Timing is crucial when fertilizing your lawn. The proper application of lawn fertilizer can give your grass the extra boost in health, growth, and resilience it needs throughout the year. By following a structured fertilization schedule, you can ensure your lawn gets all of the nutrients it needs at the correct times so it can grow lush and green.
At Lawn Pride®, we’ve perfected and tailored our fertilization offerings, so we have the expertise needed to offer you the best tips on fertilizing your lawn and maximizing the results for a thriving landscape.
Understanding Lawn Fertilization by Season
Your lawn needs tailored fertilization throughout the year, so we can’t just give you one fertilization schedule. Instead, we’ll break it down into specific seasons for optimal results. Each season requires a targeted and unique approach to keep the grass thriving, even in the harshest winter.
Spring Lawn Fertilization (March - May)
When to fertilize your lawn: Early spring is the perfect time to fertilize as the grass enters its growing season. This period falls between late March and early May, depending on your location and the climate conditions. The key here is to fertilize when the grass is actively growing just right before it enters its peak growth phase.
Best practices: When fertilizing in spring, choose a balanced fertilizer that provides essential nutrients such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and nitrogen (N). Find a fertilizer that has a ratio of 3-1-2 (N-P-K) to give your grass all the nutrients it needs.
Weed prevention: While fertilizing your grass is essential, you could also be fertilizing any weeds that start growing. Spring is a great time to apply any pre-emergent herbicides with your fertilizer.
Summer Lawn Fertilization (June - August)
Mid-summer fertilization: As temperatures start to rise, you’ll need to change your fertilization approach. If you’re in an area that gets enough rain, you can apply a lighter layer of fertilizer. If you notice a section of your grass that isn’t doing as well, you can use targeted fertilizer.
Use a slow-release fertilizer: Because the grass isn’t actively growing, you don’t want to overwhelm it with too many nutrients. A slow-release fertilizer will gradually deliver these nutrients and minimize the risk of browning or burning the grass.
Watering tips: Adjust your watering schedule according to rainfall so you can maintain proper levels of moisture. Keeping your lawn hydrated in the summer is important, but if you water it too often, it’ll be more challenging for the grass to absorb the nutrients.
Fall Lawn Fertilization (September - November)
Fall lawn fertilizer: Early fall supports root development before the winter dormancy sets in. Try to apply the fertilizer around September or early October. For detailed tips on fall lawn care, check out our fall lawn care guide.
Use nitrogen-rich fertilizers: These fertilizers promote greener lawns and stronger roots. It’ll help your grass recover from the stress of summer while preparing for colder months.
Follow a fall lawn fertilizer schedule: This is essential to ensure your grass has the resources it needs to thrive in winter and bounce back in the spring.
Winter Lawn Fertilization (December - February)
Winter lawn fertilizer tips: For cool-season grasses, you can apply a fertilizer that maintains root health during the winter months.
Timing is crucial: Apply your winter fertilizer to maximize nutrient absorption before the ground freezes. It will help your grass store energy and prepare it for the next growth cycle.
Creating a Lawn Fertilizer Schedule
Adhering to a lawn fertilizer schedule is important to maintaining the health of your grass. While this schedule will depend on your type of grass and local climate, it roughly aligns with these months:
- March: Apply a balanced fertilizer along with pre-emergent herbicides
- June: Use a slow-release fertilizer to support summer growth
- September: Fertilize with nitrogen-rich formulas to prepare for winter
- December: Apply winter fertilizers for cool-season grasses
Remember that the different grass types (cool season vs warm season) may require adjustments to this example plan. For specific tips on warm-season grasses like Bermuda, explore our Bermuda grass care guide. Contact us today to learn more about when to fertilize your lawn!d
How Lawn Pride Can Help with Your Fertilization Schedule
At Lawn Pride, we offer customized fertilization services tailored to your lawn’s unique needs. Our local service professionals will evaluate your lawn type, soil condition and easily spot any lawn diseases to create seasonal fertilization plans that maximize your lawn’s health and appearance. All our work is backed by our Neighborly Done Right Promise™.
Contact us today to discuss when to fertilize your lawn and request an estimate.
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not apply to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Lawn Pride is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Lawn Pride for more information and a professional on-site assessment.