Things You'll Need:
- Lawn mower
- Lawn rake
- Fertilizer spreader
- Hose or sprinklers
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Step 1
Mow your lawn before applying your fertilizer. Fertilizer needs to work its way down to the roots of your lawn to be effective, and a freshly trimmed lawn will allow your fertilizer to reach the roots quickly. Rake up any leaves or lawn clippings and bag them for disposal prior to spreading your fertilizer.
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Step 2
Fill your spreader with a generous amount of fertilizer and run it over your lawn. Take care to spread it in the corners, as well as the edges, to give your entire lawn full coverage. Make sure you choose a fertilizer for your specific type of grass. Some types of grass, such as those in cooler northern regions, need a slow-release fertilizer, while those in warmer regions do best with fast-acting fertilizer. Speak with a lawn care professional to determine what type is best for your specific area and grass type.
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Step 3
Water your lawn immediately after fertilization. Most fertilizers need moisture to activate them and move them down to the roots, so watering your lawn as soon as possible is necessary. Spread your sprinklers evenly around your lawn for best coverage, or water your lawn by hand with a hose, applying an even coverage of water to all surfaces.
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Step 4
Lock up your pets up and stay off your lawn for a few days to give it time to rest. The fertilizer needs time to penetrate the dirt and spread through the ground, and leaving it undisturbed will speed this process along. If you absolutely must use your lawn, try and walk along the edges to minimize soil disruption.
