How to Apply Nitrogen to Grass

Fertilize cool-season grass in the fall and warm-season grass in late spring.

Nitrogen helps lawns maintain their green color, spread over the soil and grow healthy blades. There are two different types of nitrogen fertilizers gardeners apply to lawns: quick and slow release. Quick-release nitrogen fertilizer makes nutrients readily available to grass. However, gardeners must be careful to avoid burning their grass with the nitrogen. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers contribute nutrients over a two-month period to prevent dehydrating the grass. By properly applying either of these nitrogen-fertilizer types, gardeners prevent harming their turf.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Drop spreader

Instructions

Quick-Release Fertilizer

1. Attach the quick-release fertilizer bottle to the hose. Quick-release fertilizers come in a bottle that is attached to the hose for lawn areas.

2. Walk back and forth across the lawn following an imaginary line. Spray back and forth to achieve even coverage.

3. Reapply the quick-release fertilizer in two to three weeks. Continue until the end of the growing season. For warm-season grass, the growing season ends in late summer. Cool-season grass types stop growing in the early fall.

Slow-Release Fertilizers

1. Pour half of the amount of slow-release fertilizer granules you need into a drop spreader. Generally, gardeners distribute 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet at a time to prevent burning.

2. Push the drop spreader horizontally over the grass following a straight line. Pour the rest of the fertilizer into the drop spreader and apply vertically.

3. Water the lawn area with 1 inch of water. By watering, you help the nitrogen absorb into the soil.

Tips & Warnings

• Walk across the lawn in the early spring to look at the top growth. It is important to fertilize the lawn when at least 50 percent of the grass is green or has come out of dormancy. Fertilizing the lawn when the grass is still dormant encourages weed growth.

• Avoid fertilizing the lawn when temperatures are over 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent nitrogen burn.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Home Lawn Fertilization
• Lowe's: How to Fertilize Your Lawn