Does your lawn look a little sad and brown in the middle of summer? You water it, you mow it, but it still seems to droop when the heat really kicks in. You are not alone! Summer heat and stress can really beat up your beautiful green grass. Choosing the right fertilizer for these hot months feels like a puzzle. Do you pick one with more nitrogen, or maybe something else? Too much of the wrong thing can actually hurt your lawn when it needs help the most.
Stop guessing and start growing a healthier summer lawn today. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain what your grass needs when the sun is blazing. You will learn exactly which nutrients fight off summer stress and keep your yard looking vibrant, not wilted. Ready to transform your lawn from survival mode to thriving mode? Keep reading to discover the secrets to the perfect summer feeding schedule!
Top Summer Lawn Fertilizer Recommendations
- Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control kills and protects against listed bugs, and feeds and strengthens your lawn against heat and drought
- Controls listed lawn insects like ants, armyworms, chinch bugs, crickets, fleas, grasshoppers, spiders, and ticks
- Apply bug killer plus fertilizer to a dry lawn in the summertime when insect activity or damage is first observed
- This lawn care product can be used on any grass type
- One 13.35 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Summer Lawn Food is a fertilizer that builds strong, deep roots and greens grass with up to 50% less water (vs. unfed turf maintained using university guidelines for weekly volume water replacement for established turf)
- This 2-in-1 fertilizer plus water maximizer is powered by Everydrop Technology, a wetting agent which helps drives water into hard, dry soil
- Apply to a dry lawn in the summertime or in drought conditions
- This lawn care product can be used on all grass types
- One 9.42 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Summer Lawn Food covers 4,000 sq. ft.
- 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 SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control kills and protects against listed bugs, and feeds and strengthens your lawn against heat and drought
- Included insecticide controls listed lawn pests like ants, armyworms, chinch bugs, crickets, fleas, grasshoppers, spiders, and ticks
- Apply bug killer plus fertilizer to a dry lawn in the summertime when insect activity or damage is first observed
- This lawn care product can be used on any grass type
- One 40.05 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control covers 15,000 sq. ft.
- 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.
- 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.
- Covers 6,000 sq ft (18 lb) - OR - 15,000 sq ft (45 lb)
- Contains 3% Iron + Bio-Nite
- Analysis is 7-0-20:: N-P-K
- Great for a hearty pop of color and sweet relief for a stressed lawn
- 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 types
- One 37.50 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food covers 15,000 sq. ft.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Summer Lawn Fertilizer
Summer heat puts a lot of stress on your lawn. Proper feeding keeps your grass green and strong, even when temperatures soar. This guide helps you pick the best summer fertilizer for a lush, healthy yard.
Key Features to Look For in Summer Lawn Food
When you shop for summer fertilizer, look for these important features. These elements help your lawn handle the heat and stay vibrant.
1. Slow-Release Nitrogen (The Long-Lasting Fuel)
- What it is: Nitrogen is the main nutrient for green growth. Slow-release nitrogen feeds your lawn slowly over several weeks.
- Why it matters: Fast-release nitrogen can cause quick, weak growth that burns easily in the summer sun. Slow-release prevents burning and keeps the color steady.
2. Balanced Nutrient Ratio (The N-P-K Numbers)
- What it is: Fertilizers show three numbers (like 10-0-10). These are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Why it matters: For summer, you want higher Nitrogen (N) for color. You often want low or zero Phosphorus (P) because it helps with root growth, which isn’t the main focus in summer. Potassium (K) is important for stress resistance.
3. Weed and Pest Control (The All-in-One Option)
- What it is: Some summer formulas include herbicides (weed killers) or insecticides (bug killers).
- Why it matters: This saves you time. However, only buy these if your lawn actually needs them. Applying weed killer when the grass is already stressed can sometimes cause damage.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients determine how well the fertilizer works. Understand these materials before you buy.
