Every homeowner wants a lush and green lawn. Obstacles like pest infestation or prolonged drought aside, the equation for achieving a healthy and vital yard full of grass is simple and widely known—water plus sunlight plus fertilizer. 

It’s that last element I’d like to deal with in today’s blog post. Of course, there are hardware store shelves filled with fertilizer brands to choose from, but deciding what particular type of fertilizer is right for your lawn essentially boils down to a single choice: organic-based or chemical-based? 

Both have their merits and their drawbacks, although some of these may not be a matter of general knowledge. As a lawn care professional and the owner and proprietor of Carolina Turf Solutions, a small landscaping business, I thought I might provide some informed guidance on the subject. So, for anyone out there wondering what sort of fertilizer might be the best fit for your specific needs, I have prepared a side-by-side comparison of organic fertilizer vs. chemical fertilizer.

Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizer is made from all-natural materials. This can include compost, manure, bone meal, and other plant or animal by-products. 

Here are some key points about organic fertilizer:

• Nutrient Release: Organic fertilizer releases nutrients slowly. This means your lawn receives a steady supply of nutrients over time, which can lead to more consistent growth.

• Soil Health: Organic fertilizer improves soil structure and increases its ability to hold water and nutrients. Healthy soil means healthier grass.

• Environmental Impact: Organic fertilizer is less likely to run off into water supplies and cause contamination. It is safer for the environment and less detrimental to pets in the event of accidental consumption.

• Cost: Organic fertilizer can be more expensive and sometimes harder to find compared to chemical fertilizer.

• Application: Applying organic fertilizer can be messier and may require more effort, as it needs to be broken down by soil organisms before plants can use them.

Chemical Fertilizer

Chemical fertilizer is made from synthetic materials, such as ammonium nitrate, urea, and superphosphate. Although put together in a lab, these chemicals are designed to provide specific nutrients directly to plants. 

Here are some key points about chemical fertilizer:

• Nutrient Release: Chemical fertilizer releases nutrients quickly, giving your lawn an immediate boost. This can be useful if your lawn needs a fast recovery.

• Soil Health: Over time, chemical fertilizer can degrade soil structure and reduce its ability to hold water and nutrients. It doesn't contribute to long-term soil health.

• Environmental Impact: Chemical fertilizer is more likely to run off into water supplies and cause pollution, which can harm local ecosystems. It is also very harmful to pets in the event of accidental consumption.

• Cost: Chemical fertilizer is usually cheaper and more widely available than organic fertilizer.

• Application: Chemical fertilizer is easy to apply and comes in a variety of forms, such as granules, liquids, or spikes.

Which is Best for Your Lawn?

As I stated earlier, the choice between organic and chemical fertilizer largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. It was my hope that in penning this piece, I could help you better understand the differences between the two, and thus make a more informed decision that will keep your lawn looking great all year round. For example, if you want a quick green-up and have a limited budget, chemical fertilizer is probably the way to go. However, if you’re focused on long-term grass health and environmental sustainability, organic fertilizer is definitely the better choice. 

Both types of fertilizers have their place in lawn care. At the end of the day, you’ll have to consider what’s most important to you, your family, and your lawn. Not to complicate matters, but sometimes a balanced approach, which is to say using a mixture of both types of fertilizers, can also be effective. When exploring this option, consulting a lawn care professional is a wise course of action.

Remember, no matter which type of fertilizer you choose, proper application is key. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and don't over-fertilize, as this can harm your lawn more than help it. As always, happy gardening!