Granular Lawn Fertilizer Instructions

Granular lawn fertilizer is a dry, pellet-form nutrient product applied to lawns using a spreader to promote steady grass growth over 8-10 weeks.

5 Steps to Apply Granular Fertilizer

1. Set your spreader to the recommended setting on the bag
2. Fill the hopper and spread evenly at 3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
3. Water in thoroughly for 15–20 minutes immediately after application
4. Sweep stray granules off hard surfaces
5. Allow 4–24 hours drying time before foot traffic or pet activity

When to apply granular fertilizer

Apply granular fertilizer when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F and grass is actively growing. 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 45°F
• Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine): daily averages above 65°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.

Quick Reference: Application Rate

Standard rate: 3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft

Coverage per bag: One 12 lb bag covers approximately 4,000 sq ft

1

Set your spreader

Use a drop, broadcast, or handheld spreader. Any type works, just make sure you know how much space to leave between passes.

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 long passes, it may help to use a landmark to track where your pass starts and ends.

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

Sunday Tip:

Drop spreaders often have a mark on the hopper edge to show how much overlap you need.

4

Water in

Don't skip this one.

Water your lawn immediately after application until the top inch of soil is moist. About ¼ inch of water is best.

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.

Allow 4–24 hours drying time before foot traffic or pet activity.

Granular Fertilizer Application Tips

• Apply only to actively growing grass
• Water your lawn 2 hours before application if soil is dry
• Avoid applying 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. If you have a Custom Lawn Plan, we’ve already done the math for you.

What's the difference between granular and liquid fertilizer?

Most liquid fertilizers deliver nutrients fast for a visible boost, while granular fertilizers break down slowly over 8-10 weeks for sustained growth. Choose liquid for quick greening and granular for long-term feeding.

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

Can I switch from liquid fertilizer to granular fertilizer?

Yes. Wait 2 weeks after applying liquid fertilizer before applying granular fertilizer, or 6 weeks after applying granular to apply liquid. Using both too close together can over-fertilize your lawn, causing burn or excessive growth.

Does granular fertilizer work on all grass types?

Yes, Sunday granular fertilizer works for all residential turfgrasses. However, apply no more than twice per year on centipedegrass to avoid over-fertilization.

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 granular fertilizers, we want to allow time for the fertilizer to break down fully before the grass goes dormant.

• For Northern Regions: Apply 6-8 weeks before the frost.
• For Southern Regions: Apply when the average temps start dropping back into the 70’s.

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