Fertilising your lawn is without question, one of the most important things that you can do to keep it healthy, happy, and thriving throughout the year. But when is the best time to fertilise your lawn? What time of the year is most appropriate? Also, at what time of the day is better? And finally, when you decide to fertilise your lawn at different seasons throughout the year, what is the best type of fertiliser to use?
In this article, we’re going to break it down for you. Let’s have a closer look:
When is the best time to fertilize your lawn?
Ultimately, spring is without question the most important time for you to fertilise your lawn. This is just as the lawn is breaking from its winter dormancy.
As the weather begins to warm up and your grass begins to grow again, it is time to undertake your spring lawn care routines.
Of course, be sure not to get too carried away and spread your fertilisers too early. Timing is essential. Apply your fertiliser too early and your lawn won’t get the full benefits of nutrient uptake.
As the season begins to warm up, the speed at which your grass grows will increase as well. When doing so, you will want to use a slow-release granular fertiliser. This will slowly release the nutrients throughout the spring months in your lawn. Having a good feed with slow-release nitrogen, for example, will help your lawn properly prepare itself for the harsh summer months to follow.
Granular fertilisers are highly popular. This is because they are easy to apply, and again, the slow delivery of nutrients is much more effective at this time of year.
Best time of day to fertilize the lawn?
So, when is the best time of day to fertilise your lawn? Ideally, you’ll want to be fertilising your lawn in the late afternoon to early evening. If you are applying fertiliser in direct heat and sunlight, then you may cause the grass to burn.
And remember, more is not better. You must apply your fertiliser sparingly using a spreader to ensure that you are providing an even application so as not to burn your lawn.
Can I fertilize my lawn in winter?
Can you fertilise your lawn in the winter months? Honestly, you should be careful not to fertilise your lawn too early. You see, in wintertime, the grass is likely to be dormant, particularly if you haven’t been irrigating.
If you fertilise your lawn too early in spring (which will technically still be winter), then you’ll be providing all of these nutrients to the grass before it was broke dormancy.
If you want deep and healthier roots, and a weed-resistant lawn, then you should probably wait until mid-spring before fertilising your lawn.
Best winter lawn fertilizer?
If you do decide that you want to fertilise your lawn in winter, then you must use a slow-release (or controlled-release) fertiliser. This will act as a sort of pick-me-up treat until your lawn finally comes out of dormancy.
Of course, if you have already fertilised earlier in the year, such as Autumn, then you should wait until early to mid-spring before fertilising again—in this case, winter fertilising will be unnecessary, and likely a waste.
You see, most of the fertiliser won’t be picked up by the grass in winter and so it will simply wash away with the rain.
If you are concerned with your grass losing its colour, you may wish to try some form of ‘lawn paint’ product, which can reintroduce the green pigment into your lawn, as well as acting as a type of fertiliser.
Best lawn fertilizer for spring?
Fertilising in spring as you may have already guessed by the delivery of this article, is crucial. It allows it to bounce back strong after the dormancy of winter, whilst being well-prepared for the summer months ahead.
Again, slow-release fertiliser with a high nitrogen count will allow your lawn to easily outcompete any weeds that wish to try their luck, whilst repairing any damage endured from the winter.
Best autumn fertilizer for lawns?
What is the best fertiliser for lawns in Autumn? That’s a good question. Fertilising in Autumn is important as well. Doing so can help your lawn prepare for the winter hibernation. The days will be shorter as well, so they will not receive as much energy from the sunlight and thus will rely heavily on the nutrients present in the soil.
You can use a slow-release fertiliser in mid-Autumn. This will encourage think lawn coverage and help to keep it as green as possible during the winter.
Another approach is to consider using a pre-emergent herbicide. This can add plenty of the required nutrients to your soil, whilst keeping winter weeds from invading your lawn.
Best lawn fertilizer for summer?
What is the best lawn fertiliser for summer? Well, if you do decide to fertilise in the summer, then (you guessed it) a slow-release fertiliser is a good option. You’ll want one with sulphur-based polymers that can be slowly broken down in the water, heat, and sunlight. Using this approach allows you to minimise the overall risk of fertiliser burn. It will also remain in the soil for longer as well. Some can even last up to 3 months, depending on the amount of water your lawn receives throughout that period.
Our Conclusion
All in all, spring is the most appropriate time to fertilise. So, if you only plan to fertilise once in the year, then that would be the best time to do it.
Also, remember to fertilise your lawn in the late afternoon, to early evening time. This is when the sun isn’t scorching down on the grass, making it much safe and more appropriate to do so.
If you are looking for the best fertiliser for your lawn, then check out a reputable supplier. There you can find a variety of fertiliser types to choose from.
In any case, we wish you the best of luck with your lawn care routine, please take a look at our post about how many times a year you should fertilise your lawn for more information.