
Here are the best fertilizers for grass in fall you can buy in 2022:
- Best Overall: Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action
- Best For Thick Turf: Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun and Shade
- Easy To Use: Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK - Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer
- Best For Dark Green Color: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
- Best For Weed Control: Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass Plus Weed Preventer
Full Answer
What is the best winter fertilizer for my lawn?
What is the best lawn fertilizer for winter?
- Azomite Micronized Bag Organic Nutrients for Lawn- Best lawn winter fertilizer. ...
- Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Grass Lawn Food. Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food, 5 lb. Feeds up to 7,200 sq. ft. ...
- Safer Brand Ringer Organic Lawn Fertilizer. Covers up to 5,000 sq.ft. ...
- Scotts 5,000-sq. ft. Lawn Food Turf Builder Starter. ...
What is the best fertilizer for fall application?
Top 5 Best Fall Fertilizers For Lawn In 2021
- Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food. The first on our list comes from one of the most trusted brands out there, Scotts. ...
- Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food. It is all about the fall feeding for the lawn. ...
- Natural Alternative Fall Lawn Fertilizer. ...
- Sustane 8-0-4 Organic Winterizer Fertilizer. ...
- Espoma Organic Fall Winterizer Lawn Food. ...
How to fertilize your garden or lawn in late fall?
Instructions
- Figure Out How Much Fertilizer You Need. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for a fall fertilizer. ...
- Choose the Right Mixture. A complete fertilizer with a high ratio of both nitrogen and potassium (K) is essential for enhanced rooting, cold hardiness, disease resistance, and wear tolerance.
- Fertilize at the Right Time. ...
- Create a Fertilizing Schedule. ...
When to seed and fertilize your lawn?
When to Fertilize a Lawn
- Spring Fertilizing. Contrary to popular belief, the lawn does not need to be fertilized at the first sign of nice weather in the spring.
- Summer Fertilizing. A lawn will use its late-spring feeding to restore its carbohydrate reserves, so it can get through the ups and downs of summer.
- Fall Fertilizing. ...
- Get Local Advice. ...

What is the best fertilizer for grass in the fall?
“Nitrogen applied in the fall is the most important lawn fertilization of the year,” says Robert Cox, Colorado Sate University Cooperative Extension Agent. “Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 25-5-5, or something with a similar formula.”
When should I apply fall lawn fertilizer?
Apply fall lawn fertilizer once between August and November, right before winter hits, 6 to 8 weeks after the summer feeding.
What is the best thing to do for your lawn in the fall?
Fall Tasks for Cool-Season LawnsTest your soil. Fall soil testing helps take the guesswork out of managing your lawn's soil pH and nutrition. ... Feed your lawn. ... Overseed thin lawns. ... Repair bare spots. ... Remove excess thatch. ... Aerate compacted soil. ... Keep watering. ... Keep mowing.More items...
What are the best numbers for fall fertilizer?
Early fall fertilizers should be a 20-8-8 formula, while a late fall fertilizer application might require 13-25-12 mixture. These suggestions can be adjusted according to your grass type, lawn issues and on your landscaper's recommendations.
Can I fertilize my lawn in November?
This is the time of year when grass plants recover from disease, heat, drought, and other summer stresses and starts to prepare for the dormant period ahead.
What month to apply Scotts fall fertilizer?
Apply in the fall (around the middle of October) to any grass type, including newly seeded and sodded areas.
Is it too late to fertilize my lawn in October?
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.
What can I put on my grass for the fall season to make it nice and green?
Fertilize Your Lawn Lawn fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These nutrients support the grass. That way, it grows strong from the roots and stays green, healthy and lush. Nitrogen is especially important for getting beautiful green grass.
How do you green up your lawn in the fall?
7 Steps to Green Your Lawn this FallOne: Limb Up Trees. ... Two: Clear the Deck & Dethatch. ... Three: Aerate Your Lawn. ... Four & Five: Apply Seed and Fertilizer this Fall. ... Six: Topdress Your Lawn with Compost or Topsoil. ... Seven: Water, Water, Water.
