If you care about keeping your lawn looking nice, you probably already know that lawn fertilization is very important. But getting the timing and frequency right is equally important. Not enough fertilization could make your lawn look stagnant, but too much fertilization could backfire and “burn” spots in your beautiful lawn. So the important question is, “How often should you fertilize your lawn?”
Most lawns should be fertilized 2-4 times per year for optimal growth, depending on the type of grass and your climate.
There are many factors that impact the ideal frequency and the best timing throughout the year, which you’ll learn about next.
When Is The Best Time To Fertilize Your Lawn?
There are a number of factors to consider when determining the best time to fertilize your lawn, but generally speaking, the best time to apply fertilizer is when the grass is growing most rapidly.
Fertilizer doesn’t stay in the dirt forever, especially if there is a lot of rain, so you don’t want to apply fertilizer when the grass is not able to absorb and utilize the fertilizer, such as in the middle of a cold winter.
For most climates and grass types, early Spring (March & April in many climates) is the #1 best time to fertilize your lawn. The most ideal timing for a Spring fertilization is when the grass has begun to grow again (after being dormant for the winter) and is almost ready to be mowed. This is when the grass is focusing a lot of its energy on growing, so feeding it with a powerful fertilizer gives it the boost it needs to thrive and grow well.
If you fertilize your lawn only twice a year, the first should be early Spring and the second should be before the dead of Winter, which in many climates is early to mid-Fall (September through November).
For more than two fertilizer applications, additional applications should happen after the first early Spring feeding and before the mid Fall feeding, with at least 4-6 weeks between feedings.
How Can I Determine The Ideal Frequency For My Lawn?
The most important factor that impacts how frequently you need to fertilize your lawn is your climate.
In cooler climates, 2 fertilizations per year is plenty. In warmer climates, 3-4 fertilizations per year is ideal. This is because in warmer climates, grass tends to grow more rapidly, which makes more frequent fertilization more effective.
Another important factor to consider is the type of grass you have. Some grasses require a lot more water, in which case more fertilizer can be beneficial.
The best way to determine your ideal frequency to fertilize your lawn is to ask a local lawn care professional.
Should I Apply Fertilizer Myself Or Hire A Lawn Care Professional?
While it is common for homeowners to apply their own fertilizer, doing this yourself comes with its own set of risks. You need to make sure you apply fertilizer at the right time of year, at the appropriate frequency, and so on. Missing the mark in any of these areas could result in a lawn that simply isn’t thriving or worse yet becomes damaged from over-fertilization.
If you’re not completely confident in your ability to properly fertilize your lawn or you have a lot of questions about the timing and the process, then hiring a local lawn care professional is probably your best next step. If you’re in the Lancaster County area (Pennsylvania), the team here at Diamond Lawncare would love to serve you! Call us at 717-575-0706 or click here to learn more about our lawn fertilization service.
