In fact, a lawn fed twice in the fall will stay green longer into winter and be the first to green up in the spring.” When it comes to what form of fertilizer to use, it all comes back to your objective. “Something like a sulfur-coated type product is good to use earlier in the fall,” Miltner says.
This will help promote strong root growth for a better lawn next spring, while killing many broadleaf weeds. In the North, give grass a headstart on strong root growth by using Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Food twice in the fall: once around Labor Day and a second time 6 to 8 weeks later.
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.
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.
Apply fall lawn fertilizer 2 to 3 weeks before the ground freezes. To find an exact date, look for the first frost date in your area. That date is typically a good time to fertilize since the ground hasn't frozen yet. More generally, mid-October is a good time to apply lawn fertilizer.
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.
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.
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.
We recommend waiting 24 hours after fertilizing to water your lawn, which will give the fertilizer time to settle. After the 24 hours are up, it's important to give it a good soak—not just a quick spritz with your hose—to activate the fertilizer and help the critical nutrients absorb into the soil.
When should I apply winter fertilizer? Apply a winter fertilizer to your lawn when it's finished growing but not yet dormant underneath the surface. For many parts of the country, this is around November, though it may be time to apply sooner if you live in colder climates.
If you make your first application of fertilizer by early April, a second spring application that contains slow-release nitrogen (organic or chemical) should be applied in late May or June (normally about two months between applications).
The label of the fertilizer will tell you the rate (amount) of fertilizer to apply and how often it should be used. Soluble fertilizers, for instance, are applied every two weeks during the growing season. Granular fertilizers are generally applied about every six to eight weeks.
Fertilizing provides the nitrogen that grass needs to better withstand pests and extreme heat and cold. But how frequently you fertilize your lawn can make the difference between a well-kept yard and one that looks worse for wear. Overfertilizing can damage roots and cause scorching, leaving grass brown and patchy.
Similarly, your grass will react negatively to excessive fertilization. This burst of nutrients will cause your grass to (initially) grow very quickly. If you give your turf too much of a boost, you risk allowing the structure of your grass blades to grow much faster than its root system below.
The second fertilization should be in the late summer or early fall, which does two things: it replenishes the energy reserves of the grass that were depleted when the grass worked on surviving the summer, and it winterizes the grass by making it grow denser so winter weeds, which are present in warm climates, get less ...
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.
Rain After Fertilizer -- Granular Applications
Granular fertilizer and insecticide applications need to be watered in. This activates the product. Slow-release granular fertilizer is not easily washed away and doesn't dissolve quickly in water. So rain after fertilizer is actually a good thing.
If fast results are desired, lightly water the product in after application; however, watering-in is not required.
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.
You can usually apply most non-liquid granular fertilizers to wet grass, but not saturated ground. If there are ponds or heavy rain, it's best to wait until the ground processes the water before applying any type of fertilizer. If there's light rain, it's okay to spread dry granular fertilizer.
Ideal Time to Fertilize
Applying fertilizer (and water) in the afternoon will cause the moisture in the soil that is preventing the lawn from burning to evaporate as the sun beats down on the lawn. It's also important for grass to dry out slightly before the nighttime temperatures.
The first thing to know about fertilizer is the formula. It is represented by three numbers, such as the most common 5-10-5. *Note: What these numbers represent are: nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium. Early fall fertilizers should be a 20-8-8 formula, while a late fall fertilizer application might require 13-25-12 mixture.
Contrary to popular opinion, fall is the best time of the year for lawn care. Fertilization, weed and thatch control, establishment of new lawns, and renovation of poor quality lawns should be done over the next few weeks. Your most successful seeding time is right around Labor Day.
Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
If you want your lawn to look better and be healthier, fertilize in the fall.