Spring Fertilization
The best time for a spring application of fertilizer is right after the soil is consistently warm enough not to freeze, because fertilizer will not penetrate frozen soil. Look for green as a sign that the lawn has started growing. Root growth in many types of grasses is fastest during spring so fertilizing them is really important for a healthy lawn. Fertilize lightly in spring for cool season grasses, and more heavily for warm season grasses.
Nitrogen fertilizer is a good choice for a spring application, as well as traditional mulch which is organic and provides as much nitrogen as a typical store bought fertilizer. Mulch is when grass that is mowed is chopped up into really fine particles and left on top of your lawn.
Summer Fertilization
Cool season grasses need a break from fertilization during the summer heat and late summer. If you use slow-release fertilizers during spring, you want to make sure those will be used up before the summer heat.
For warm season grasses, their growing season is in mid and late summer so fertilize according to the schedule on the type of fertilizer you choose. Most homeowners choose to pause fertilization during the peak heat of summer no matter what type of grass you have.
Be careful not to over fertilize. If anything, err on the side of under fertilizing. Over-fertilization results in lawn burn. The grass can turn yellow and the ends of the grass can even become a bit crispy!
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