4/17/2025

As spring comes into focus and temperatures begin to rise, turfgrass and plants emerge from dormancy, hungry for the nutrients needed to jumpstart healthy growth. A well-planned fertilization strategy is essential for achieving a vibrant, green landscape each spring. Many turf managers look to a slow-release fertilizer to meter out nutrients. However, POLYON® controlled-release fertilizer provides the ideal solution for supporting early-season growth while ensuring long-term sustainability well into the summer months.

Best Fertilizer for Spring Green-Up

A slow-release fertilizer works well for spring green-up because it supplies nutrients to the turf in a manner that mirrors the natural process of nutrient release in the soil. Additionally, with a slow-release fertilizer, a steady supply of nutrients is provided as the turf wakes up, without risking over-fertilization.

POLYON® is a controlled-release fertilizer, which means that we use coatings and matrices to regulate nutrient release, making performance more predictable. In his article about fertilizer classification, Dr. Jeff Atkinson details the differences between types of fertilizer.

As a controlled-release fertilizer, POLYON supplies essential nutrients to the plant over time in accordance with temperature, not just moisture. POLYON's unique polymer-coated granules ensure that nitrogen and other key elements are released in sync with plant demand, reducing the risk of nutrient loss through leaching or volatilization. This efficiency not only enhances plant health but also minimizes environmental impact and mitigates labor costs. Additionally, POLYON fertilizer can be combined with a pre-emergence herbicide to provide further efficiencies in both time and cost.

You can predict POLYON performance using Harrell's proprietary POLYgraph software when working with a Harrell's rep. The POLYgraph allows users to map nutrient release, customizing POLYON for their desired release window. If you're interested in seeing this in action, use our Harrell's Rep Locator and reach out for a demonstration.

How POLYON® Supports Spring Green-Up

1.  POLYON Provides Immediate Nutrient Availability

1. As soil temperatures increase and the turf is ready to be fed, POLYON® begins to release nutrients, providing plants with the nutrients they need as soon as the weather is right, helping them break dormancy quickly and efficiently.

2.  POLYON Supplies Sustained Feeding

1. Unlike quick-release fertilizers that deliver a sudden surge of nutrients, POLYON® offers a steady, controlled supply over weeks or months, reducing the risk of nutrient runoff and excessive growth spurts.

3.  Enhanced Root Development

1. A strong root system is crucial for healthy turf and plants. POLYON® supports deep root growth, ensuring plants can access moisture and nutrients as the season progresses.

4.  Consistent, Even Growth

1. By preventing peaks and valleys in nutrient availability, POLYON® promotes uniform growth, reducing patchiness and improving the overall aesthetics of turf, lawns, and landscapes. For lawn care operators, POLYON also offers the added benefit of having customer lawns green up together in the spring, as discussed on our podcast with the team at GrassRoots Tree and Turf Care.

5.  Predictable Release

1. Due to POLYON®’s controlled-release nature, turf professionals are able to predict exactly how long nutrients will be available. Using our proprietary POLYGRAPH technology, you can see the timeline of release from initial application to when it’s time to reapply.

Connect with your Harrell’s Rep to learn more.

The Environmental Advantage

One of the standout benefits of POLYON® fertilizer is its eco-friendly formulation. POLYON®’s controlled-release design reduces the number of applications needed and mitigates nitrogen loss to the environment by reducing ammonia volatilization, leaching, and denitrification, cutting down on labor costs and potential environmental concerns. Delivering nutrients efficiently and precisely minimizes nitrogen loss, supporting both plant health and environmental stewardship to deliver not only healthy plants during green-up, but also peace of mind. 

Reach Out to Your Harrell's Rep for More Info About POLYON

For golf course superintendents, landscapers, and turf managers looking to achieve a vibrant, healthy green-up in the spring, POLYON® fertilizer is the optimal choice. Its innovative controlled-release technology ensures that plants receive the nutrients they need when they need them, leading to a lush, thriving landscape that lasts well beyond the initial green-up phase. With POLYON®, you can enjoy the beauty of a greener, healthier environment while contributing to responsible fertilization practices.

Learn more about POLYON® fertilizer and build the custom formulation that’s right for you by talking to your local Harrell’s Representative.