Is November too late for fall fertilizer?
The best time to make late fall applications of lawn fertilizer is typically in November or the very beginning of December when the grass stops actively growing or has slowed down to the point of not needing to be mowed.
What is the difference between fall fertilizer and winter fertilizer?
Additionally, fall fertilizer sets the stage for the lawn's roots to make full use of the winterizer fertilizer that will be added later in the year. Fall fertilizer works best when applied to soil that has a temperature that has dropped to a 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can 10 10 10 fertilizer be used on all plants?
10-10-10 is considered an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer that you can use for all kinds of plants and situations. The numbers 10-10-10 represent the amounts of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus(P) and Potassium(K) - or as they're commonly known, NPK.
Is November too late for fall fertilizer?
The best time to make late fall applications of lawn fertilizer is typically in November or the very beginning of December when the grass stops actively growing or has slowed down to the point of not needing to be mowed.
How late can you fertilize in the fall?
Fall Fertilizer Timing For the majority of cool-season lawn owners, apply fertilizer anywhere from September through early November. The further north you garden, the sooner you'll feed your lawn.
What is considered late fall for fertilizing?
Contrary to traditional wisdom, many experts now consider late fall, or about a month after the first killing frost, to be the ideal time for applying fertilizers. We now know plants utilize nutrients throughout the year in different ways.
Should you fertilize the lawn in October?
Fertilizing Lawns in October – It is key that any lawn fertilizer applied in October not be the last feeding of the year. We strongly recommend two fall feedings for all lawns: early fall AND late fall. Of the 2, the late fall WINTERFEAST feeding is by far the more important for the lawn.
What is the best fertilizer for bare spots?
If lawn growers need a kind of fertilizer that enables them to treat the poor soil conditions like drought, bare spots, and burning out, Scotts Green Max Lawn Foo d is the best option because of its quick greening.
Why is lawn food made of natural components?
For the reason that the lawn food is made up of natural components, it provides clean and pure nutrients for all grass types in a whole year.
What is 16-4-8 balanced?
Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK comes packed with a great mixture of macronutrients along with all organic ingredients. It helps to nourish a lawn for a better long term effect as well as strengthen turf and promote a robust root system.
Why is nitrogen important in lawn food?
The high nitrogen of the NPK ratio enables nutrients to boost root growth and make the soil quality increased.
What is Scotts Green Max?
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a must have for any who wants to have a fast acting lawn with a dark green color.
What are the two things that lawn owners need to take into consideration when constructing a crown?
Regarding the stimulation of crown building, lawn owners need to take into consideration two things: the proper fertilizer and the right timing.
Why does my lawn burn?
The only thing for lawn carers to consider is that they can cause a burned lawn because of over-fertilization and not enough water to ensure the absorption.
How to keep grass healthy in winter?
Keep up with mowing and watering throughout the fall, to keep your grass at its healthiest in preparation for winter. If the idea of continuing to mow and water while also having to think about fertilizing, applying pre-emergent and aerating the soil seems like too much, consider hiring a professional lawn service to keep your lawn healthy year-round. Lawn care professionals take the guesswork and the labor out of your lawn care, so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn.
How to keep weeds out of grass in the fall?
Keep mowing and watering regularly throughout the fall to help your grass rebuild strong roots after the heat of summer. This will also help to choke out winter weeds, since the best way to keep weeds at a minimum is to have lush, thriving grass.
How should fertilizer be distributed?
Whichever fertilizer you use, it should be distributed evenly over the entire lawn for the best results. Many people choose to use a broadcast spreader to cast an even layer of product over the yard. Each type and brand of fertilizer is a little different, so be sure to read and follow the directions on the package to make sure you know how much fertilizer to apply to your yard.
How to keep your lawn healthy?
