en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 24th, As temperatures gradually warm up in March across Illinois and northwest Indiana, lawns are transitioning from winter dormancy to spring growth. Although many yards still appear pale or sparse early in the season, lawn care experts at Dr. Green Services note that once the grass is ready to grow, proper fertilization can accelerate lawn recovery.
Lawn professionals explain that one of the key actions during early spring is applying a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen, as the primary nutrient, is responsible for chlorophyll production, which gives grass its green color and promotes new leaf growth.
Cool-season grasses common in the Midwest, such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, heavily rely on nitrogen during their spring growth phase. Timely fertilization helps lawns green up faster while supporting more vigorous growth.
Research shows that slow-release nitrogen fertilizers nourish lawns gradually, allowing grass plants to absorb nutrients over time rather than all at once. This results in more uniform lawn growth and stronger root systems. Dr. Green Services' guide to slow-release versus quick-release fertilizers provides detailed information on the differences between fertilizer types.
Marc Harris, Operations Manager for the Chicago and Indiana regions at Dr. Green Services, said, « Early spring is when lawns transition from dormancy to active growth. Slow-release nitrogen provides nutrients as the lawn prepares to grow. »
Applying nitrogen early not only improves color and growth but also helps lawns become thicker and more competitive. As the grass fills in, it naturally reduces open space for weeds to grow.
Harris explained, « When spring grass grows thicker, weeds have fewer opportunities to take root. Promoting new grass growth early helps keep lawns healthier throughout the season. »
Timing is crucial for fertilization. Lawn care professionals recommend applying fertilizer once soil temperatures approach 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which signals the start of active growth for Midwest lawns.
For homeowners in Illinois and northwest Indiana, this early spring window is a key opportunity to strengthen lawns before summer stress arrives. Proper fertilization supports deeper grass root growth, helping lawns withstand drought, heat, and seasonal pressures.
As the lawn care season unfolds, experts emphasize that applying the right fertilizer at the right time can significantly impact how quickly a lawn greens up and enhance its ability to fight weeds throughout the growing season.
