If you’ve ever looked out your window in April and wondered why your neighbor’s lawn is already a vibrant green carpet while yours is just… meh, the secret might be what they did last fall.
Let’s break down the differences between spring and fall fertilizer — and why your best shot at a lush, healthy lawn in spring actually starts in the fall.
Spring Fertilizer: Quick Fix or Long-Term Solution?
Spring fertilizer gives your lawn a fast boost of nitrogen, helping it green up quickly. That sounds great — until it’s not.
Pros of Spring Fertilizer:
- Fast green-up
- Encourages growth for mowing season
- Helps wake your lawn up after winter dormancy
Downsides:
- Excess nitrogen = too much leaf growth, weak roots
- More mowing, less drought resistance
- Weeds love nitrogen too
Fall Fertilizer: The True MVP of Lawn Care
Fall fertilizer strengthens your lawn at the root level, prepping it for winter and setting the stage for a fast, healthy comeback in spring.
Benefits of Fall Fertilizer:
- Encourages deep root growth
- Stores nutrients for early spring green-up
- Thickens turf to prevent weeds
- Helps recovery from summer damage
Pro Tip: Apply fall fertilizer 6–8 weeks before your first frost for best results.
What’s in Fall Fertilizer?
Look for “winterizer” blends with:
- Low Nitrogen (N): Just enough for root support
- Limited Phosphorus (P): Often restricted for environmental reasons
- High Potassium (K): Boosts root strength and cold resistance
Want Green Grass First Thing Next Spring?
- Mow a little shorter (not too short!)
- Aerate if possible
- Apply fall fertilizer in late September or early October
- Water it in well
By doing this, you’re not just feeding your lawn — you’re investing in it.
Final Take: Spring Feeds, Fall Builds
Spring fertilizer might make your lawn look good briefly, but fall fertilizer makes your lawn better — stronger, greener, and more resilient.
If you want to be the neighbor with the show-stopping lawn come April, start in September. 🍁
Need Help Getting It Done Right?
Let the experts at GreenMaker Lawn Care handle your fall fertilizer plan.
📩 Contact us today and get on the schedule before the first frost hits!