Fertilizing in the fall helps plants be hardier when the temperatures drop. We also recommend applying fertilizer in the late fall, toward the end of October or early November. This application will catalyze one last frenzy of root growth and really give your plants some staying power through the cold months.
When To Fertilizer Your Lawn in the Fall. The best time to apply your last fertilizer application is between August 15 and October 1. Ideally, your last lawn feeding should take place six to eight weeks before the average first frost in your area.
While this fall lawn fertilizer dose is important, an application at the end of October or early November is essential. At that time, apply a fertilizer with a formula of 13-25-12. The push of phosphorus will stimulate root growth through November and even into early December.
The November fertilizer application is the second most important time for cultivating a cool season bluegrass or tall fescue lawn, with September being the most important application. The November application helps the lawn flourish in several ways.
Applying fertilizer in the wrong season can cause increased tender new growth that can be damaged, especially if applied in cold weather in late fall or in winter. So it is best to stop fertilizing during dormant seasons. Additionally, in zones that can be in danger of a late freeze, it's best to wait until mid-spring.
Fertilizing in the fall helps plants be hardier when the temperatures drop. We also recommend applying fertilizer in the late fall, toward the end of October or early November. This application will catalyze one last frenzy of root growth and really give your plants some staying power through the cold months.
Timing: Apply fall lawn fertilizer once between August and November, right before winter hits, 6 to 8 weeks after the summer feeding.
The best time to make late fall applications of lawn fertilizer is typically in November or the very beginning of December when the grass stops actively growing or has slowed down to the point of not needing to be mowed.
I have just always thought that you fertilize when a plant is actively growing to help it along or right before it starts actively growing. But fertilizing in winter (or late fall depending on your climate) can actually offer nutrients to strengthen roots (that do often continue to grow in winter despite dormancy.)
This means the temperature can't be below freezing, so the task is typically handled sometime in early November in most places in the north. If you live in a warmer area, however, December can be a great time to fertilize your lawn.
If done too early you could be inviting damage from the winter weather, such as snow mold. The best time to fertilize can depend on the climate, but typically September and October are usually the best months to apply fall fertilizer.
Fertilize your lawn in early fall and again 6 to 8 weeks later with Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Weed & Feed. Not only will it help build strong, deep grass roots for a thicker, better lawn come spring, but it also provides nutrients to help repair damage from summer heat, drought, and activity.
Timing is Everything
Applying a fertilizer too late after the first frost can result in chemical burns, root damage, and blade damage. Ask your local lawn care professional when your area is ready for application if you're not completely sure.
The good news about rain or snow is that both are very good for your fertilization treatment. Fertilizer needs to reach the root system and it needs to mix with water. The fertilizer breaks down with either rain or snow. Now the fertilizer will begin to feed the root system and green up the lawn.
Jonathan Green Winter Survival is the best fall lawn fertilizer overall, and my top recommendation for fertilizing at this time of year. With a 10-0-20 NPK ratio, it has a generous serving of potassium which can aid in quickly repairing summer damage, and which will improve turf health going into the winter.
Can I put too much fertilizer on my lawn? There is the idea of “too much of a good thing,” and that definitely applies when it comes to fertilizing your lawn! Applying too much fertilizer to your lawn will cause the nitrogen and salt levels in the soil to increase rapidly, which can damage or even kill the grass.
Don't apply winterizer too late—Generally, winter fertilizer should be applied in November or earlier, depending on your climate. Try to avoid applying in early December, as the nutrients within the formula may not take hold in time to protect the grass from the harsh conditions.
A lawn winterizer is a late fall fertilizer application designed to help lawns store more food for winter survival, and to encourage thick and rapid growth and rooting in the spring.
Don't let the term fool you. Winter fertilizers are applied in the fall in preparation for winter weather. A winter fertilizer, aka fall fertilizer (whatever you want to call it, really), is a great way to feed your lawn one last time before you put it to bed for the year.
Ideally, you'll want to mow and rake before fertilizing, so that excess lawn waste is removed and the fertilizer will have an easier time reaching the soil. Aerating your soil before fertilizing can also help; the best times to aerate are when your grass is actively growing, such as in spring or early fall.
Watering after fertilizing washes the fertilizer off of the grass blades and into the soil, where it can get to work nourishing your lawn. It's also important because if fertilizer sits too long without being watered in, it can burn the grass.
Typically, September and October are the best months to apply fall fertilizer. The most important factor is that you make sure to complete your fall fertilization 2-3 weeks before the ground freezes. Thus, ensuring that your lawn reaps the full benefits of the fertilizer and avoids winter damage.
Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
If you want your lawn to look better and be healthier, fertilize in the fall.
You should fertilize your lawn a day or so after a light rain or using a sprinkler. This prevents the application from being washed away. The moisture gets your soil damp and ready to receive nutrients. Do not apply fertilizer before or after heavy rains.
The best fertilizer to apply to a lawn in fall is high in nitrogen, especially if you have a cool season grass in your yard. Aim to apply one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.