How to apply fertilizers, dolomitic lime, corn gluten, and urea to your lawn
Achieving a dense, green, and durable lawn doesn't just depend on seed quality. The correct application of amendments and fertilizers plays an essential role in turf health.
The Vert Elite products, used by a Quebec family sod farm for over 50 years in sod production, are designed to work together in a simple and effective maintenance program.
Here's how to properly apply:
- lawn fertilizers
- dolomitic lime
- corn gluten
- Super Vert urea
Lawn Fertilizer Application Schedule
A balanced maintenance program relies on 4 fertilizer applications during the season. Each fertilization typically works for 4 to 6 weeks in the soil.
Step 1 — Spring
Period: mid-April to end of May
Objective:
- revitalize the lawn after winter
- stimulate growth
- promote rooting
Duration of action: With quick release to get color quickly in spring for 4 weeks of action in the soil. Take this into account to properly plan your applications.
Recommended product:
Vert Elite Spring Fertilizer
Step 2 — Early Summer
Period: mid-June to mid-July
Objective:
- support growth during the active season
- maintain a dense and green lawn
- improve resistance to foot traffic
Duration of action: With slow release for 6 to 8 weeks of action in the soil. Take this into account to properly plan your applications.
Recommended product:
Vert Elite Summer Fertilizer
Step 3 — Late Summer
Period: early August to end of August
Objective:
- strengthen the lawn after summer stresses
- maintain turf density
- prepare the lawn for autumn
Duration of action: With slow release for 6 to 8 weeks of action in the soil. Take this into account to properly plan your applications.
Recommended product:
Vert Elite Summer Fertilizer
Step 4 — Fall
Period: mid-September to end of October
Objective:
- strengthen roots
- improve winter hardiness
- promote better recovery the following spring
Duration of action: This application should be your last for each maintenance plan. Do not apply any other fertilizers after your fall fertilizer.
Recommended product:
Vert Elite Fall Fertilizer
How to correctly apply lawn fertilizer
- Apply to your lawn using the checkerboard method (in two perpendicular passes) for even distribution and water afterward to activate nutrients.
- Use a properly calibrated spreader
- Water after application or wait for a minimum of 10 to 15 mm of rain
Avoid applying:
- during a heatwave
- during a drought
- on a dormant lawn
Uniform application ensures stable nutrition for 4 to 6 weeks. Treated rows should not overlap to avoid overloading the soil.
Application of dolomitic lime
Dolomitic lime is an amendment used to correct soil acidity and improve fertilizer effectiveness.
Soil that is too acidic prevents the lawn from properly absorbing nutrients.
Application periods
- spring
- fall
How to apply it
- Apply evenly with a spreader
- Can be applied at the same time as fertilizer but do not mix the two products together in the same spreader; take the time to do two separate applications one after the other. The order is not critical, but ideally, apply dolomitic lime first.
- No mandatory watering
- No risk of burning the lawn when used at recommended doses
Lime works gradually in the soil to improve structure and pH balance.
Application of corn gluten (pre-emergent herbicide)
Corn gluten is a natural solution used to prevent weed germination.
It works by inhibiting the development of young seedling roots.
Duration of action
4 to 6 weeks
Application periods
- early spring before weed germination
- late summer or fall
Important
Corn gluten also prevents seed germination.
Therefore, you must:
Wait approximately 8 weeks before seeding grass.
Application of Super Vert Urea 46-0-0
Urea is a color booster rich in nitrogen that quickly provides a dark green lawn.
It is used between fertilizer applications, but does not replace a complete fertilization.
Duration of action
4 to 6 weeks
Application tips
- apply in small quantities
- use a calibrated spreader
- water after application (minimum 10 to 15 mm of water)
Avoid applying
- during periods of intense heat
- on stressed or dry grass
Incorrect application can cause burns because the nitrogen concentration is very high.
A simple program for a durable lawn
For best results, your lawn care should follow a complete program:
- Soil correction with dolomitic lime
- Weed prevention with corn gluten
- Seasonal fertilization with Vert Elite fertilizers
- Rapid greening with urea when necessary
These products are the same formulations used for over 50 years by a Quebec family sod farm in sod production, ensuring performance and adaptation to Canadian climatic conditions.