Slow-Release Sources
Good slow-release ingredients include sulfur-coated urea or polymer-coated urea. These materials wrap the nitrogen, releasing it slowly as the soil warms up. This is much better for summer than quick-release urea.
Potassium for Heat Defense
Look for potassium sources like Muriate of Potash. Potassium helps your grass manage water stress. It builds up the plant’s natural defenses against drought and heat.
Micronutrients
Sometimes lawns need small amounts of Iron or Magnesium. Iron helps deepen the green color without forcing too much growth. Check the label to see if these are included, especially if your grass looks pale.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Fertilizer Quality
Not all fertilizers perform the same way. Quality matters, especially when conditions are tough.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- High Organic Matter: Fertilizers containing compost or seaweed extracts improve soil health over time.
- Uniform Pellet Size: When the little fertilizer pieces are the same size, they spread evenly. This prevents stripes of dark green and light green in your yard.
- Good Coating Technology: Better coatings on slow-release nitrogen mean more consistent feeding over a longer period.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- High Quick-Release Nitrogen: Too much fast-acting nitrogen causes “flush growth” that burns up quickly in the heat.
- Dusty Product: If the bag contains a lot of fine powder, it can clog your spreader or blow away before it reaches the soil.
- Wrong Timing: Applying a heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizer during the hottest part of summer can damage the grass, no matter how good the ingredients are.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the fertilizer affects your results.
Application Method
Most summer fertilizers come in granular (small pellet) form. You spread these using a broadcast or drop spreader. Always read the spreader settings chart on the bag. Correct calibration ensures you apply the right amount. Over-applying is a common mistake that leads to burned spots.
Best Use Cases
- Mid-Summer Touch-Up: Use a light, balanced formula if your lawn starts fading in July.
- Pre-Drought Prep: Apply a formula rich in Potassium a few weeks before the worst heat hits. This strengthens the grass roots against drying out.
- Post-Weed Killer Application: If you used a summer weed killer, wait about two weeks before fertilizing to avoid stressing the grass further.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Summer Lawn Fertilizer
Q: When is the best time to fertilize in the summer?
A: Apply fertilizer in early summer (June) and then again in mid-to-late summer (July or August), depending on your grass type and local heat. Avoid fertilizing when temperatures are above 90°F for several days.
Q: Can I use the same fertilizer I used in the spring?
A: Maybe not. Spring fertilizers often have higher Phosphorus (P). Summer lawns need less P and more focus on slow-release Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K).
Q: Will fertilizer make my lawn grow too fast in the summer?
A: If you use a fast-release formula, yes. Slow-release formulas prevent this rapid growth spurt, keeping the lawn manageable and healthier under stress.
Q: What do I do if I accidentally put down too much fertilizer?
A: Water immediately and deeply. Heavy watering helps dilute the nutrients and move them past the grass roots so they don’t burn the plant tissue.
Q: Should I water before or after applying summer fertilizer?
A: It is best to water lightly before application. Then, water again soon after applying the granules to wash the fertilizer off the grass blades and into the soil.
Q: Does grass stop needing fertilizer in the hottest part of summer?
A: Some grasses, like cool-season grass (Fescue, Rye), benefit from a break during peak heat. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia) can handle light feeding throughout the summer.
Q: Is “organic” fertilizer better for summer use?
A: Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly as microbes break them down. This slow release is excellent for summer, as it feeds the lawn gently without burning.
Q: What N-P-K ratio is generally best for summer?
A: Look for ratios where the middle number (P) is low or zero. Something like 20-0-10 or 15-5-15 works well for summer feeding.
Q: Can I apply fertilizer when it’s raining?
A: No. Rain washes the fertilizer away before it can soak into the soil properly, wasting the product and potentially polluting runoff water.
Q: How does Potassium (K) help my lawn survive the heat?
A: Potassium improves the plant’s ability to regulate water. It helps the grass close its pores (stomata) during the hottest parts of the day, reducing water loss.