A 4-Step Lawn Fertilizer Program

A well-fed lawn is a healthy lawn, and one of the most crucial aspects of lawn care is fertilizing. However, knowing when and how to fertilize your lawn throughout the year can be a bit of a puzzle. In this guide, we'll break down the seasonal 4-step approach to lawn fertilizing, helping you achieve a lush and vibrant lawn every season.

When choosing the correct fertilizer knowing the three main components is a must. All fertilizers are labeled with three numbers that indicate the guaranteed analysis. These number represent the product ratio for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Early Spring:

As the growing season kicks off, your lawn needs a nutrient boost to support new growth and recovery from winter dormancy. Choose a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to encourage lush greenery and root development. Look for a fertilizer labeled specifically for spring application and apply it early in the season when the soil temperature reaches around 55-60°F (13-16°C). This is usually around late March to early April, depending on your location. MaxLawn Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food (22-0-4) is the first of the four steps.  Crabgrass Preventer feeds your lawn and prevents crabgrass all in one application. It is designed for season-long crabgrass control. The iron provides a deep greening.  

When applying Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food do so evenly used a properly calibrated broadcast or drop spreader. For best results, apply within a few days after mowing and delay mowing again for a few days after the application. Performance is improved if application is followed by 1/2 inch of rainfall or sprinkler irrigation. 

Late Spring:

Weed and Feed (24-0-4), step 2, is a specialized lawn care product designed to both fertilize your lawn and control weeds simultaneously. It  contains a blend of nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote healthy grass growth and herbicides to target common weeds like dandelions, clover, and crabgrass. By combining these two functions into one product, Weed and Feed offers a convenient and efficient solution for maintaining a weed-free lawn during the summer.

When applying Weed & Feed apply it evenly using a properly calibrated broadcast or drop spreader. Mow lawn to normal height 1-2 days before application. If grass is not moist at time of application, sprinkle lightly with water to allow the granules to adhere and remain on the leaf surface of the weeds. Do not wash from weed leaves for 1-2 days after application.

Late Spring/Early Summer:

Summer brings heat and often drought conditions, putting stress on your lawn. During this time, it's best to focus on maintaining your lawn's health rather than promoting rapid growth. Choose a fertilizer that will provide a full feeding to help improve color, density and uniformity of the lawn along with building stress resistance. MaxLawn Lawn Food (26-0-4) step 3 in the program does just that. Apply the fertilizer in late spring or early summer, around May or June, to provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the season.

When applying Lawn Food apply evenly using a properly calibrated broadcast or drop spreader.  The fertilizer may be applied to dry or wet turf and a light watering after application will help activate the product sooner.  Avoid application in moderate to severe drought conditions and applying when temperatures are over 90°F as the turf may become stressed.

Late Summer/Fall:

Fall is prime time for lawn fertilizing, as it prepares your lawn for winter dormancy and sets the stage for a healthy spring revival. Choose a fertilizer that will promote overall lawn health and root development. Look for a fertilizer labeled for fall application, such as MaxLawn Fall Lawn Food (22-0-10) and apply it in late summer to mid-fall, typically around September to October. This helps strengthen the grass roots and build up energy reserves for the winter months and aids your lawn in recovering from summer stresses. It contains iron for deep greening. The nitrogen MaxLawn Fall Lawn Food is slow release for extended feeding.

When applying Fall Lawn Food apply evenly using a properly calibrated broadcast or drop spreader.  The fertilizer may be applied to dry or wet turf and a light watering after application will help activate the product sooner.  Avoid application in moderate to severe drought conditions and applying when temperatures are over 90°F as the turf may become stressed.