๐ฑ Spring vs. Fall Fertilizer: Why Fall is the Secret to a Lush Spring Lawn
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.
๐ผ 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.
โ Pros of Spring Fertilizer:
- Fast green-up
- Encourages growth for mowing season
- Helps wake your lawn up after winter dormancy
โ ๏ธ Downsides:
- Excess nitrogen = too much leaf growth, weak roots
- More mowing, less drought resistance
- Weeds love nitrogen too
๐ 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.
๐ช 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.
๐งช 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
๐ฑ 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.
โ 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. ๐
๐ฟ Need Help Getting It Done Right?
Let the experts at Greenmaker Lawn Care handle your fall fertilizer plan.
๐ฉ Contact us today and get on the schedule before the first frost hits!
