Spring is one of the busiest times in the lawn care calendar, and if you’re like me you can’t wait to get your grass to wake up, green-up, and look great. But don’t just throw down any old product – you want something that will give you great results and set your yard up for healthy growth and incredible curb-appeal all season. For that you’ll need the best spring lawn fertilizer.

The best spring lawn fertilizer for you will depend upon your lawn’s current condition, but a beginner-friendly choice that will work for just about everyone is Milorganite Nitrogen Fertilizer. It has a slow-release formula, which means you can’t mess it up and burn your lawn. This formula also provides extended feeding so you don’t have to fertilize as often. I also like that it contains micronutrients like iron (which will make your grass a darker green) and copper.

But Milorganite isn’t right for everybody. Maybe you want a spring fertilizer that will help you deal with weeds, or simply don’t own a granular fertilizer spreader (and don’t want to buy one) – and would prefer a good liquid fertilizer program.

No problem – I’ve got you covered!

Check out the other spring lawn fertilizers I recommend below to find the one that will work best for your property. 

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My Favorite Spring Lawn Fertilizers

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How to Choose the Best Spring Fertilizer for Your Lawn

There are dozens of fertilizers available on the market. So it can often feel overwhelming trying to choose one for your lawn.

The easiest way to narrow down these options is to focus on certain features. It’s also smart to familiarize yourself with the most common mistakes that buyers make.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you find the perfect spring fertilizer.

What to Look For When Buying Spring Lawn Fertilizers

The main factors that you should look for when buying fertilizers for spring are:

The Right Combination of Nutrients for Spring

Spring fertilizers consist of some combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Each fertilizer will have one or more of these elements in different proportions. You’ll be able to tell the amount of each nutrient by looking at the 3-part figure on the label. This is typically referred to as the NPK ratio.

Just to illustrate, a fertilizer label might have the description 25-0-10. This means that it contains 25% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus and 10% potassium. If you’d like to know the quantity of each nutrient, simply multiply its percentage by the total amount of the fertilizer.

For instance, to find the amount of nitrogen in a 40-pound bag, multiply the 20% by 40 to get 8 pounds of nitrogen.

So how do you know which nutrients your lawn needs? The best way is to use a lab-based soil test kit like this one to determine what your lawn is missing.

The Fertilizer Composition (how it’s made)

There are two main varieties of spring fertilizers, namely, organic and inorganic.

• Organic – this fertilizer is produced using natural ingredients. The greatest benefit it offers is that it’s eco-friendly, which makes it safe to use in areas with pets or kids. Better yet, most organic fertilizers release nutrients gradually. This gives your lawn ample time for absorption. However, they also tend to be more expensive than synthetic products.

• Inorganic – this is also known as synthetic, and it’s manufactured artificially using chemicals. With synthetic fertilizers, you’ll have the freedom to choose from a wider variety. Whether you prefer the lawn food to be in powder, granules or chips, there’s no shortage of them. The catch? These fertilizers have a higher risk of toxicity, especially if you apply an excessive amount. To avoid this, be sure to apply only the amount that’s enough for your lawn. You’ll also want to avoid fertilizing areas that are very close to water bodies; to reduce the risk of contamination/pollution.

The Form It Takes (how it will be applied)

Spring fertilizers can be classified further as either liquid or granular. Each one presents its fair share of benefits and drawbacks.

Here’s an overview of each type:

• Liquid – if there’s one thing that spring liquid fertilizers are good at, it’s the fact that they act fast. As soon as you apply, it gets to work instantly. This makes it a great option for lawns in severe distress. Sadly, the fact that it’s fast-acting can also be a disadvantage. It may take multiple applications to get optimal results. On the plus side, these fertilizers are very easy to apply. All you need to do is hook it to a hose or use a backpack sprayer to apply.

