Struggling to figure out when and how to fertilize your lawn? We know it can be frustrating trying to get the lush, green lawn you want without all the guesswork. That’s why we offer expert advice and proven methods to take the hassle out of fertilizing. With the right timing, tailored fertilizer treatments, and a simple plan to follow, you can easily achieve a beautiful lawn you’ll be proud of— and here’s all you need to know to get started.
The Best Times to Fertilize Your Lawn
Knowing when to apply lawn fertilizer can make all the difference for your grass. Think of your lawn as a hungry athlete, it needs the right nutrients at just the right time to perform its best. At JHL Turf Pros, we do things differently than some providers who just apply fertilizer without regard for the conditions. Instead, we carefully evaluate what’s best for your soil and grass.
Residential and Commercial Lawn Fertilization
If the timing isn’t right or a treatment isn’t necessary, we won’t recommend it. For most residential and commercial lawns, we use granular fertilizer. This slow-release option feeds your lawn over time, promoting long-term health and reducing the need for frequent reapplications.
“We care about the look of your lawn but also understand that what your lawn looks like is a clear picture of what’s going on underneath the surface. That’s why it’s important to know when and how to fertilize to create strong roots and a well established root system so your lush, green lawn stays healthy throughout the changing seasons.”
— Turf Manager, Andy Zook.
Athletic Field Fertilization
For athletic fields, where quick results are often required, liquid fertilizer is a better choice. It delivers an immediate green-up effect, making it ideal for fields preparing for games or events. For example, at the Harrisburg Senators’ field, we apply liquid fertilizer every two weeks to ensure the grass stays game-ready.
While liquid fertilizers provide fast results, they only last about two weeks. That’s why frequent reapplication is necessary to maintain their benefits. Unfortunately, some companies apply liquid fertilizer every 45 days, which does little for the long-term health of your grass or soil.
We also follow trusted fertilizer application guidelines from Penn State and apply three pounds per year. They recommend 1 pound of nitrogen fertilizer in April/May, another pound in early September, and a dormant feed in late November/early December. Nitrogen is like food for your grass, without enough, it turns yellow and invites weeds.
Lawn Fertilization Schedule
That’s why all of our customers, from homeowners to businesses, receive the right fertilizer for their needs throughout the growing season. Granular fertilizer, with its slow-release formula, ensures a healthier lawn over time, while liquid fertilizer serves as the perfect solution for high-demand situations like athletic fields.
This is a general timeline for when it’s best to fertilize however, it highly depends on the type of grass you have when determining the best time to fertilize. Cool season grasses do best if they are fertilized between late September and early November and again late March and early May. As where warm season grasses prefer to be fertilized late March to early May and again between late June and early August.
According to Andy Zook, TurfPros’ Turf Manager, “ Turf type tall fescue, kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass tend to grow best here in Central PA.
1. Spring (April)
After a long winter, your lawn is waking up and needs a boost. That’s when we recommend applying 1 pound of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. This gets the grass growing strong and healthy as the weather warms up.
2. Early Fall (November)
Late in the year, it’s all about helping your lawn build up strength to survive the winter. Another pound of nitrogen in November ensures your grass’s roots stay healthy, so it’s ready to bounce back in the spring.
3. Special Cases
Athletic fields and event lawns sometimes need extra care. For quick greening, liquid fertilizer can be applied every two weeks. At JHL Turf Pros, we use this method to keep fields like the Harrisburg Senators’ pristine.
How Often Should You Fertilize?
You’ve probably asked yourself, “How often should I fertilize my lawn?” The short answer: it depends. Here’s a breakdown:
- Homeowners: Three times a year in spring, early fall and late November/early December is usually enough. We use slow-release granular fertilizer for residential lawns because it nourishes the grass gradually and promotes long-term soil health. The fertilizer we use is professional grade and better quality than what you can buy over the counter.
- Athletic Fields or Special Use Areas: These can follow the same three times per year getting three pounds of nitrogen as mentioned for above Homeowners. However, depending on field wear, these may need more frequent care. For example, liquid fertilizer can be applied every two weeks to keep the grass vibrant and game-ready. Talk with a lawn care treatment expert to get the right recommendation so you’re not doing too much or too little.
Can Fertilizer Hurt New Grass?
Good question! Fertilizing newly seeded lawns can be tricky:
- Use a starter fertilizer designed for new grass.
- Avoid overdoing it on nitrogen early on; it’s all about supporting those young roots first.
- Don’t worry—our team at JHL Turf Pros always evaluates your lawn’s unique needs to give it the best start.
When Should You NOT Fertilize?
Timing matters, but so do conditions. Just as there are ideal times to fertilize your lawn to assure it’s healthy all year long, there are also times that fertilizing can cause more harm than good.
When You Should Avoid Fertilizing:
- During droughts: Fertilizer needs water to work, and a dry lawn can get stressed out.
- Before heavy rain: It’ll just wash away, taking your money with it.
- In extreme heat: This can burn your grass instead of feeding it.
What’s the Best Fertilizer for My Lawn?
Not all fertilizers are created equal. Granular and liquid are the two types of fertilizers we use to create a healthy lawn. Here’s what you should know:
- Granular Fertilizer: This is our go-to for most homeowners and businesses. This is a slow-release fertilizer, meaning it releases nutrients slowly, feeding your lawn over time and improving soil health. Think of it as a balanced, healthy meal for your grass.
- Liquid Fertilizer: For athletic fields and high-traffic areas, liquid fertilizer works wonders when you need a quick greening boost. It’s short-lived (lasting about two weeks), but it’s perfect for when you need results fast.
At JHL Turf Pros, we only recommend what’s best for your lawn. Unlike some companies that apply fertilizer on a one-size-fits-all schedule, we consider your soil, grass type, and your specific goals to give your lawn exactly what it needs.
Don’t Put Junk Food On Your Lawn
We care about the long-term health of your grass and to do that, you also need to protect the soil. Putting harsh chemicals for a quick fix, doesn’t do anything for your lawn except cause more harm than good in the long run. That’s why we always prioritize slow-release, long-lasting fertilizers. Your grass (and your wallet) will thank you.
We are sure to take your lawn’s health and your needs into consideration before making an assessment on what treatment is best for your lawn. This was evident when our Turf Manager, Andy Zook, stepped in to help out at his kids’ school when the field was looking a little less than spectacular before school started and football season got kicked off.
Andy said, “My kids’ school was about to start, and their sports field grass was brown from a drought. I told the athletic director I could have it green by the end of the week. We applied liquid fertilizer, and in just three days, the fields were lush and ready for back-to-school games.”
Let’s Recap
- When to Fertilize: Aim for spring (April) and fall (November)
- How Often: Three times a year for most lawns; potentially more for athletic fields.
- What Type: Granular for long-term health, liquid for quick results.
- Avoid Overdoing It: Too much fertilizer can harm your grass and soil.
Your Hassle-Free Lawn Awaits
At JHL Turf Pros, we know how frustrating lawn care can be when you’re trying to troubleshoot issues on your own. That’s why our goal is to always make it as easy as possible for you. With more than 30 years of experience and a trusted reputation (we’re even the official lawn care provider for the Harrisburg Senators), we’ve got your back and your lawn.
Whether you’re looking to keep a lush, green backyard at your home, creating a year round inviting entrance at your place of business, or hosting athletic events at sports facilities, we have lawn care treatment plans to fit your every need.
Get a quote today, and let’s transform your lawn from drab and dying, into something you’ll be proud of all year long, without having to do all the heavy lifting.