Or, you can hire a lawn care professional to handle the task for you, including the intricate calculations. Signing up for ongoing lawn service from a reputable company is a simple way to keep your lawn healthy through every season. And, it takes the work and the headache off your plate so you can just enjoy your yard.
How to determine the best fertilizer for fall?
The most exact way to determine the best fall fertilizer for your yard is to have a sample of your soil tested for its nutrient balance. Many people don’t realize how easy and inexpensive it is to get a soil test done. Instead, they ask for fertilizer recommendations from their local garden or hardware store about which product to use based on the type of grass they have in their yards. Hiring a lawn care service is an even better idea. A pro will know the best fertilizer products, timing and techniques for your particular lawn and climate.
What does 16-4-8 mean in fertilizer?
These numbers represent the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that the product contains by weight. Nitrogen helps grass blades grow thick and strong. Phosphorus helps grass roots grow. Potassium boosts your lawn’s ability to absorb needed minerals and nutrients from the soil.
What is the middle number of fertilizer?
The middle number, representing phosphorus content , should be proportionately low on any product you use unless you have a soil test done that shows low phosphorus in the soil in your yard.
What does the NPK ratio on a lawn fertilizer label mean?
Known as the NPK ratio, the numbers stand for the percentage of basic nutrients (N for nitrogen, P for Phosphorus, K for Potassium) the fertilizer contains. If a fertilizer’s NPK ratio is 12-0-10, for example, it contains 12 percent nitrogen, no phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium.
What is the best nutrient for grass?
Generally speaking, nitrogen helps plants stay green, phosphorus promotes root growth (though can be controversial due to its tendency to contaminate water), and potassium guards against drought and disease. Depending on the type of turf you have and the climate where you live, one combination will be better than others. Check the package against your grass species to ensure it’s got the optimal nutrient balance for your specific needs.
How long does it take for organic fertilizer to work?
They can take a bit longer to work their magic—it’s often a few weeks before results are visible. Although they require a bit of patience, the environmental and health risks are low.
What are synthetic grass fertilizers made of?
Synthetic varieties are engineered from minerals, gasses, and even waste with the intent of delivering fast results—sometimes within a matter of days. The downsides to synthetic fertilizers are their reputation for “burning” (i.e., killing) grass if used in too heavy-handed a manner.
What is the difference between liquid and granular fertilizer?
Liquid fertilizer, which comes as either a fluid (requiring dilution in water) or a powder (to which water should be added), tends to require more frequent application than granular.
Does milorganite fertilizer need water?
A granule-based product that’s high in iron as well as the usual nutrients, Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer has been known for greening up lawns since it was first used on golf courses in the 1920s. It doesn’t require water in its application, and it lasts up to 10 weeks, making it a no-hassle favorite with a gentle 5-4-0 NPK ratio.
Is Ringer lawn restore organic?
This organic fertilizer stands out for its gentle, reliable nutrient delivery system. Completely plant-based, Ringer Lawn Restore uses no bio-solids, making it free of the unpleasant odor associated with many organic fertilizers. Covering up to 5,000 square feet per 25-pound bag, Lawn Restore’s 10-0-6 NPK formula is high in nitrogen and potassium, with no phosphates. That makes it a good pick for eco-conscious renters and homeowners who want a lush, green lawn. One application lasts around 10 weeks or longer.
What is Greenview Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer?
What I like about Greenview Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer + Crabgrass Preventer is the quality of the fertilizer in the bag and the active ingredient of the crabgrass herbicide. It boasts a high-quality, professional grade slow-release nitrogen source called methylene-urea. This is a popular choice among professionals.
How long does crabgrass killer last?
The fertilizer releases evenly over an eight- to 10-week period without that flush of growth that can have you mowing more than you want. The crabgrass killer is Dimension. And its “extra strength” dose means it will keep your lawn crabgrass-free longer than other pre-emergents.
Why is nitrogen used in lawns?
