Maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn is a task that many homeowners pride themselves on. One key aspect of lawn care is fertilization, which replenishes essential nutrients and promotes robust growth. However, knowing the best time to fertilize your lawn is crucial for achieving optimal results. Experts in lawn care have studied and understood the cycles of grass growth and nutrient uptake to provide guidance on when to apply fertilizer for maximum benefit.

The first thing to recognize is that the best time to fertilize your lawn depends on the kind of grass you have. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, thrive in cooler temperatures of fall and spring. They experience their peak growth periods during these times, so applying fertilizer in early fall (September to early October) gives these types of grass a boost before the winter and helps them green up in the spring. Another lighter application can be done in spring as the soil temperature warms up to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

For warm-season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, zoysia, and buffalograss—which grow most actively during warmer months—the ideal fertilizing time starts from late spring until early summer when temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit but before it gets too hot. This timing ensures that the grass can make the most of the nutrients during its growing season.

However, there’s one rule that applies to all grass types: Avoid fertilizing during periods of drought or intense heat, as the lawn may be stressed and less able to absorb nutrients effectively. Additionally, over-fertilizing or applying off-schedule can lead to runoff which not only wastes fertilizer but also can harm local ecosystems.

Another factor is the soil’s health itself. Conducting a soil test can determine what nutrients are lacking; based on this information you can select an appropriate fertilizer blend.

Besides seasons and soil conditions, how often you should fertilize also plays a part. Generally, aiming for one to four times a year could suffice for most lawns—more isn’t always better.

Combining expert recommendations with observing your own lawn’s condition throughout the year will help you fine-tune your fertilization schedule for lush, green results that make your outdoor space stand out in every season.