• Granular – granular fertilizers are more widely available than their liquid counterparts, and part of the reason is they’re shelf-stable for longer. They’re also (generally) cheaper, which makes them easier to buy in bulk for box stores. Most of these fertilizers also have slow-release formulas. This ensures that your lawn is getting a steady supply of nutrients over time. On the flipside, they require a little more work when it comes to application. First off, you’ll have to buy a fertilizer spreader (if you don’t have one already). Then after treatment, water your lawn lightly. This is necessary to ensure nutrients reach the grass roots.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Spring Lawn Fertilizers

Avoid the following mistakes when choosing your next spring fertilizer:

• Failing to do a soil test – before you think of buying a spring fertilizer, you should do a soil test on your lawn. This will reveal the specific macronutrients that are missing. In return, you can focus your search on fertilizers that are rich in the deficient element. In my lawn care cheat-sheet, I stress the importance of conducting the soil test early on; typically in March or early April. This gives you enough time to analyze the results and start your search for a suitable fertilizer. This is the soil test I use, which is also available on Amazon.
• Paying attention to the NPK ratio only – sure, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the most crucial nutrients for your lawn. But they’re not the only ones that matter. Check the list of ingredients to ensure that the fertilizer contains some key micronutrients as well. For instance, lawn food that contains a bit of iron makes your lawn greener. This one from The Andersons is incredibly complete and well-balanced.
• Going for the cheapest fertilizer you find – just because a fertilizer is low-priced doesn’t mean it’s a great deal. Some manufacturers keep their prices down by incorporating fillers and other unnecessary elements into their products. So before you choose a particular fertilizer, check the ingredient list and confirm that it’s good for your lawn.

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Want to give your lawn a bit of TLC in spring?

Milorganite is a well-balanced slow-release fertilizer that’s sure to restore your lawn to a pristine condition. Here are some of the features you can expect from it.

Nutrients

 As the title suggests, one of the core nutrients in this fertilizer is nitrogen, and it accounts for at least 6% of its composition.

But what truly sets it apart is its slow-release formula, which nourishes your yard for a period of 10 weeks. This allows your lawn grass to grow steadily while also minimizing the risk of fertilizer burn.

Furthermore, nitrogen isn’t the only nutrient that your lawn will be getting. Milorganite also provides a modest dose of phosphorus (4%), and a bit of iron and copper.

The phosphorus aids in the storage and transfer of energy while enhancing rooting. The iron boosts greening while copper enhances resistance to diseases.

This range of nutrients and slow-release formula makes this fertilizer suitable for different areas. Other than lawns, you can also use it on trees, shrubs, vegetables and flower beds.

Application

Milorganite Nitrogen Fertilizer is designed to meet the needs of every homeowner. It comes in two different sizes, enabling you to find one that covers your lawn space.

If you have a small-size lawn, the 5-lb. bag will suffice. For bigger lawns, go for the 32-lb.bag that covers a maximum area of 2,500 sq.ft. 

The slow-release fertilizer is granular. This means that you’ll need a drop or broadcast spreader for an easy application.

The manufacturer has also provided different application rates for guidance. What impresses me is that they also recommend doing a soil test first to determine the application rate that works best for your lawn.

Another thing you’ll love about Milorganite is that it doesn’t need to be watered in. This is because of its slow-release formula. However, you should avoid applying it if there’s a rainstorm in the forecast. This way, the fertilizer doesn’t get washed away before it’s absorbed into the soil.

Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Specifications

NPK ratio	6-4-0
Type	Granules
Coverage	2,500 sq.ft.

My Final Take-Away: Are you looking to create a lawn that will become the envy of your neighbors? If so, Milorganite Fertilizer is just what you need. It releases nutrients gradually over 3 months, facilitating efficient absorption whilst reducing the risk of fertilizer burn.

Where to Buy Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• ACE HARDWARE
• HOME DEPOT
• AMAZON
• DO MY OWN
• WALMART

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Have you been searching for a granular fertilizer that offers maximum value for money? If you have, the Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is just what you need. Here’s a detailed review of it.

Composition

One thing that sets this fertilizer is its high nitrogen content. This nutrient makes up a staggering 32% of the fertilizer’s total composition.

