The benefits of a lawn fertilizer schedule are endless. For starters, feeding your grass will let it grow greener and thicker. Fertilizing improves the health of a lawn’s root system, making the grass more resistant to weeds and drought. When done properly, lawn feeding drastically upgrades the yard’s appearance and makes those summer barbecues all the more welcoming.
Fertilization, like any lawn care task, requires special attention when it comes to timing, frequency, and location. All of these factors impact its effectiveness and the overall health of your grass. In fact, neglecting them can hurt your lawn. Our advice will help you establish an effective lawn fertilizer schedule.
Why Fertilization Timing Matters
It’s important to keep your geographical location and grass type in mind when building your personalized fertilization schedule. The goal is to align your lawn feedings with periods of peak active growth. This timing lets your grass best absorb the nutrients it needs to grow green and lush and resist disease throughout the year.
If you live in the South or Transition Zone, your fertilization schedule may start as early as March. If you live in the North, your lawn may not be ready to green up and grow with fertilizer until May. Plan your first feeding for right around the same time your lawn needs a first mow.
Grass Type and Location Make a Huge Difference
Every variety of grass falls into one of two categories: cool-season or warm-season turfgrass. Lawns in the North include cool-season grasses like Tall and Fine Fescue, Rye, and Kentucky Bluegrass. Lawns South of the growing transition zone are considered warm-season grasses such as Centipede, Bermuda, Saint Augustine, and Zoysia. The Transition Zone includes a mixture of cool and warm-season grasses that both thrive within this region.
Because of their different climate conditions, warm and cool-season grasses have different fertilization requirements. Additionally, individual grass types also impact the lawn fertilizer schedule. As a result, the timing and frequency tips below are only general rules of thumb. For the most accurate information concerning your lawn’s specific fertilizer schedule, consult your local Lawn Doctor professional. They can help refine your grass fertilizer schedule and pest control program.
How Often Should You Fertilize Your Lawn?
Cool-season and warm-season turfgrass should be fertilized frequently during the optimum climate conditions to encourage root development and turfgrass density. Timing is dependent on your region and growing conditions. Grass should be fertilized every four to six weeks with the number of treatments ranging from four to eight per service season. The lawn’s health plays an effect and certain growing conditions may necessitate fewer fertilizer applications. Contact your local Lawn Doctor for information on fertilizer programs in your area.
When Should You Fertilize Your Lawn?
Cool-season grasses should be fertilized well in the spring to encourage deep roots and healthy top growth well before the signs and symptoms of summer stress. Light fertilizer applications made in summer will ensure the turf remains healthy, continues to push new growth, and recover from hot and dry conditions. Fall fertilizer applications remain the most important for plant recovery and storing nutrients before winter dormancy.
Warm-season grasses are fertilized in early spring to encourage new growth and develop a healthy root system. During late spring and summer, warm-season turfgrass thrives and as a result requires more stabilized nutrients to outcompete weeds. Late summer and fall fertilizer applications improve the overall health and appearance of your lawn, allowing the turf to store nutrients before winter dormancy and encourage a rapid spring greening.
Your Seasonal Fertilization Schedule
Once you’ve identified your cool- or warm-season grass, you can treat your lawn to an optimal care schedule. While some people fertilize their lawns just once a year, you’ll get healthier, more beautiful results with strategic applications that span the seasons. Here are some general timing tips for your lawn’s natural growth cycle.
Spring
- Cool-season grasses (April-May): Your grass is slowing down after early spring growth. Fertilize in the late spring to help balance top growth and root development, and prepare for summer stress.
- Warm-season grasses (March-May): Warm-season grasses are coming out of dormancy. Fertilize in the mid to late spring to encourage healthy growth as soil temperatures rise.
Summer
- Cool-season grasses (N/A): Cool-season grasses are under heat stress and may go dormant. Fertilizing during the summer can cause burning or excessive leaf growth.
- Warm-season grasses (June-July): Early to mid-summer is the prime growing period for warm-season grasses. Fertilize now to support strong, dense growth during the hottest days.
Fall
- Cool-season grasses (September-November): Fall is the most important time to fertilize cool-season grasses. Feed your lawn in the early fall to promote root growth and recovery after the hot, dry summer. Fertilize again in the late fall to prepare for winter dormancy and early spring growth.
- Warm-season grasses (September): As temperatures drop, warm-season grasses begin preparing for dormancy. Use a light application of fertilizer in the early fall to help your grass store energy for the next growing season.
Get Started on Your Lawn Fertilizer Schedule Now
Spring is the best time to get the ball rolling on fertilizer schedule. The sooner your lawn is fed, the better equipped it will be to thrive over the coming months. Don’t forget to consider other lawn care maintenance schedules too. Fill out the form below or contact Lawn Doctor today for expert lawn and garden fertilization services.
