How to Use Fertilizer for Grass

Before you use fertilizer for grass, you need to know how it is applied, when it is applied and what to do after it is applied. Lawn fertilizer will keep your grass healthy, but if you don't continue to care for fertilized grass, your efforts to maintain a healthy, green lawn may be compromised. Fertilizer releases nitrogen and nutrients into the soil to keep the soil rich so that the grass continues to grow.

Things You'll Need

• Lawn spreader

Instructions

1. Mow the grass at least two days before you apply the fertilizer.

2. Choose time-released or fast-released, granular fertilizer. Time-released fertilizer only requires an application every two to six months. Fast-release fertilizer requires additional applications every one to two months.

3. Apply the first dose of fertilizer in spring. If using time-released fertilizer, apply again in the spring and the fall. Apply fast-release, granular fertilizer every month from the beginning of May to the end of September.

4. Pour the granular fertilizer in the lawn spreader. Look on the package to see what setting the lawn spreader should be set at for applying the fertilizer. The setting is usually number 1 or number 2.

5. Walk behind the spreader at a steady speed. Maintain a consistent speed throughout the lawn, or you will have an uneven amount of fertilizer in some areas. Walk the lawn as if you are mowing the grass--up one row and down the next row.

6. Water the grass if there is no rain in the forecast. The lawn should not be soaked, but wet enough to activate the granules.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to aerate your lawn at the same time, wear a pair of golf shoes when you apply the fertilizer.

• Keep pets and children off the lawn for 24 hours after fertilizing unless you use an eco-friendly brand.

References

• Use Fertilizers for Grass
• Grass Type and Climate Chart for Applications