This is what promotes grass growth, causing your lawn to become dense and have a vibrant green color.

This fertilizer also contains soluble potash. This nutrient helps to reinforce the cellular structure of grass, so it’s able to withstand more stress; be it heavy foot traffic or summer heat.

Scotts has included several other nutrients that you’ll rarely find in other spring fertilizers. The first one is sulfur, and it helps in regulating the soil’s pH levels.

A very high pH can impede the availability of nutrients that grass needs to grow; hence, the need for regulation.

This lawn food also contains iron, albeit in small amounts. This helps your lawn to become greener over time.

Application

With Scotts Turf Builder, you’ll be able to buy just the amount you need to cover your lawn size. This significantly reduces the risk of over-fertilizing.

For small-to-medium lawns, the 12.5-pound bag is enough as it covers about 5,000 sq.ft. For bigger lawns, choose the 37.5-pound bag, which boasts a maximum coverage of 15,000 sq.ft.

One other feature that drew me to Scotts Turf Builder is the flexibility of its application. For instance, it can be applied with any spreader you have on hand; be it rotary, drop, broadcast or Wizz. Secondly, it’s suitable for applying on either a wet or dry lawn.

That said, it’s good practice to follow up its application with light watering. This is particularly important if the temperatures in your area are consistently high; above 90°F.

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food Specifications

NPK ratio	32-0-4
Type	Granules
Coverage	5,000 sq.ft.

My Final Take-Away: Fortified with sulfur and other micronutrients, Scotts Lawn Food offers complete nutrition while helping to ward off heat stress. It comes at an unbeatable price, and it’s safe to use around kids and pets.

Where to Buy Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• ACE HARDWARE
• DO MY OWN
• WALMART
• HOME DEPOT
• TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

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Some fertilizers include a high proportion of one nutrient. These are great for lawns that are deficient in that particular element.

But if you’re looking for a well-balanced fertilizer, The Andersons 10-10-10 is your best bet. Here’s what you can expect from it.

Composition

It’s a no-brainer that its well-balanced formula is this fertilizer’s biggest selling point. It contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Thanks to this, it can be applied at any time during the growing season. Better yet, it contains an additional 2% iron to boost your lawn’s greening.

Like most fertilizers on the market, the Andersons fertilizer comes in the form of granules. But what makes it different is the incredibly small size of its granules.

This ensures that each part of your lawn receives an equal amount of the fertilizer.

Another point worth noting is that it’s suitable for both established and newly seeded lawns. In fact, it can even be spread during a sod installation.

Application

There are a few points you should keep in mind when it comes to application. For starters, the Andersons fertilizer should only be spread on dry lawns.

If it’s rained heavily, wait a couple of days so the lawn dries up completely.

Secondly, this fertilizer needs to be watered in to activate its nutrients. The manufacturer recommends watering with a minimum of 0.2 inches to facilitate absorption.

Lastly, be sure to sweep any fertilizer that ends up on unintended surfaces like driveways and sidewalks. Because it contains iron, it can cause staining if it’s left on such surfaces.

So what size of a lawn can this fertilizer cover? Well, the 18-pound bag is enough to treat a 5,000 square-foot-lawn.

The Andersons Fertilizer with Micronutrients Specifications

NPK ratio	10-10-10
Form	Granules
Coverage	5,000 sq.ft.

My Final Take-Away: For homeowners with healthy lawns, The Andersons 10-10-10 Fertilizer is an excellent nutrient booster. It has a well-balanced formula and extra iron to help your lawn attain a rich green color.

Where to Buy The Andersons 10-10-10 Fertilizer with Micronutrients and 2% Iron

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• THE ANDERSONS (save 10% with code LAWNCHICK)
• AMAZON
• WALMART

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Are you new to spring lawn care? If you are, subscribing to the Sunday Smart Lawn Plan is one of the best decisions you can make. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how this lawn care program works.

How it Works

In my detailed review of Sunday lawn care I explain that their Smart Lawn Plan blends state-of-the-art tech with organic products to help you create an emerald green lawn.

So just how does this work? Well, the first thing you need to do is to subscribe to their plan. As soon as you do, the company sends you a package that consists of a soil test kit and a few other products to get you started.

What I find really cool is the company’s use of satellite imagery to determine your lawn size. They also assess your climatic condition and perform a detailed lawn analysis.

Based on this, they’re able to determine the right lawn care products and send them promptly. Here are some of the products you can expect:

• Core Seagreen dry fertilizer
• Grass Machine liquid fertilizer
• Super S liquid fertilizer
• Lawn Aid Heat Stress prevention treatment

Whichever items you receive, you can rest easy knowing that they’re all made of natural ingredients. Examples of these ingredients used include soy protein, seaweed and molasses.

Application

One other thing you’ll love about this brand is that it provides every tool you’ll need for fertilizer application. In the first shipment of products, they include a hose and sprayer.

So the only thing you’ll need to do is attach your nutrient pouches and feed your lawn.

Availability

The Sunday Smart lawn plan has garnered a ton of positive reviews. Sadly, you have to be living within the United States to enjoy their services.

Sunday Smart Lawn Plan Specifications

NPK ratio	Customized to Your Lawn
Type	Usually Liquid, Granular Products Available
Coverage	Customized for your lawn

My Final Take-Away: If you’ve been searching for a comprehensive lawn care subscription, the Sunday Smart Lawn Plan is a superb choice. The company evaluates the condition and size of your lawn before creating a plan tailored perfectly for your lawn.

Where to Buy Sunday Lawn Care Products

You can purchase Sunday lawn care products and sign up for a custom lawn plan on their website:

• SUNDAY

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When it comes to fertilizing a new lawn or one that has been neglected, you don’t want a turf fertilizer that forces fast growth; rather, it should stimulate natural growth and repair your grass lawn.

The Andersons Fertilizer (18-24-12 with 48% Slow-release Nitrogen) has the perfect combination. Here are other features:

Composition

The Andersons Fertilizer (18-24-12 with 48% Slow-release Nitrogen) NPK ratio consists of 18% nitrogen, 24% phosphorus, and 12% potassium, which work to stimulate the growth of new lawn turf during spring.

The high phosphorus ratio is particularly handy in plant growth and flower production because it contributes to development and maturity, energy transfer, and photosynthesis.

 Nitrogen, on the other hand, gives the grass a rich green color, while potassium toughens the roots and enhances the lawn’s ability to resist drought in the upcoming hot summer season.

Type

The fertilizer is granular with a slow-release formula that breaks down nutrients over an extended period.

This means the lawn turf receives nutrients over an extended period, so you don’t have to feed your lawn regularly. Depending on your watering schedule, you can apply it every 6-8 weeks instead of every four weeks.

Coverage

The 50-pound fertilizer covers a vast area of up to 12,500 sq.ft. With most lawns measuring up to 10,000 square feet, this fertilizer is more than enough for one application.

The downside to this is that it comes at a steep price. Thankfully, its slow-release formula means that the one bag can last the whole season.

The Anderson’s Fertilizer (18-24-12 with 48% Slow-release Nitrogen) Specifications

NPK ratio	18-24-12
Type	Granular
Coverage	12,500 sq.ft.

My Final Take-Away: The Andersons Fertilizer (18-24-12 with 48% Slow-release Nitrogen) is a great choice for neglected turf or if planting new turf in early spring. Its NPK composition promotes healthy growth and root development.

Where to Buy The Andersons 18-24-12 Fertilizer

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• AMAZON
• DO MY OWN

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Liquid fertilizers offer several advantages over their granular counterparts. They’re fast-acting, which makes them suitable for lawns in distress. They’re also easier to apply as they don’t have to be watered in.

You can enjoy these and more benefits when you invest in the LawnBright Boost Pack. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Components

If you’re looking to restore your lawn’s health without spending a ton of money, this Boost Pack will come in handy.

It includes two of LawnBright’s best-selling lawn care products: Green Machine and IronBoost. The first fertilizer is meant to nourish your lawn while the latter boosts its greening. 

What impressed me the most is that both products are made exclusively from organic ingredients.

LawnBright relies on natural ingredients, such as the North Atlantic sea kelp, blackstrap molasses and cedar oil.

My favorite ingredient though is cornmeal as it acts as a natural weed-preventer. So not only are you able to nourish your lawn but also prevent weeds from sprouting.

This may sound like an intriguing set of ingredients for a lawn, but it’s one that works. And the best part is that it’s safe for the environment and people.

Application

Another reason that makes LawnBright Boost Pack so attractive is the fact that it includes everything you need for application.

In addition to the two bottles of fertilizer, you also get a hose end sprayer. So all you have to do is connect the hose to the bottle and you can start spraying the contents on your lawn.

Moreover, LawnBright lets you choose from three different units depending on your lawn size. For small-size lawns, the small boost pack is sufficient as it has a coverage of 3,200 sq.ft.

For medium-size lawns, consider the medium pack which covers lawns of up to 6,000 sq.ft. And for really big yards, there’s a large pack with a maximum coverage area of 9,600 sq.ft. 

The one thing that I don’t like about this fertilizer set is that it’s staining. If you drop even a few drops of it on your driveway, it leaves brown spots that are very hard to get rid of.

For this reason, I advise against opening the bottles of fertilizer until you’re actually standing on your lawn or intended application area.

LawnBright Boost Pack Specifications

NPK ratio	Unspecified
Type	Liquid
Coverage	3,200 sq.ft.

My Final Take-Away: If you prefer liquid fertilizers, then you can’t go wrong with the LawnBright Boost Pack. This package includes an all-natural fertilizer and iron booster, providing excellent value for money.

Where to Buy the Lawnbright Boost Pack

You can purchase securely right on Lawnbright’s website:

• LAWNBRIGHT WEBSITE

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If you’re looking for a multi-functional fertilizer for spring that will help address some bare spots, the Scotts Turf Builder Thick’r Lawn product is exactly what you need.

It serves multiple functions, making it handy for recently established lawns. Here’s a more detailed review of it.

Composition

The Scotts Thick’r fertilizer contains all three essential macronutrients in the following proportions: 9% nitrogen, 1% phosphorus and 1% potassium.

However, this is not your typical fertilizer. Unlike other fertilizers that only nourish your lawn, this one doubles up as a soil improver and grass seed.

The grass seed is great for filling any sections that you missed seeding the first time. And as a soil improver, it boosts root development.

Application

If you already have a Scotts spreader, applying this fertilizer on your lawn will be a cinch. But typically, you’ll be able to disperse it evenly with any spreader that you have on hand.

It’s important that you water your lawn immediately after treatment. In fact, if you apply it specifically for seeding then water at least twice daily till the grass reaches a height of 2 to 3 inches.

Important to note though is that this fertilizer is designed for small-size lawns. It can only cover about 1,200 sq.ft. so if your lawn is any bigger than that, you might have to get several bags.

Scotts Turf Builder Thick’r Lawn Specifications

NPK ratio	9-1-1
Type	Granules
Coverage	1,200 sq.ft

My Final Take-Away: The Scotts Turf Builder Thick’r Lawn product is a fantastic all-purpose fertilizer. It doubles up as a soil improver and grass seed, providing your lawn with all that it needs to stay healthy in spring.

Where to Buy Scotts Turf Builder Thick’r Lawn 3-in-1

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• ACE HARDWARE
• AMAZON
• HOME DEPOT
• WALMART
• TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY

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Soil temperatures warm up in early spring, prompting grass to start growing, but also weeds. If annual weeds like crabgrass are an issue in your lawn, a good pre-emergent is the trick to preventing them.

An early spring turf fertilizer with pre-emergent herbicide like this one from The Andersons strengthens the root system helping it withstand the hot and dry summer season. Here are other handy features:

Composition

Its NPK composition comprises 26% nitrogen, 0% phosphate, and 6% potassium, a healthy mix for a lawn in early spring.

The high nitrogen ratio gives your property an evergreen color throughout the hot season while potassium promotes strong grass root growth.

Type

The fertilizer comes in granular form, which makes it easy to spread using tools like the Scotts fertilizer spreader.

In addition, it’s a combination of fertilizer and crabgrass control herbicide to boost grass growth while keeping weeds like crabgrass and broadleaf from growing.

Andersons uses Dimension as the active ingredient, providing four months of protection against 24 grass weeds.

Coverage

The 17-pound fertilizer covers vast lawn areas of up to 6,000 square feet. This means homeowners with small lawns can apply the fertilizer multiple times without shopping for more.

However, larger lawns may need more than one bag to cover the entire area.

The Andersons Premium Crabgrass Preventer plus Fertilizer Specifications

NPK ratio	26-0-6
Type	Granules
Coverage	6,000 sq.ft

My Final Take-Away: The Andersons Premium Crabgrass Preventer plus Fertilizer is an excellent turf fertilizer for those looking for one to apply in early spring and before weed germination. With Dimension as the active ingredient, you expect minimal weed growth. It’s one of the best lawn weed killers.

Where to Buy The Andersons Premium Crabgrass Preventer plus Fertilizer

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• THE ANDERSONS (save 10% with code LAWNCHICK)
• AMAZON
• WALMART

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A good dose of fertilizer just before the summer heat is very beneficial. It encourages grass to rebuild and fights off the stress of the upcoming summer heat. 

This late-spring Weed & Feed product by Jonathan Green is a great choice for this. It contains premium slow-release fertilizer for 3 months of nourishment, and good broadleaf weed control to help you clear out established broadleaf weeds actively growing in your yard.

Here’s more about it:

Composition

The fertilizer provides your lawn grass with just what’s required during late spring. A healthy dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer protects against disease, heat, and drought.

And the fact it’s a weed killer, you’re confident that it fights off any winter weed growth to the root. It kills up to 250 broadleaf weeds, including wild onions, dandelions, and poison ivy.

Type

Being a slow-release fertilizer, it breaks down nutrients over an extended period allowing you to wait between applications.

According to the manufacturer, this fertilizer provides a gradual and consistent nutrient release for up to 3 months. In addition, its fine, granular form makes it easy to apply using a hand-held spreader or rotary.

Coverage

The fertilizer comes in a 15-pound bag that covers 5,000 square feet only, suitable for smaller lawns. If you have a larger yard, say a 10,000 square foot lawn, you may need to buy two or more bags to cover the entire area.

Jonathan Green Veri-Green Weed & Feed Specifications

NPK ratio	21-0-3
Type	Granules
Coverage	5,000 sq.ft

My Final Take-Away: Jonathan Green Veri-Green Weed & Feed (formerly labeled “Green-Up” Weed and Feed) is an excellent pick in late spring when the grass needs some rejuvenation and defense against the upcoming hot summer. It also functions as a weed killer eliminating stubborn spring weeds like dandelions and poison ivy.

Where to Buy Jonathan Green Veri-Green Weed & Feed

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:

• JONATHAN GREEN (save 10% with code LAWNCHICK10)
• AMAZON
• ACE HARDWARE
• WALMART

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If you’re like many homeowners shopping for a fertilizer to use this spring, you might still have some questions.

Below I’ll try to provide some more information about choosing and using spring lawn fertilizer.

I’ll also help you out by explaining some tips, tricks, and things to consider when buying the best spring lawn food.

If you’re still on the fence, please explore my site. I have hundreds of in-depth articles on a range of topics about yard maintenance and lawn care, and I expect that you might find one that addresses your specific question or concern.

For now, here’s some further reading about spring lawn fertilizer products that might help as you make your final purchase decision:

Is a Spring Fertilizer Necessary?

Yes, spring fertilization is very important for a healthy lawn. Fertilizing in spring is crucial for two reasons.

To start with, it repairs any sections of your lawn that were damaged by the harsh winter season and provides the Nitrogen needed for grass blade growth and chlorophyll – the compound plants use to turn sunlight energy into sugars from water and carbon dioxide. It’s also a major part of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the proteins plants need to survive and thrive.

Secondly, spring fertilization equips your lawn with the nutrients it needs for the forthcoming summer season. The high temperatures and drought of summer can be brutal on lawns, and if you don’t nourish your yard in the spring, you’ll risk its health which can allow weeds to take over.

What is the Best Early Spring Lawn Fertilizer?

Early spring is the ideal time to energize your lawn’s grass and provide the nutrition it needs for a surge of growth. It’s also the time of year to apply a pre-emergent to block crabgrass and other annual weeds.

To save time, I recommend that homeowners consider a combination product that includes fertilizer and pre-emergent herbicide for a single application that will set your lawn up for a successful season.

Either of these two products are excellent choices for this:

• The Andersons Premium Crabgrass Preventer plus Fertilizer (26-0-6)
• Jonathan Green’s VERI-GREEN Crabgrass Preventer plus Lawn Food (20-0-3)

I’m using the Jonathan Green product on my lawn this spring, but both are excellent early-spring lawn fertilizer options that will save you some time and money with a single application.

The one thing to note with products like these is that in addition to blocking crabgrass germination, they will also block grass seed germination. If you’re planting grass seed this spring or overseeding your lawn, choose a product without pre-emergent.

Pre-Emergent Weed Control When Overseeding
If you plan to overseed your lawn at a time of year when you would normally put down pre-emergent, I recommend using this product,* followed 5 weeks later with one of the pre-emergent products listed on this page. This will allow your grass seed to germinate, but blocks crabgrass for up to 6 weeks, buying you (and your new grass) some time.

What is the Best Late-Spring Lawn Fertilizer?

When you choose a fertilizer for mid or late spring, you’ll want to choose something with nitrogen and potassium (the first and third number on the bag’s N-P-K rating), and something without phosphorus (the middle number).

That potash will help your lawn fend off disease and survive the heat and drought of the coming summer.

If you have issues with broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and others in your lawn, then choose a weed and feed product like Jonathan Green’s Veri-Green Weed and Feed for your second spring fertilizer application. It will help to clear out those stubborn broadleaf weeds while providing nutrition in the right formula into the summer months. See my top picks for weed and feed products here.

If your lawn is already in good shape and you aren’t seeing weed issues, then choose their 29-0-3 lawn food with 4% iron for maximum greening, or go with Milorganite in late-spring. Either will provide a gorgeous late-spring lawn and support your turfgrass in the transition to summer.

A final option is to hit your lawn with a 15-0-15 liquid fertilizer as you transition to the summer, or follow your Spring fertilizer applications with a 0-0-3 heat stress prevention like Sunday’s Lawn Aid product monthly through the summer to keep your lawn defended against the heat and drought that can damage or destroy lesser lawns.

What is the Best Fertilizer for Lawns in Spring?

Based on my research and experience, the best spring fertilizer is one that has a N-P-K ratio of 15-0-6, 20-0-5 or something along those lines.

Essentially, it should have a high proportion of nitrogen. Not only does this boost grass leaf growth but it also causes your lawn to become greener.

A modest amount of potassium is also beneficial. This nutrient boosts your lawn’s resistance to disease, drought, and temperature changes. This is a vital nutrient for lawns and providing this in the spring will help your lawn prepare for the dog days of summer.

Healthy lawns may not need any phosphorus in the spring (and your state or municipality may actually ban the use of phosphorus), so unless you know your yard needs phosphorus after doing a soil test, or you’re planning to plant grass seed this spring, try to choose a fertilizer with “0” as the middle number of its NPK ratio.

