Feed your lawn when its grass is actively growing. Cool-season grasses such as tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass benefit most from feeding in early and late fall, with a lighter feeding in spring. Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine and centipede should be fed from late spring, after green-up, through summer. Water after applying, and follow the label rate.
Fertilizing at the wrong time wastes money and can weaken the lawn. The right timing depends on your grass type.
Know your grass type
| Type | Common grasses | Where it grows |
|---|---|---|
| Cool-season | Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue | Northern and transition-zone lawns |
| Warm-season | Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede, bahia | Southern lawns |
Your local extension service publishes the best schedule for your region.
Cool-season schedule
- Early fall: the most important feeding, helping the lawn recover from summer.
- Late fall: a second feeding before dormancy supports roots.
- Spring: a light feeding, if needed. Heavy spring feeding can push weak growth before summer heat.
- Summer: usually avoid feeding stressed, dormant lawns.
Warm-season schedule
- Late spring: feed after the lawn has fully greened up.
- Summer: feed through the active growing season as the label directs.
- Fall: stop feeding several weeks before the first expected frost.
Reading the bag: N-P-K
The three numbers are the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. A 24-0-6 bag is 24% nitrogen, no phosphorus and 6% potassium. A soil test tells you what your lawn actually needs, and some areas restrict phosphorus.
Slow-release vs quick-release
- Slow-release feeds steadily and is less likely to burn.
- Quick-release greens up fast but needs more careful rates.
How to apply
- Mow a day or two before.
- Use a spreader set to the label rate.
- Apply in overlapping passes, perimeter first.
- Sweep granules off driveways and sidewalks back onto the lawn.
- Water as the label directs.
Common questions
What month should I fertilize my lawn?
It depends on your grass. Cool-season lawns: September to November is the most important window, plus a light feed in spring. Warm-season lawns: from late spring after the lawn greens up, through summer.
What do the three numbers on fertilizer mean?
They are N-P-K: the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by weight. Nitrogen drives green growth; phosphorus supports roots; potassium supports overall health and stress tolerance.
Should I water after fertilizing?
Usually yes, for granular fertilizer: watering moves nutrients into the soil and prevents burn. Always check the product label, since some products have different instructions.