The first step in how to find the best organic fertilizer for your lawn is to decide between liquid fertilizer for grass and granular fertilizers. What are the differences between these two forms of lawn feed? Here we will explain the pros and cons of liquid vs granular fertilizer.
Once you find the best liquid lawn fertilizers for your backyard you will notice the benefits of spraying lawn fertilizer but there are benefits to the granular too.
Liquid Lawn Fertilizer vs Granular: Which Is Best?
But which best liquid fertilizer for you? Don’t worry, we are here to help! In the following post, we will look at how each of these types is absorbed by your lawn and which one has an easier application.
Think about a couple of things when you are reading the advantages and disadvantages of both liquid fertilizers for grass and granular. For example, which type is the best for your landscape, climate and available time?
Benefits of Liquid
1. Quicker Absorption
A liquid solution is easier for your grass to absorb so if you are looking for fast results then this is the way to go.
2. Even Spreading of Nutrients
As a solution, the nutrients are spread out equally throughout and this means that spraying your grass also allows for a more even spread of all the necessary nutrients.
3. Customization Possible
Each lawn is different and when you are using a spray you can adjust the solution accordingly.
Most store-bought options are designed to work for general-purpose use and suitable for a wide variety of climates and grass types but adding extra nutrients specifically for your lawn can yield even better results.
4. Foliar Application
Both forms can be ground applied but only the spray form can also be absorbed through the foliage.
This is especially useful for your grass because the sprigs can absorb the nutrients which lead to faster results an important point when thinking spray fertilizer vs granular and which would suit your needs.
Ground application of fertilizer is most effective in the growth stage but once the plants are already grown it takes longer for the plants to absorb all the nutrients through their roots. This is why spraying can show improvement in a matter of days vs. weeks with soil application.
Disadvantages of Liquid
1. Higher Cost
A spray is a quick-release method which means that the nutrients are absorbed more quickly but they disappear more quickly, too. 
This is why you need to use more often when using a solution, which can lead to higher maintenance costs.
2. Requires Spray Equipment
Some bottles are designed to connect directly to your hose for an easy spray but this is only true for the ready-to-use types and not the concentrated varieties.
Professionals will prefer using a specific spray tool for an even spread.
3. May Need Mixing
There are ready-to-use sprays but many are a concentrate which means you need to mix with water first.
Also, customizing the solution requires the extra step of mixing.
Benefits of Granular
1. Lower Costs
This is the more affordable for two reasons; the tools are more economical and spreading it does not need to be repeated as often as with a spray.
2. Can Be Applied Year-Round
This is an important difference when considering liquid vs dry fertilizer for your yard. Since the grains are absorbed through the soil, it is less affected by the weather conditions. Sprays usually have specific application times while granular is more versatile thanks to its slow-release method and therefore more user-friendly.
3. Choice Between Slow Release and Quick Release
There are two types; one that is coated for slow release and one that is not coated for quick release. This difference gives you more control over the release of nutrients and also means that your fertilization times are less influenced by the climate.
Disadvantages of Granular
1. Uneven Spread
There is no way of knowing how the nutrients are spread throughout the grains so you also cannot know for sure how they are spread through your lawn. This is a less precise method.
2. Slower Results
It does not give you the fastest results, even when using the non-coated grains.
3. Careful Spreading
Aside from the uneven spread, you also need to pay more attention to watering and runoff.
Certain types can burn foliage which means you need to water right after spreading.
Also, think about your landscape and where the runoff goes to. Certain types of fertilizer are not environmentally friendly so you want to avoid them entering the natural water system.
Conclusion of Liquid Fertilizer vs Granular
There is no single answer to whether liquid fertilizer vs.dry fertilizer is better. It depends on how fast you want results, your budget, and climate.
Generalizations that you can make are that dry feed is better for slow release of nutrients and year-round applications while the spray feed is better for quick results and even spreading of nutrients, even when there already is foliage.
When you are making your choice, think about the growth stage of your lawn, how the weather conditions are for the next coming weeks and how much you are willing to spend.
