Does your lawn look more patchy and brown than the lush green carpet you dream about? You water it, you mow it, but something is still missing. That missing piece is often the right food for your grass—fertilizer! Choosing the perfect fertilizer can feel like a guessing game. Should you pick the one with more nitrogen, or maybe the slow-release kind? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the numbers and confusing bags at the garden store.
Getting this choice wrong means wasting money and possibly even harming your beautiful turf. But don’t worry! We are here to clear up the confusion. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about fertilizers for your lawn. We will explain what those important numbers mean and help you match the right product to your grass type and soil needs.
Keep reading to discover the secrets to a vibrant, healthy lawn. By the end, you will confidently select the best fertilizer and watch your yard transform. Let’s dive into the world of lawn nutrition!
Top Fertilizers For Lawn Recommendations
- Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food feeds and strengthens grass to help protect against future problems
- Fertilizer builds strong, deep roots and improves the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients (vs. unfed lawn)
- Apply lawn care product to a wet or dry lawn
- Grass fertilizer works on any grass type
- One 12.5 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 14.29 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 5,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a dual-action fertilizer and iron formula that feeds your lawn and provides deep greening in just 3 days
- This lawn care product contains 5% iron, a micronutrient that enhances the greening process for fast results
- Apply this fertilizer plus iron supplement to any grass type in the spring, summer, or fall
- Guaranteed not to stain concrete, driveways, or other surfaces surrounding your lawn (when used as directed)
- One 16.67 lb. bag of Scotts Green Max Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food builds strong, deep grass roots for a better lawn next spring
- Fertilizer delivers the nutrients lawns need to help recover from damage caused by summer heat, drought, and activity
- Apply to a wet or dry lawn in the fall, as this is the best time to feed
- This lawn care product is for use on any grass type
- One 10 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food covers 4,000 sq. ft.
- Complete NPK Lawn Food: 16-4-8 is the perfect blend of key macronutrients. This lawn liquid food turf fertilizer also contains Seaweed & Fish.
- Contains High Quality Feed Grade Ingredients: Nourish your lawn with pure liquid Nutrients in a ready to use sprayer
- Easy To Use: Designed to be easily applied. This complete Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash formula gives your grass greening & growth while providing nutrients for lush lawns
- All Grass types: Including Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Buffalo, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Bahia, Fescue, Ryegrass & Kentucky Bluegrass
- Produced In The United States: 16-4-8 is manufactured in the United States of America, by a family owned business with 25 years of former experience in the commercial professional turf industry.
- Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food is your go-to liquid fertilizer and iron supplement for greening your lawn in just 3 days, so bring on those last-minute barbecues and an outdoor season chock-full of fun
- The dual-action, 2-in-1 formula feeds and supplements with iron to enhance and deepen the green color of your grass
- Apply to any type of grass, from Kentucky Bluegrass to Bermudagrass; for the best results use regularly from early spring through late fall
- A well-fed lawn leads to a green lawn, which cleans air, prevents runoff and soil erosion, and makes the great outdoors even greater
- Application is as easy as connecting your hose to the bottle, pointing the spray nozzle and letting this liquid fertilizer cover up to 2,000 sq ft—no granules, no spreaders, no hassle
- SUNDAY IS OFFICIALLY ON AMAZON: Sunday Lawn Care, the premium lawn care brand now available on Amazon! Say goodbye to harsh ingredients and hello to a healthier, greener lawn with Sunday.
- NUTRIENTS YOUR LAWN NEEDS: Our 22-0-3 cutting-edge liquid formulation helps fortify your grass by encouraging deep rooting with ingredients like nitrogen, seaweed, iron, and potassium.
- BENEFITS OF FERTILIZING: By fertilizing your lawn with Green Machine, you can extend the greenness of your lawn, and improve your lawn’s ability to resistance to injury.
- WHEN TO APPLY: Apply every 4 to 6 weeks while grass is still growing and daily temps range from 60-89° F. For best results, avoid applying fertilizer past mid-October.
- EASY, DIY LAWN CARE: Fertilizing your lawn with Sunday is as easy as watering your lawn! Simply attach the pouch and universal sprayer to your hose and spray!
- Grows new grass 70% thicker, 35% quicker versus unfed grass
- Improves seeding results--also great for sod and grass plugs
- 24-25-4 fertilizer ratio provides the nutrients for developing lawns
- Safe for any grass type, whether you're planting new grass, starting a new lawn, or reseeding an existing one
- Covers 5,000 sq. ft
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Lawn Fertilizers
A lush, green lawn makes your home look great. Fertilizer is the food your grass needs to grow strong and healthy. Choosing the right one can seem tricky, but this guide will help you pick the best product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at fertilizer bags, you will see three numbers, like 10-10-10. These numbers tell you the percentage of the three main nutrients your lawn needs.
