Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn in New Jersey isn’t just about watering and mowing—it starts with a thoughtful, soil-based approach. If you’ve been wondering when to start lawn care in spring or which products actually make a difference, you’re not alone. Lawn care can be confusing, but with expert advice and the right landscaping supplies, you can grow a thick, green lawn that lasts all season.
At Mendham Garden Center, we specialize in natural lawn care in NJ—from soil testing to expert guidance, and even the best lawn care equipment brands like Toro and Stihl. Whether you’re in Mendham, Chester, or Annandale, our family-owned lawn and garden stores are here to help.
Understanding Fertilization: Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus
Nitrogen
Many lawn care companies spoon-feed high-nitrogen fertilizer with slow-release characteristics at five to six-week intervals throughout the growing season. Each application of nitrogen fertilizer is typically incorporated with an herbicide or insecticide application designed to take care of most of the problems most of the time on most of the lawns. The fact is, however, that although spoon feeding of nitrogen at relatively short intervals of time is seemingly effective, over time, this program eventually results in a thin green lawn.
The reason for this is that grass puts its energy into different aspects of growth at different times of the year. In the spring, grass puts most of its energy into top growth at the expense of the root system. Over-fertilization at this time of year only serves to magnify this function, putting even more stress on the root system. A stressed plant is more prone to disease, drought stress, more susceptible to insect damage, and less likely to develop into a thick, lush lawn. A thin lawn is more prone to weed and crabgrass infestations. All of the above create the need for more pesticide applications and more money needlessly spent.
Break the cycle!
A more strategic plan applies 2/3 of the nitrogen in the fall and late fall, where it is better suited to promoting lateral growth and root development. Only 1/3 is applied in the spring. A plan such as this will, over time, promote a thicker, healthier lawn, less susceptible to weeds, insects, and disease.
Potassium
Another point of ongoing debate. Applied in the fall or late fall, potassium promotes winter hardiness. Potassium is required for healthy cell structure and leaf turgidity. This does support a hardy turf. However, most agronomists agree that excessive potassium applied over and above that which is dictated by a soil test is a needless waste of time and money, hence the term “luxury potassium”.
Phosphorus
Fact or fallacy? “Phosphorus stimulates root development.”
Phosphorus, although required by the turf for survival and root development, does not promote root development. Material applied over and above that which is dictated by a soil test is not only a waste of time and money but also unfriendly to the environment. Nitrogen, when applied at the appropriate time stimulates root development.
Soil Testing: The Secret Weapon of Smart Lawn Care
Whether you are choosing a lawn care company, or creating your own plan, start with a soil test first. Soil testing followed by the implementation of effective cultural practices such as mowing and soil aeration and the strategic application of both fertilizer and pesticides is not only environmentally friendly but labor and cost effective, and will give you that healthy, luscious, green lawn you are looking for.
Visit MGC to get your soil tested. Just drop off a few small samples of soil from around your property (enough to fill a sandwich bag). In about 7-10 days we will email the results to you and recommend the best lawn care products for a healthy, green, environmentally friendly lawn
Beyond Fertilizer: What Does Yard Maintenance Include?
A proper lawn care plan should go beyond feeding your grass. Ask yourself: What does yard maintenance include?
Here’s a helpful checklist:
- Soil testing and proper fertilization
- Regular mowing with high-quality equipment
- Aeration and dethatching
- Weed, pest, and deer control
- Mulching garden beds with quality garden mulch
- Planting native or seasonal flowers
- Hardscaping and water feature maintenance
At Mendham Garden Center, we provide not just the products, but the expertise to guide you through every step of your lawn and garden journey.
Choosing the Right Lawn Care Equipment Company
Need tools to get the job done right? Our Chester, NJ location carries Toro lawn mowers and Stihl mowers, including the Toro TITAN® Zero Turn Mower—a favorite among homeowners who want pro-level performance and speed. Whether you’re looking for a new toro mower, hedge trimmer, or blower, we’re your go-to lawn care equipment company in NJ.
We also service and maintain equipment, so you can keep your investment running strong for years.
Everything You Need for a Backyard Oasis
Mendham Garden Center is more than just fertilizer and mowers. We stock a wide selection of landscaping supplies and lawn care essentials, including:
- Fertilizers (organic and synthetic)
- Deer repellents
- Garden mulch in a variety of styles and colors
- Annual and perennial flowers and plants
- Bird feeders and wild bird seed
- Pond accessories
- Cambridge paving stones for patios, walkways, and driveways
We’re proud to be your local, family-owned lawn and garden store—committed to helping New Jersey homeowners create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces.
Visit Our Garden Centers in Mendham, Chester, or Annandale
Looking for guidance you can trust? Stop by one of our three convenient locations to talk to our expert staff. Whether you’re new to natural lawn care in NJ or looking to upgrade your tools, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Start with a soil test. Stay for the friendly advice and unbeatable selection. Let Mendham Garden Center help you turn your yard into something extraordinary with the right lawn care plan.