don’t hesitate to consult a professional garden service for help caring for your lawn.