The Big Three Nutrients (NPK)
- Nitrogen (N): This helps the grass grow fast and look deep green. It’s the most important nutrient for leaf growth.
- Phosphorus (P): This helps roots grow strong, especially in new grass or seedlings.
- Potassium (K): This helps the grass handle stress, like heat, cold, or disease.
Granular vs. Liquid Fertilizer
- Granular (Dry): These look like small pellets. They are easy to spread evenly with a spreader and release food slowly over time. They are great for long-term feeding.
- Liquid: You mix these with water and spray them on. They feed the grass quickly, giving you fast results, but you need to apply them more often.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release
Slow-release fertilizers feed the lawn gradually over several weeks or months. This means fewer applications and less chance of burning your grass. Quick-release fertilizers work very fast but can cause the grass to grow too quickly or burn if you use too much.
Important Materials in Lawn Fertilizer
Good lawn fertilizers contain more than just NPK. They often include helpful additions.
- Micronutrients: These are small amounts of other things grass needs, like iron (for deep green color) and magnesium.
- Weed Killers (Weed & Feed): Some products combine fertilizer with chemicals to kill weeds at the same time. Read the labels carefully if you use pets or children often on the lawn.
- Starter Fertilizers: These have higher phosphorus levels. They are best when you are planting new grass seed.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your fertilizer depends on how well it delivers nutrients to the soil.
Quality Boosters
High-quality fertilizers use coatings on the granules. These coatings control how fast the nutrients dissolve. This slow, steady feeding prevents waste and keeps the lawn looking consistent.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid)
If a fertilizer dissolves too fast, you waste money, and the extra nutrients can run off into storm drains, which harms the environment. Also, avoid using fertilizer right before a huge rainstorm, as the rain will wash the food away before the grass can use it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the fertilizer changes which type you should buy.
- For Beginners: Choose a slow-release granular product. It is very forgiving, meaning it is hard to mess up the application. Use a broadcast spreader for the easiest results.
- For Quick Fixes: If your lawn looks pale right before a party, a liquid spray will green it up in a few days.
- Seasonal Feeding: Most lawns need feeding 3 to 4 times a year. Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in the spring and fall. Use a product higher in nitrogen in the summer if your grass is still growing actively.
Always follow the directions on the bag precisely. Over-fertilizing hurts your grass more than not fertilizing at all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Fertilizers
Q: What is the best time of year to fertilize my lawn?
A: Generally, spring is the best time to start feeding. Fall feeding is also very important because it helps the grass store energy for the winter.
Q: How often should I apply fertilizer?
A: Most lawns need fertilizer 3 to 4 times per year. Always check the specific product instructions for the correct waiting time between applications.
Q: Can I use fertilizer if I have pets or kids playing outside?
A: Yes, but wait until the granular fertilizer has watered in completely or the liquid spray has dried. This usually takes a few hours. Slow-release products are generally safer once they are applied.
Q: What do the numbers on the bag (like 24-0-10) mean?
A: They show the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) in that order. 24-0-10 means 24% Nitrogen, 0% Phosphorus, and 10% Potassium.
Q: Should I water my lawn before or after I apply granular fertilizer?
A: It is best to water lightly *before* you apply fertilizer to dampen the soil. Then, water again *after* application to wash the granules off the grass blades and down to the roots.
Q: What is the difference between organic and synthetic fertilizers?
A: Synthetic fertilizers are made in a lab and work fast. Organic fertilizers come from natural sources like manure or bone meal and break down slowly, feeding the soil health over time.
Q: My grass looks yellow. Is that a sign I need more fertilizer?
A: Yellowing grass (chlorosis) often means it lacks Nitrogen or Iron. A balanced fertilizer or one specifically high in iron can help correct this color problem.
Q: Can I use a fertilizer meant for gardens on my lawn?
A: You should not. Garden fertilizers often have different NPK ratios and may contain ingredients that are harmful to turfgrass.
Q: How do I avoid burning my lawn with fertilizer?
A: Never apply more than the bag suggests. Always use a spreader set to a low rate, and water the lawn thoroughly after applying, especially with quick-release formulas.
Q: Does fertilizer help with bare spots in my lawn?
A: Fertilizer helps existing grass grow thicker, but it does not grow new grass on bare spots. You need to spread grass seed on bare areas first, then use a starter fertilizer to help the seeds grow.