Fertilize Now for a Greener, Healthier Lawn This Summer

According to landscape designer, Doug Scott, of Redeem Your Ground in Atlanta, Georgia, many homeowners don't fully understand the role and importance of regular fertilization for the health of their lawn.

"Just as multi-vitamins supplement the food we eat, fertilizer provides grasses and plants with a vital nutritional boost. Even plants residing in great soil will eventually absorb and deplete essential nutrients from the soil, so they need to be fertilized periodically."

Scott has partnered with Exmark on a new 'Done in a Weekend' video designed to give homeowners better insight on fertilizer science and benefits.

"All plants require six essential nutrients. Oxygen, carbon and hydrogen, which are received above the ground, through air and water, and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which must be provided by the soil the plants are planted in."

Scott said those essential nutrients are the source of the often vexing numbers and letters on fertilizer bags.

"Every bag of plant food will contain three numbers, separated by dashes. These represent the three nutrients your plants rely on the soil to provide – nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), in that specific order.

"A bag of fertilizer labeled '11-7-7' is made up of 11-percent nitrogen, seven-percent phosphorus and seven-percent potassium. The remaining 75-percent consists of inert fillers designed to help properly distribute the active ingredients without burning the lawn."

In the Fertilizing 101 video, Scott explains the importance of each nutrient to plant health, and what nutrient combinations to look for based on your goals, as well as pitfalls to avoid. Visit WeAreExmark.com/DIY to view the complete video, as well as others in Exmark's 'Done in a Weekend' series.

About Exmark
Exmark Manufacturing was incorporated in May 1982 as an independent manufacturer of professional turf care equipment. Today, it is the leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment for the landscape professional. Exmark zero-turn mowers are purchased 2-to-1 over the next best-selling brand by landscape professionals. In addition to designing, building and marketing quality turf care equipment, Exmark's goal is total customer satisfaction. All Exmark products are designed to help customers increase productivity while delivering unmatched quality. Products are sold to distributors and dealers who share the company's commitment to customer service and quality products. Learn more at Exmark.com.

SOURCE Exmark Manufacturing Company, Inc.