Granular Lawn Fertilizer Instructions

When to apply granular fertilizer

Your grass grows best in a specific temperature range. Here's what to aim for:

• Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass, rye): daily averages consistently above 40°F
• Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine): daily averages above 60°F

Have a Custom Lawn Plan? Your application dates are already mapped out on your My Plan checklist.

Sunday Tip:

How to know if you should skip applying? If your lawn looks stressed, give it a break. Soggy, crispy, or wilting? Also, not the day.

How to apply granular fertilizer

Mow and water your lawn a few hours to a day before applying. This helps nutrients move into the soil. Think of it like a warm-up lap for your grass.

1

Set your spreader

Use a drop, broadcast, or handheld spreader. Any type works.

Check the back of your fertilizer bag for the recommended setting. Every bag is a little different.

Spreader not listed? Start on a low setting and adjust until you're getting even coverage. You'll get the hang of it faster than you think.

(Still have questions? Reach out to [email protected] for more guidance.)

2

Fill and go

Fill the hopper with granules. Keep the bag nearby for refills.

If you spill while loading, sweep up what you can or spread it out and water it in well. Concentrated piles = burn spots.

3

Spread evenly

Walk at a steady pace in straight lines, and apply at the rate listed on your bag (typically 3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.).

• For broadcast spreaders: keep your wheel tracks 3-4 feet apart.
• For drop spreaders, slightly overlap your wheel tracks for full coverage.

4

Water in

Don't skip this one.

Water your lawn thoroughly for about 15–20 minutes with a typical sprinkler, or until the top inch of soil is moist.

This is how nutrients reach the roots. Skip it, and you risk fertilizer burn and wasted product.

(Fun fact: roots can only absorb nutrients when they're dissolved in water. No water, no uptake. Science.)

5

Clean up and wait

Sweep stray granules off sidewalks and driveways. Nutrients belong in your lawn, not the storm drain or local waterways.

Stay off the lawn until it's dry. Yes, that includes the dog.

A few things to keep in mind

• Only apply to actively growing grass
• Water your lawn 2 hours before application if soil is dry
• Don't apply if heavy rain is expected within 3 hours
• Wait 24 hours before watering again
• Wait 24–48 hours before mowing so granules have time to settle in
• Store bags sealed, upright, and away from moisture, kids, pets, and critters

Granular lawn fertilizer FAQs

How much area does a bag of Sunday granular fertilizer cover?

One 12 lb. bag covers approximately 4,000 square feet. That's about the size of two tennis courts. Check your specific bag for exact coverage based on your lawn's square footage.

Can I use Sunday granular fertilizer with other Sunday products?

Yes. Sunday granular fertilizers work alongside Sunday liquid fertilizers, weed control products, and grass seed. Apply them in this order:

1. Apply granular fertilizer
2. Wait until the lawn is completely dry
3. Apply other products

Applying products while the lawn is still wet can cause clumping and uneven coverage.

Can I switch from liquid fertilizer to granular fertilizer?

Yes. Wait 4–6 weeks after applying liquid fertilizer to switch to granular applications. Using both too close together can over-fertilize your lawn, causing burn or excessive growth.

When should I stop fertilizing my lawn for the year?

Fertilizing dormant grass doesn't help. Nutrients just sit there or wash away. Stop fertilizing when your grass stops actively growing. For most lawns:

• Northern regions: late September to mid-October
• Southern regions: later in fall, once temperatures consistently cool

Hint: When you find yourself mowing less often, your lawn is moving out of active growth.