Get the most benefit from turf fertilizer by applying it at the right time.
This seasonal guide will lead the way.
Take time to perform a soil test through a reputable testing lab.
Credit:Blaine Moats
Your local extension service can be a resource, and there are also several online soil testing companies.
Timely tool of a lawnfertilizer with the N-P-K ratioindicated by the soil test will supply ample nitrogen.
Know Your Grass
Thetype of grass that makes up your lawnhelps determinefertilizer timingby season.
These grasses have a soft texture and stay green late into the fall.
These grasses have a coarse texture and quickly turn brown in cool weather.
When to Fertilize Cool-Season Lawns
Only fertilize a lawn when it is actively growing.
Spring
Apply a balanced lawn fertilizer as indicated by the soil test in springafter the second mowing.
Use a slow-release fertilizer to limit excess growth and provide nutrients over the course of several weeks.
Apply up to 1 pound of slow-release fertilizer per 1,000 square feet in spring.
Word of caution: avoid overfertilizing in the spring.
A sudden influx of nitrogen will cause grass to grow fast at the expense of root health.
Summer
Apply little or no fertilizer in summer.
The lawn grows more slowly in summer and uses fewer nutrients.Drought and heatmight push the lawn into dormancy.
No amount of fertilizer will green up a dormant lawn.
Fall
Cool-season grasses benefit most from fertilizer applied in the fall.
Fertilizing in fall leads to a denser carpet of turf andprepares the grass for winter.
Winter
Do not fertilize a cool-season lawn in winter.
It is dormant and not actively growing.
Fertilizing in winter is wasteful and harmful to the turf.
When to Fertilize Warm-Season Lawns
Always fertilize a warm-season lawn when it is actively growing.
Generally, warm-season grasses grow when nighttime temperatures are above 70F.
Wait to fertilize in spring until after you have mowed the grass two or three times.
Dont fertilize centipedegrass and buffalograss in spring; they grow best with just onefertilizer applicationin the fall.
Choose a slow-release formula to avoid surges of growth.
Just like in spring, dont fertilize centipedegrass and buffalograss.
Fertilizing in summer will result in a greener lawn, provided rainfall is adequate.
If drought conditions develop and warm-season grass goes dormant in summer, do not fertilize.
Fertilizing dormant grass can kill the turf.
Fall is the most beneficial time to fertilize warm-season lawns.
If you’re free to only fertilize your turf once a year, do it in the fall.
Applying lawn fertilizer in fall spurs warm-season grasses to increase density, which helps them resist winter weeds.
The turf needs this lead time to absorb the nutrients before growth ceases in winter.
Use a water-soluble or quick-access form of nitrogen.
Do not fertilize a warm-season lawn in winter.
