The frequency of fertilizing your lawn depends primarily on the type of grass you have and your local climate, but general guidelines are as follows:
General Recommendations
- Three times a year is ideal for many lawns: once in spring, once in summer, and once in autumn
- If you fertilize only once a year, spring is the best time to do it
By Grass Type
Cool-Season Grasses (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass, fescue)
- Typically fertilized twice a year : once in spring (late March to early May) and once in fall (late September to early November)
- Avoid fertilizing in summer as these grasses go dormant and fertilizing then can harm them
- Some recommend a couple of fall feeds at medium nitrogen levels for easier management and healthy growth
Warm-Season Grasses (e.g., bermudagrass, St. Augustine)
- Usually fertilized two to four times per year : starting in late March to early May , then again in summer (June to August), and possibly into early fall
- Avoid fertilizing too late in fall to prevent encouraging growth before dormancy, which can reduce winter hardiness
Frequency Details
- For established lawns, a common rule of thumb is fertilizing every 8-10 weeks during the growing season, especially for warm-season grasses
- For cool-season grasses, frequent fertilization (every 4-6 weeks) is generally unnecessary and can promote weeds and fungus; two main applications per year are usually sufficient
- Over-fertilizing can damage roots and cause lawn scorch, so it is important not to exceed recommended amounts
Summary Table
Grass Type| Recommended Fertilizing Frequency| Best Times to Fertilize
---|---|---
Cool-Season| 2 times per year| Spring (late Mar–early May), Fall (late
Sep–early Nov)
Warm-Season| 2 to 4 times per year| Late Mar–early May, Summer (Jun–Aug),
possibly early Fall
General (any)| 3 times per year (if possible)| Spring, Summer, Autumn
Minimal (once)| 1 time per year| Spring
Additional Tips
- Always follow the fertilizer package instructions for application rates
- Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient needs and avoid over-fertilizing
- Proper mowing and watering complement fertilization for a healthy lawn
In essence, most lawns benefit from fertilizing two to three times annually, with timing adjusted to grass type and local climate conditions. Over- fertilizing is more harmful than under-fertilizing, so moderation and attention to your lawn’s specific needs are key