The 10-0-20 analysis delivers just enough nitrogen to help repair your lawn from a stressful summer and to give it a kick-start the following spring.
What is Humic DG?
The Humic DG is an organic amendment that builds healthier soil and helps grass roots thrive. One of this fertilizer’s best features is the size of the granules, which are noticeably smaller than most fertilizers.
Why is it so hard to plant grass seed in spring?
Planting grass seed in the spring can be a challenge for several reasons. Your biggest headache will be battling all those weeds that are trying to germinate at the same time as your grass seed. Weed growth is severe in the spring and it will choke out those tiny seedlings as they try to grow.
Does Andersons lawn care?
But your lawn doesn’t care. However, it will care about what’s inside! Take a good look the fertilizers and pest control products offered by The Andersons. These are the same products golf courses and professional sport turf managers use to keep their grass looking and performing its best.
Is Jonathan Green fertilizer good for late fall?
I like Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer, a late-fall fertilizer, because it’s low in nitrogen and has a healthy amount of potassium.
How to keep grass healthy in the winter?
Keep your lawn or garden healthy before it goes into a period of winter dormancy with an application of fertilizer in the late fall. This is the time when cool-season grasses recover from summer stresses , such as drought, heat, and disease and turfgrass can begin to store carbohydrate reserves in the stems, rhizomes, and stolons. These carbohydrate reserves help grass resist winter injury and disease, as well as serve as a source of energy for root and shoot growth the following spring. Late-fall fertilization will also provide better winter color, enhanced spring green-up, and increased rooting. Additionally, a mild feeding of ornamental garden beds or vegetable gardens can also replenish soil that has been heavily depleted by growing plants over the season.
What is the ratio of nitrogen to potassium in fertilizer?
An ideal fall fertilizer blend has a nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium (N:P:K) ratio of 24-4-12 with isobutylidene diurea (IBDU).
Do you need fertilizer for a flower garden?
Flower or vegetable gardens similarly can thrive with fewer fertilizer applications than once believed , especially if they are properly amended with compost and other natural organic materials. Most gardens do well with one feeding shortly after planting and one as the growing season concludes. However, plants that produce large quantities of vegetables or large, plentiful flowers may need more.
Can you over fertilize your yard?
It's possible to over-fertilize your yard and garden. Too much nitrogen can be as damaging to plants as too little, 2 and using natural sources of nutrients, such as compost on the garden or mulching lawn clippings rather than bagging them, can replace some of the traditional chemical fertilizer applications.
Can fertilizer be applied over snow?
However, do not wait until the ground freezes or apply fertilizer over snow or ice. The Spruce / K. Dave.
Who is Kelly Burke?
Kelly Burke is a freelance writer and professional turf manager. Keep your lawn or garden healthy before it goes into a period of winter dormancy with an application of fertilizer in the late fall. This is the time when cool-season grasses recover from summer stresses , such as drought, heat, and disease and turfgrass can begin to store ...
Homeowners often lose interest in lawn care when summer wanes. Here's why you shouldn't skip that last fertilizer application of the season this fall
Homeowners often lose interest in lawn care when summer wanes. Here's why you shouldn't skip that last fertilizer application of the season this fall.
Why Fertilize the Lawn in Fall?
By the end of summer, your lawn is tired. Kind of like you after a long, hard workday. You’re tired, sore, mentally spent and want nothing more than to eat a nourishing meal and put your feet up for the evening.
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. So, if this date is Oct 10, like it is in Minneapolis/St. Paul, you should target August 15 to September 1 as your last application.
What Fertilizer To Use in the Fall
The answer here depends on local ordinances or state laws. Some states do not allow the use of lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus (the middle number*).
How to Fertilize Your Lawn in the Fall
Approach your fall fertilizer application just as you would any other. Follow the coverage recommendation for the chosen product. It’s always a good idea to split the application in half and then make two passes in different directions.
