Fertilizer in the Rain?

[adamc6]

Hello,
I was wondering if it's okay to put down fertilizer onto wet ground or if it's going to rain later the same day. I will be using common fertilizer. Please let me know. thanks guys.

Adam

[KirbysLawn]

Sure as long as you have a cover for your spreader and it's not raining real hard. I did most of my second pre-m apps in the rain.

[lawnstudent]

Fertilizer must be brought into the grass root zone to be most effective. Rain or irregation performs that fucntion. Not going to matter if it rains while fertilizing or after the job is done. If fact some fertilizers can volatilize if not watered into the soil within 2-3 days following app. Illinois extension service recommends not applying herbicides before (or during) real heavy rain storms. Their concern is run-off and pollution/contamination. So weed and feed can be applied in rain, but you should hold off if the predicted rain is going to be particularly heavy.

jim

If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence then just move the darn fence.

[JimLewis]

You can certainly apply fert. in the rain. In fact, it's even better because many fertilizers need to be watered in before they take effect.

HOWEVER, you must be careful for iron stains. A good fertilizer will contain at least trace amounts of iron (the one we use has 2%) and that will stain the heck out of a nice driveway or sidewalk on a rainy day. If it's raining really hard, you'll want someone blowing as you fertilize around walkways and driveways. If it's just overcast and about-to-rain, then you just need to blow real well after you are done.

[MOW ED]

Like the gents said, it is ok to do but I personally find it difficult. I have a Bigfoot spreader with a raincap but I use the cap for a safety in case it takes an unforseen bounce. If you absolutely have to fert in the rain, make sure you keep your product and your spreader hopper dry. Also realize that humidity effects the distribution of the fertilizer also.
Also do as Jim said and blow the walks and drives every time you fertilize. Its the low class operators who walk away from a walk and driveway full of fertilizer. It is the professional thing to do. Use it as a selling point that you care.Good Luck

[1grnlwn]

You can do some damage to the leaf of turf when spreading urea prills on wet turf. They tend to stick to the leaf blade and roll down when the blades are wet. This can burn the blade somewhat. Use caution or liquid.

Mark