Lawn Fertilization

Fertilizer feeds your lawn, but more is not better. A good program matches the products and timing to your grass type, your soil test and your local rules. Over-fertilizing burns grass, feeds weeds, and washes nutrients into storm drains and waterways, which is why some states and cities restrict when and how fertilizer can be applied. The three numbers on a fertilizer bag are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order. Nitrogen drives leaf growth and green color and is the main nutrient lawns need. Phosphorus is often unnecessary on established lawns with adequate soil levels, and several states restrict phosphorus products for that reason. A soil test tells you what your lawn actually needs. Grass type drives timing. Cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass are commonly fed in fall and, lightly, in spring, because fall feeding builds roots and recovery. Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, zoysia and St. Augustine are fed in late spring through summer when they actively grow. Feeding at the wrong time encourages weeds or stresses plants. Slow-release products feed over weeks and reduce the chance of burn and runoff. Quick-release products give a faster color boost but need careful handling. Never apply before heavy rain, to frozen ground, or onto hard surfaces; sweep stray granules back onto turf. Ask what your provider will apply, how much nitrogen per application, and how many visits per year. Some regions also restrict fertilizing near water bodies or during winter. A transparent provider can explain their program and show you the product labels.

The provider calibrates a spreader, applies granular product evenly, sweeps hard surfaces, and may recommend watering in. You should receive notes on product, rate and date.

Early spring and fall for cool-season lawns; late spring through summer for warm-season lawns. Follow local fertilizer restrictions.

Granular fertilizing is a classic DIY task with a spreader and a soil test. Hire if you want a managed program, or have trouble calibrating or timing applications.

What products and nitrogen rates will you apply, and when? Do you base the program on a soil test? Are you aware of my city or state fertilizer restrictions? Do you use slow-release products? How do you keep fertilizer off driveways and out of storm drains?