Fall Lawn Fertilizer Benefits

Benefits of fall lawn fertilizer

Using the right fall lawn fertilizer during the autumn months can transform your lawn's health and resilience. Here are the top 3 benefits of applying fall fertilizer:

1. Extend greenness: Keep your lawn vibrant and green into early winter.
   
2. Strengthen grass resilience: Improve your lawn's ability to resist injury and disease during the dormant season.
   
3. Promote deep roots: Encourage deeper root growth for a healthier lawn come spring.

By applying the right nutrients, you can help your lawn stay strong and prepared for the colder months ahead.

What to avoid in fall lawn fertilizers

Not all fall lawn fertilizers are created equal. Many traditional "winterizing" fertilizers include ingredients that can lead to unintended lawn problems.

One common culprit is potassium (K). While potassium is generally beneficial for plants, too much of it in late fall can promote diseases like snow mold over the winter. The other is phosphorus (P). Most lawn soils besides brand-new lawns or new construction have more than enough phosphorus.

To avoid these issues, it's crucial to choose a fall lawn fertilizer that focuses on what your grass truly needs, without the excess potassium or any phosphorus. Look for: lawn fertilizer N-P-K with 0's in place of P and K.

How to choose the right fall lawn fertilizer

Choosing the right fall fertilizer means focusing on the ingredients that offer the most benefit for your lawn’s health and resilience. For fall lawn care, the most important nutrients are nitrogen, iron and seaweed. Here’s why these ingredients are essential:

Nitrogen

• Boosts root growth with stronger, deeper roots for winter survival
• Helps grass recover from heat stress and store energy after summer
• Maximizes energy storage for winter dormancy

Iron 

• Extends greenness and promotes overall lawn health

Seaweed

• Enhances root growth for a healthier, more resilient lawn
• Keeps the lawn greener for a longer period

Sunday Tip:

Psst. Lesser known nutrients are also great for fall lawns! Micronutrients, like manganese, help support grass growth in the fall.

Fall Fortify Plus Micronutrients Lawn Fertilizer

• 22-0-0 NPK fall lawn fertilizer
• Extends green lawns into late fall
• Strengthens against damage
• Made without pesticides

When to apply fall fertilizer for best results

Applying fall lawn fertilizer at the right time is key to maximizing its benefits. The best time to apply fall fertilizer is while your lawn is still actively growing, typically between August and October. This allows grass to absorb nutrients effectively and support strong root development before winter.

For more specific timing, look to your grass type:

• Warm-season: Apply fertilizer from mid-August to the end of September
• Cool-season: Apply fertilizer from end of August to mid-October

Sunday Tip:

If you're in Florida or other year-round warm climates, you can apply fall fertilizer until November!

Already have a Sunday custom plan?

For personalized guidance, your Sunday custom lawn plan offers the best application times tailored to your lawn's specific needs. Visit the My Plan section in your account to find your customized schedule.

Fall lawn care tips for a healthier spring

A little preparation in the fall can set your lawn up for success in the spring. During the fall, weeds enter a more vulnerable phase, making them easier to remove or spot-treat. Cooler temperatures also provide a perfect opportunity to patch bare spots, start overseeding, reduce watering, and manage fallen leaves. With these simple fall lawn care tips, you can ensure your lawn is robust and ready to green up when spring arrives.

Cited sources

Fertilizing Cool Season Lawns. Kansas State University Extension

Rethinking Fall Fertilization. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension