Fertilizer products include one or more of a basic required nutrient such as phosphorous, nitrogen, iron, or potassium. While air, water, and soil provide these nutrients naturally, it may not be enough to ensure robust growth.

When choosing a fertilizer, it’s important to ensure that the N-P-K rating (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) is appropriate to the lawn being fertilized. Keep in mind that fast-release fertilizers need to be carefully measured to avoid burning and should be applied several times a year. By contrast, natural fertilizers do not usually present burning issues, but they are more difficult to apply and contain lower levels of nutrients. For long-term lawn maintenance, consider a slow-release formula that will encourage consistent growth over time.

Apply the fertilizer toward the start of the growing season, during May and June. Early autumn is also an ideal time for supplementary fertilizer applications. However, avoid fertilizing during times of extreme cold, such as when frosts are likely, or in midsummer, when environmental stresses on a lawn are high.