While it’s true that your lawn can’t tell the difference between nutrients supplied by granular vs. liquid fertilizer, there are still some major differences in the application methods and potentially even the results depending upon which is used.
We know that you want to be an informed homeowner, which is why you may be reading articles like this. We commend you for that—and it’s why we’re entering the granular vs. liquid debate. We want to share what we’ve learned and help you make an educated decision of your own for your Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton, PA lawn.
Granular Vs. Liquid Fertilizer for Lawns
There is a lot of information out there comparing granular vs. liquid fertilizer. Some of the key reasons given as “pros” for using liquid include the ease of being able to mix in other liquid products and the fact that nutrients are readily available to the lawn.
However, we find that many of the “cons” of using a liquid fertilizer drastically outweigh the pros which is why we use only granular. We find that there are quite a few benefits to granular fertilizer, which we’ll explain so that you can see how we came to this decision.
Our Clients Prefer it
We always have our customers’ best interests at heart when making decisions and this one was no different. Our clients definitely seem to prefer granular fertilizer as they feel it is more environmentally friendly. We have also found that liquid fertilizers can have an unfavorable odor that does not occur with granular, which is another reason clients like it more.
Granular has Slow Release Capabilities
Although with liquid nutrients are readily available, that fast-release technology requires frequent applications to maintain lawn health & color. With granular fertilizer, the slow release nature of the product allows for fewer applications. This can be ideal for continued feedings during stressful times of heat and drought. It also allows the results to last much longer.
The Accuracy is Better
When a lawn care technician goes out with a few hundred gallons of liquid fertilizer and needs to spray 20 different lawns, it might be harder for them to see how much they’re using on each lawn. The calibration may be just a little bit off but in the granular vs. liquid fertilizer debate, this absolutely puts a plus in the granular column.
With granular fertilizers, when a technician has to treat 20 lawns and dump the material into the hopper on each property, they can get a really good measure on what they’re actually putting down. They can even make small tweaks and adjustments based on their individual application method and speed. This means instead of just squirting something on a lawn and realizing at the end of the day that you’re 50 gallons light, the technician is constantly evaluating where they are at and adjusting accordingly.
It’s Easier to Apply Consistently
Because granular can be seen on the lawn, it’s easier to ensure that it is applied uniformly. Sometimes companies that are in a rush to “spray and go” may cut corners or fail to spray the product throughout the entire lawn in a consistent fashion (but because you can’t see it, you can’t be sure).
In addition, because Joshua Tree uses ride-on spreaders for treatments, both the accuracy and the consistency of the application is even greater since the machine drastically limits human error and fatigue (when compared to pushing a spreader or pulling out 200 ft. of hose). These machines are kept properly calibrated in order to produce the best results.
Choosing a Company that Cares
Truthfully speaking, a lot of lawn care companies aren’t necessarily putting that much thought into which product format (liquid vs. granular) they’re using beyond what’s cheapest and what’s easiest for them.
But at Joshua Tree, all of our decisions always circle back to the customer, our performance, and ultimately, the lawn care results. With those 3 key things in mind, we made the decision to only use granular fertilizer products.
While you could debate the question over granular vs. liquid fertilizer all day, ultimately what you really want is a lawn care company that is doing everything they can to ensure you’re getting the results you really want. At Joshua Tree, that’s what we’re all about. Granular vs. liquid fertilizer for lawns is just one of the many comparisons that we’ve done in order to come to the best possible lawn care option for our customers.
If you’re ready to work with a company that cares about all aspects of the lawn at your Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton, PA home, get in touch with us to get some free expert advice and learn more about our lawn care program options.
