Lawn Mowing in Times of High Gas Prices

Gasoline prices are approaching $4.00 per gallon. What can you do to cut back on lawn mowing? Buy sheep or goats? Not necessarily! You could cut back on nitrogen fertilization.

Nitrogen, or N, the first letter in the N-P-K fertilizer analysis on a bag of fertilizer, is what causes the growth of the green portion of plants. By cutting back of the amount of N applied, your turfgrass will not grow as fast, thus fewer mowings are necessary.



Another thing, the cost of fertilizer has risen substantially this season. Petroleum and fertilizer costs rise hand-in-hand. Fertilizing with P and K (Phosphorus and Potassium) promotes root and plant health, thus one can still fertilize and not promote as much green tissue growth.





Liming, in the Spring, acts like fertilizer and could promote a flush of green grass growth. It is best to obtain a soil test before adding any lime or fertilizer. If you need help reading your test results, contact your local cooperative extension office for assistance.