Does your lawn look a little sad after the long winter? Do you dream of a vibrant, green carpet come springtime? Getting that perfect lawn starts now, with the right spring fertilizer. Choosing the best one, however, can feel like a confusing puzzle. So many bags sit on store shelves, each promising amazing results. You worry about picking the wrong kind and actually harming your grass instead of helping it grow!
Stop guessing and start growing! This guide cuts through the jargon. We will explain exactly what your lawn needs right now. You will learn the secrets to choosing a fertilizer that wakes up your grass gently but effectively. By the end of this post, you will feel confident in your purchase. Get ready to unlock the secret to the healthiest, greenest lawn on the block this season. Let’s dive into making your yard the envy of the neighborhood!
Top Lawn Fertilizer For Spring Recommendations
- Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food feeds and strengthens grass to help protect against future problems
- Fertilizer builds strong, deep roots and improves the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients (vs. unfed lawn)
- Apply lawn care product to a wet or dry lawn
- Grass fertilizer works on any grass type
- One 12.5 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- WEED KILLER PLUS LAWN FOOD: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer for grass kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- WEED CONTROL FOR LAWNS: These weed killer plus lawn fertilizer granules control over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- WEED AND FEED FOR LAWNS: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to your wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; don't apply more than 2X per year
- USE ON LISTED GRASS TYPES: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- DO NOT USE ON: Do not use this weed killer for lawns on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass lawns
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a 2-in-1 grass fertilizer plus iron supplement that feeds your lawn and provides deep greening in just 3 days
- QUICK, GREEN RESULTS: This lawn care product contains 5% iron, a micronutrient that enhances the greening process for fast results
- APPLICATION: Apply this fertilizer plus iron supplement for green grass to any grass type in the spring, summer, or fall
- NO STAINING: Guaranteed not to stain concrete, driveways, or other surfaces surrounding your lawn (when used as directed)
- PEOPLE & PETS DON'T NEED TO WAIT: OK to re-enter lawn immediately after product is applied
- Complete NPK Lawn Food: 16-4-8 is the perfect blend of key macronutrients. This lawn liquid food turf fertilizer also contains Seaweed & Fish.
- Contains High Quality Feed Grade Ingredients: Nourish your lawn with pure liquid Nutrients in a ready to use sprayer
- Easy To Use: Designed to be easily applied. This complete Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash formula gives your grass greening & growth while providing nutrients for lush lawns
- All Grass types: Including Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Buffalo, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Bahia, Fescue, Ryegrass & Kentucky Bluegrass
- Produced In The United States: 16-4-8 is manufactured in the United States of America, by a family owned business with 25 years of former experience in the commercial professional turf industry.
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- Controls existing listed lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, and english daisy
- Prevents crabgrass for 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zosyiagrass
- Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, and then water in after 24 hours; apply in early spring when dandelions are actively growing; an 11.31 lb. bag treats 4,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken grass and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 11.32 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 covers 4,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Getting Your Lawn Ready for Spring
Spring is the perfect time to wake up your lawn after a long winter nap. A good spring fertilizer gives your grass the food it needs to grow strong and green. This guide helps you pick the best product for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for spring lawn fertilizer, look for these important features:
1. The N-P-K Ratio
- Nitrogen (N): This is the most important number for spring growth. Nitrogen makes your grass blades green and helps them grow fast. Look for a higher first number (like in a 20-5-10 blend).
- Phosphorus (P): This helps with strong root development. Many newer fertilizers have low or zero phosphorus because it can sometimes harm water sources.
- Potassium (K): This helps the grass handle stress, like heat or drought later in the year.
2. Release Type
- Quick Release: This fertilizer works fast. You see results quickly, but you might need to apply it again sooner.
- Slow Release (or Controlled Release): This feeds your lawn slowly over several weeks. It provides steady, even growth and reduces the chance of burning your grass. This is often the best choice for spring feeding.
