Knowledgebase
Best fertilizer for lawn #868451
Asked May 14, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT
I live at 7350 elevation. I have chickens in the back yard who have destroyed most growing things. They will be getting a chicken run soon. My question is: what would be the best soil and fertilizer to use for the sections that I want to grow grass and shrubs. The ground is a mixture of straw, hay, some gorilla mulch and soil. Thank you, Nan
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Dear Nan,
Thank you for reaching out to Ask Extension for your question regarding best soil preparation and fertilizer for grass and shrubs.
For starters you might consider getting a soil test to determine your type of soil and some of the nutrients/minerals present. This will help you understand the current condition and soil amendments/fertilizer that would be helpful in preparing your soil for grass and shrubs. See link below and call them for any questions you might have such as choosing what tests would most benefit your situation etc.
https://agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab/
I know it can be a bit overwhelming to start a big project especially if you have not gardened much in Colorado or recently moved here. This article goes over some of the challenges but being aware will help you build up your soil well and avoid some pitfalls.
In preparation to grow grass and maintain it, here’s two article that goes into a lot of detail about lawns. I will add that proper preparation of your soil and not to rush or overlook this step is so important for getting started well and not having to go back and redo this at a later time.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/
https://engagement.source.colostate.edu/colorado-lawn-care-best-practices/
This article on choosing a soil amendment goes into the many options you might consider. Some options might be more readily available or more affordable than other options.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/choosing-a-soil-amendment/
Growing shrubs here in Colorado can add such beauty to your landscape and lend to attracting birds and pollinators. You have lots of choices and considering planting native shrubs that are already adjusted to growing in our elevations and soils can be a big plus and possibly less work to maintain them too.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/native-shrubs-for-colorado-landscapes-7-422/
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/evergreen-shrubs-7-414/
Nan, I hope this helps you get started on your lawn and landscape project. Please reach out to us again if this doesn’t answer question fully or if more questions arise.
Kind Regards,
Laurie P.
Colorado Master Gardner
