Lawn fertilization basics: How to fertilize your lawn like a pro
By Evan Crowther•Last updated Jun 8, 2023
Last updated Jun 8, 2023
Owning a lawn for the first time is an exciting achievement. But learning the ins and outs of proper lawn care can be overwhelming.
One of the key aspects of lawn care is lawn fertilization. In this guide, we’ll break down how to fertilize a lawn properly with easy, step-by-step instructions.
Why fertilize your lawn?
A fertilized lawn supports healthy plant growth. By enriching the soil with essential nutrients, fertilizer keeps grass and other plants actively growing. Over time, you’ll notice a difference in the vibrancy and color of a fertilized lawn. Depending on the type of fertilizer, it can also help prevent weed growth and repel pests.
When to fertilize the lawn
The best time to apply lawn food depends on the type of grass in your yard and the climate in your area.
Generally, you’ll want to time fertilizer applications with periods of active growth. For cool-season grasses, that means early spring and fall. Warm-season grasses need fertilizer most in early summer.
You may also want to conduct a soil test. A soil test can help you understand which nutrients and fertilizer your lawn needs.
Be sure to follow a regular fertilizer schedule. Plan to apply fertilizer at least twice a year, though the amount needed may vary by season.
What you need to fertilize your lawn
These are the things you’ll need to fertilize your lawn:
- Grass fertilizer: Choose a product formulated for your specific grass type.
- Spreader: Use a broadcast spreader or drop spreader to distribute the fertilizer.
- Lawn aerator: If you have compacted soil, consider aerating it for the best results from your fertilizer.
- Protective gear: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a mask to protect yourself when handling lawn care products.
How to fertilize your lawn in 5 easy steps
Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, you should know how to fertilize a lawn. Here are the key steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose the right fertilizer
Make sure you have all the tools you need and choose the fertilizer that’s best for your lawn.
Winterizer fertilizers and spring fertilizers have different balances of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You should also decide whether you want a slow-release or quick-release fertilizer. All of these factors depend on the type of plant life in your yard.
Step 2: Gather your tools
Once you’ve researched your grass and fertilizer options, make sure you have everything you need.
For smaller lawns or lawns that only need fertilizer in certain areas, you may prefer a drop spreader or a handheld spreader. A broadcast spreader is ideal for covering large areas. You might also need a lawn aerator to help your soil absorb nutrients.
Step 3: Aerate your lawn if necessary
Aerating a lawn means making small holes in the soil that allow water and air in. You can use a rolling aerator or simply poke holes with a pitchfork.
Aerating breaks up compacted soil that keeps plants from getting the water and nutrients they need. It’s usually best to aerate before fertilizing.
Step 4: Apply the fertilizer
Now it’s time to spread the fertilizer. Fill your spreader with the type of lawn food you selected. Refer to the bag for the recommended amount, then spread the fertilizer evenly over your lawn.
For best results, try to maintain an even pace and avoid stopping. This helps prevent overfertilizing, which can harm your lawn.
Step 5: Water the lawn
After spreading the fertilizer, water the lawn thoroughly. Watering helps the fertilizer penetrate beneath the grass so your soil can absorb the nutrients.
Lawn fertilizing mistakes to avoid
If you choose to fertilize the lawn yourself, avoiding these mistakes will help you get the job done right:
- Overfertilizing: Too much fertilizer can cause fertilizer burn, which discolors plants and damages roots.
- Underfertilizing: Use too little fertilizer or fertilize too infrequently, and your plants won’t have the nutrients they need to thrive.
- Uneven application: If you don’t spread an even layer of fertilizer, some areas of your lawn may get fertilizer burn while others wilt.
- Using the wrong type of fertilizer: Do your research before applying fertilizer, or you may supply your lawn with the wrong balance of nutrients.
- Fertilizing at the wrong time: When you should fertilize depends on the time of year, the type of grass, and the minerals in your soil.
- Overwatering: Although your lawn needs water, too much can stifle growth and wash away fertilizer. It’s also important to water slowly to avoid fertilizer runoff, which can damage the environment.
Hire a lawn care service on Thumbtack
There are a lot of variables when it comes to fertilizing your lawn. You have to know your soil and your plants to select the best fertilizer. Knowing when to fertilize and how much also takes research and varies by situation. For the best results, it may be best to leave it to a lawn care professional.
Finding the best contractor in your area can be a challenge with so many options out there. The easiest way to hire a lawn care service is with Thumbtack. Download the Thumbtack app today to find the right contractor for your lawn.
FAQs
Should I water after fertilizing?
Watering the lawn after fertilizing is an essential step. It not only ensures the fertilizer reaches the soil but also helps the soil absorb it. Skipping this step can make it difficult for your plants to absorb nutrients and lead to fertilizer burn.
Do you apply fertilizer to wet or dry grass?
It’s usually best to apply fertilizer to dry grass. Applying fertilizer to wet grass can also lead to fertilizer burn.
Wet grass absorbs the salts in fertilizer too quickly and loses too much moisture. Fertilizing dry grass also helps prevent clumping or washing away.
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