How To Fertilize A Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn is easier than you might think. All you need is the right product, applied in the correct amount, and done before it rains or before you water your lawn.

Tools and Materials Needed:

Fertilizer
Spreader
Measuring Tape
Scale

Steps

Remove debris and loosen the existing soil using a hard rake or rototiller. If needed, add additional soil to the area. We recommend using our garden soil. Apply the soil to the depth specified in the application rates below.

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Measure the lawn to determine the square footage.

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Weigh out fertilizer based on the guidelines below.

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Start spreading on a low to medium setting, applying half the amount over the lawn.

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Apply the remaining half during the second pass in a perpendicular direction (hatch pattern).

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For Best Results:

Fertilizer should be applied every 6–8 weeks throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Regular use will help thicken the lawn, which in turn will choke out weeds.
Use the appropriate fertilizer for each season (see chart below).
Apply fertilizer using either a handheld or push spreader, ensuring to follow the recommended application rates (see chart below).
Fertilizer dissolves with water, so it’s best applied before rain or before watering your lawn.

View the chart below to find the turf fertilizer that matches your needs:

Season	Recommended Fertilizer	Application Rate	Bag Size & Coverage
Early Spring	30-5-5 Grass Grower	5 pounds per 1,000 square feet	10KG – 4,400 square feet 25KG – 11,000 square feet
Spring	21-7-7 Weed Choker	5 pounds per 1,000 square feet	10KG – 4,400 square feet 25KG – 11,000 square feet
Summer	16-8-8 Maintenance	7 pounds per 1,000 square feet	25KG – 7,800 square feet
Fall	21-7-7 Weed Choker	5 pounds per 1,000 square feet	10KG – 4,400 square feet 25KG – 11,000 square feet
Late Fall	30-5-5 Grass Grower	5 pounds per 1,000 square feet	10KG – 4,400 square feet 25KG – 11,000 square feet
New Seed Starter	5-20-20 New Seed Starter	5 pounds per 1,000 square feet	10KG – 4,400 square feet 25KG – 11,000 square feet

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Fertilizer FAQs

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the three primary nutrients needed by lawns. Nitrogen is the most required nutrient; however, too much nitrogen can result in excessive top growth, leading to potential problems.

The percentage of nitrogen (by weight) is always listed first on the fertilizer bag, followed by phosphorus and potassium.

For example, an 18-6-12 fertilizer contains 18 percent nitrogen. This percentage is important because it determines how much fertilizer is needed. In most cases, a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is recommended for each fertilizer application.

If fertilizers with a high nitrogen percentage are used, less actual fertilizer product is needed to supply that one pound compared to fertilizers with a lower nitrogen percentage.