Controlled-Release Nitrogen

Lasting re-leaf for a tired, thinning lawn.

How's your lawn shaping up this spring? thick, lush and green... or maybe it's starting to show its age, and getting a little thin on top?

Many lawns go through this process, becoming a little more sparse each year, (except maybe for weeds), until eventually someone decides to re-seed, or re-sod.

There are many reasons why a lawn might fade away over time, including insect damage, competition from weeds, poor soil, traffic, drought or too much shade. Each of these can create stress for the lawn, and removal of the problem will usually help our turf recover, at least to some extent.

A healthy lawn is its own best defense. Lawns that are thick and lush are more able to fight off the effects of stress, compete with weeds for valuable nutrients, and come out ahead. And the best way to ensure a healthy lawn is with a good feeding program, plus water as needed. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are essential for good turf nutrition. A shortage of any nutrient can be a severely limiting factor for the lawn.

Nitrogen promotes lush green growth, which is exactly what you want in a lawn.

Phosphorus stimulates root formation and provides energy for the plant.

Potassium strengthens the plant tissue and increases resistance to diseases.

Just as important though, is the kind of nitrogen in the bag. Regular nitrogen can release too quickly, burn the plant, and leach away in the ground water in a matter of days. For a healthy, dark green and consistent lawn, you need Controlled Release Nitrogen. It is the key to maintaining your lawn in top condition, year after year, and a key ingredient in top quality lawn foods.

Vigoro's IBDU® is the best controlled release nitrogen you can buy. Developed for use on golf courses, IBDU releases nitrogen slowly and consistently over a 10-12 week period... regardless of warm or cool, wet or dry conditions. Other brands contain "slow- release" nitrogen which may vary the release depending on the environment, and usually feed for only 6-8 weeks.

With Golden Vigoro lawn fertilizers, you can provide constant feeding year-round with 3 or 4 applications, including weed or pest controls if needed. Here's an example:

1. Early Spring (April-May): Golden Vigoro 24-4-8 Lawn Fertilizer. Switch to Crabgrass Preventer plus Fertilizer 20-4-8 if crabgrass is a problem.

2. Early Summer (June-July): Golden Vigoro 24-4-8 Weed & Feed to control tough broadleaf weeds as it feeds the lawn. If weeds are not a problem, use regular Golden Vigoro 24-4-8.

3. Late Summer (Aug-Sept): Golden Vigoro Insect Control plus Fertilizer 12-6-3, to control white grubs, chinch bugs and other pests. Again, substitute with regular Golden Vigoro 24-4-8 if bugs are not a problem.

4. Fall(Oct-Nov): Golden Vigoro Fall Fertilizer 12-2-12. This is one of the most important feedings to help your lawn fight stress and stay in top shape for the following spring. The nitrogen content is lower here because the green growth is dormant over winter... but the IBDU stays in the soil along with other nutrients, ready for spring growth.

This program is a sure way to give lasting "re-leaf" to a tired lawn. Be sure to read the label before applying these fertilizers, handle carefully and follow all directions.

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