3. Added Ingredients
Some fertilizers include extra helpful items:
- Weed Preventers (Pre-Emergents): These stop crabgrass and other weeds before they sprout. Apply these early in the spring before the soil gets too warm.
- Insecticides: These protect new growth from common lawn pests.
Important Materials in Your Fertilizer
The ingredients determine how well the fertilizer works. Focus on the source of the nitrogen.
Organic vs. Synthetic
- Synthetic Fertilizers: These are made in a lab and work very quickly. They are usually cheaper and offer precise nutrient amounts.
- Organic Fertilizers: These come from natural sources, like manure or plant meals. They improve soil health over time, but they feed the lawn slower. Many gardeners prefer these for long-term soil building.
Water Solubility
Check how easily the nutrients dissolve in water. Highly water-soluble nitrogen feeds the grass right away. Less soluble nitrogen feeds the grass slowly, which is better for preventing overgrowth.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a spring fertilizer depends on how it is made and how you use it.
Quality Boosters
- Coated Granules: High-quality slow-release fertilizers use polymer coatings to control when nutrients are released. This prevents nutrient waste.
- Micronutrients: Fertilizers that include small amounts of iron or magnesium help give the lawn a deeper, richer green color.
Quality Reducers
- Poor Spreading: If the fertilizer granules are unevenly sized, your lawn will look patchy after application.
- High Salt Index: Fertilizers with a high salt content increase the risk of burning your lawn, especially if you apply them right before a dry, hot spell.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the fertilizer greatly affects your results.
Application Timing
For spring, timing is crucial. You generally apply a balanced feeding once the grass starts actively growing (usually when daytime temperatures consistently hit the 50s or 60s). If you are using a weed preventer, apply that even earlier, before soil temperatures reach 55°F.
Ease of Use
Most spring fertilizers come in granular form. Look for a product that spreads easily with a standard broadcast or drop spreader. Read the bag carefully to know the correct setting for your spreader model. Always water the fertilizer in after spreading unless the product specifically says not to.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spring Lawn Fertilizer
Q: When is the best time to fertilize my lawn in the spring?
A: Apply fertilizer when your grass starts actively growing after winter dormancy. This is usually mid-to-late spring, depending on your local weather.
Q: What N-P-K ratio should I look for in a spring fertilizer?
A: Look for a higher Nitrogen (N) number. A ratio like 20-5-10 or similar, which prioritizes green growth, works very well for spring feeding.
Q: Do I need a weed killer with my spring fertilizer?
A: It is very helpful! Many spring products combine fertilizer with a pre-emergent weed control to stop crabgrass before it starts growing.
Q: Can I burn my lawn by applying too much spring fertilizer?
A: Yes, you can burn your lawn, especially if you use a quick-release fertilizer too heavily or if you apply it right before a long dry period.
Q: Should I use slow-release or quick-release fertilizer for spring?
A: Slow-release fertilizer is generally better. It gives your lawn steady food, leading to healthier, more even growth without sudden surges.
Q: How soon after applying fertilizer should I water my lawn?
A: You should water lightly soon after application unless the product directions say otherwise. Watering helps move the nutrients down to the roots.
Q: My lawn looks patchy after fertilizing. Why?
A: Patchiness usually means the fertilizer was not spread evenly. Make sure your spreader is calibrated correctly and you overlap your passes slightly.
Q: Can I use fall fertilizer in the spring?
A: While you can, it is not ideal. Fall fertilizers focus more on root building (higher P and K), while spring feeding should focus on top growth (higher N).
Q: Is organic fertilizer better for spring than synthetic?
A: Organic is great for soil health over many years, but synthetic fertilizers often provide the faster green-up that many homeowners want right at the start of spring.
Q: Should I wait until all the spring rain stops before fertilizing?
A: It is best to apply fertilizer when rain is expected within a day or two, as the rain helps wash the nutrients into the soil for the grass to use.