And if you’re interested in taking the guesswork out of what to do next after you get your soil test results, consider Sunday’s subscription lawn-care plan. They test your soil for you and use local weather data to send you exactly what your lawn needs, when it needs it. It’s pretty fool-proof – you can Click Here for Your Instant Lawn Analysis and take 12% off your order with promo code LAWNCHICK2023.

How Can You Rejuvenate Your Lawn in Spring?

Apart from applying fertilizer, there are a couple of other things you can do to rejuvenate your lawn in spring. These include:

• Doing a spring yard cleanup – spring is that time when your lawn grass breaks dormancy and prepares to flourish in the warmer season. But to get started on the right foot, remember to remove all the debris that accumulated in the course of winter. Picking up sticks is a great start, but giving your whole yard a light rake to loosen and clear dead grass and debris will make room for new growth.

• Aerating the soil – before you can apply any weed treatments or fertilizers, aerate your lawn. You can use a modern aerator or the good old fashioned garden fork. This will help to loosen up any compacted soil. In return, water, air and nutrients will move more freely, resulting in a healthier lawn.

• Using a weed control treatment – the best way to deal with weeds is to stop them before they emerge. So look for a suitable pre-emergent herbicide for your turfgrass and apply it in early spring.

Should You Mow Before Applying Spring Fertilizer?

Yes, you should. If it’s been a while since you last mowed your lawn, you should consider mowing with a bagger to make cleaning up your yard’s surface a breeze.

Mowing leaves the soil more exposed, which in turn, allows the fertilizer nutrients to get into contact with your yard and get absorbed efficiently.

Is There Any Difference Between a Spring and Fall Fertilizer?

Perhaps you have a bag of fall lawn fertilizer left over, and are wondering whether you can use it in spring. The truth is, a fall fertilizer can work well for spring because it’s often rich in nitrogen and potash, which are the two nutrients I recommend for spring fertilization.

However, you should be mindful of the other ingredients incorporated in that lawn food. For instance, it may contain extra elements meant to ward off winter weeds. This may not work for spring as you’ll be looking to prevent the growth of annual summer weeds.

Similarly, pay attention to the soil analysis test that you did at the beginning of the year. If it reveals the need for a specific nutrient, or shows that your lawn is already at or above the recommended level of potassium, that fall fertilizer should probably stay in the garage until September.

Should you Choose a Slow- or Quick-Release Fertilizer for Spring?

Although both types of fertilizers nourish your lawn, I prefer and recommend a slow-release fertilizer for most homeowners.

With this type of product, your lawn has a decent amount of time to absorb nutrients and make the most of them. It also will help to reduce run-off into local waterways.

But more than anything else – if you’re new to lawn care, going with a slow-release fertilizer will prevent you from burning your lawn if you apply it incorrectly.

How Much Fertilizer Should I Put on My Lawn in Spring?

The amount of fertilizer to buy depends on two things: the size of your lawn and the type of grass in your lawn.

It’s important to note that most fertilizer recommendations are centered on how much nitrogen your lawn needs throughout the year. Here’s a chart to guide you:

GRASS TYPE	NITROGEN NEEDED (pounds per 1,000 sq ft)
Bahia Grass	2 to 4
Bentgrass	4 to 6
Bermuda Grass	2 to 6
Centipede Grass	1 to 2
Fescue	2 to 3
Kentucky Bluegrass	4 to 6

The amount of nitrogen indicated is for the entire year. So if you’re planning to do two applications in the course of the year, be sure to split the amount into two.

Many people like to fertilize four times annually, and in this case you’d divide the number above by 4 to arrive at the recommended fertilization rate.

The second factor you should be attentive to is your lawn size. It goes without saying that the bigger the lawn, the higher the amount of fertilizer you’ll need.

If you’re unsure of the square footage in your lawn, use my free tool to map and measure lawn areas using satellite imagery. It will give you a precise measurement so you know exactly how much fertilizer to buy: