When to Apply Fertilizer
Based upon the type of turf you are using for your Oklahoma lawn, you will find your annual fertilization schedule. Prior to fertilizing, I encourage you to have a soil test done every 2 to 3 years. This way you will know the right fertilizer bag to buy based upon the numbers on the bag..ie 10-5-10, 32-0-10, etc. See article on Oklahoma Soil Test
If you follow this fertilization regiment, you should find yourself with a beautiful and healthy Oklahoma lawn. Remember to water adequately and apply the fertilizer evenly.
I encourage you not to bag your grass but to put a mulching blade on your mower and leave the clippings as it will put nitrogen back into the lawn. Also, by not bagging your grass clippings, you can save on trash bags. Plus, it is a whole lot easier to mow without the mower being weighted down by the grass clippings.
Stripping cause by drop fertilizer spreader.
The photo to the right is an example of unevenly applied fertilizer which was probably done with a drop spreader. You may find using a broadcast spreader easier, but you still have to pay attention to what you are doing to be sure your application is spread evenly on the lawn.
Fertilize Oklahoma Bermuda Grass
May 1, June 1, July 1, August 1, and September 1
Fertilize Oklahoma Buffalo Grass
May 1 and August 1
Fertilize Oklahoma Zoysia Grass
May 1, June 1, and September 1
Tall Fescue, Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass
March 1, May 1, October 1, and December 1
Slow Release Fertilizer
Fewer applications of slow release fertilizer are necessary for Bermuda grass because more nitrogen can be applied per application. Therefore, the July and September fertilizer applications on Bermuda grass can be dropped if a slow release fertilizer is used. A slow release fertilizer is also recommended for the May application on fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass lawns.