Our toes love gliding through our lush, green grass. But did you know our lawn does far more than just look and feel good?
Lawns also improve air quality, reduce heat by 20 to 30 degrees and generate oxygen.
One of the best ways to keep grass vibrant on the surface and healthy down into their roots is to fertilize. And right now is the most important fertilization of the year – not spring!
Learn why fall is the year’s most important lawn fertilization– and everything you need to know about the best time to fertilize. Should you mow first? Wait until after it rains? Or wait until the best time of day to fertilize the lawn?
Why Fertilize Your Lawn in Fall – The Best Fall Month and Time of Day to Fertilize
Summer heat is stressful on our lawns. Fall’s cooler temperatures provide the perfect setting for lawn to regain strength.
Fall is the best and most important time to fertilize your lawn because:
• Fall’s morning dew delivers moisture to help turf absorb the fertilizer.
• The grass has a chance to build stamina before a chilly winter.
• Supporting root growth in fall leads to a healthier, greener lawn in spring.
While fall is naturally good for feeding our lawn, you can deliver an extra oomph by fertilizing as best as you can, too.
When in fall should you apply fertilizer to your lawn?
Apply fall lawn fertilizer 2 to 3 weeks before the ground freezes.
To find an exact date, look for the first frost date in your area. That date is typically a good time to fertilize since the ground hasn’t frozen yet.
More generally, mid-October is a good time to apply lawn fertilizer.
Is there a best time of day to fertilize your lawn?
Sure is! The best time of day to fertilize is in the morning or early evening. Both times avoid the warm daytime temperatures that work against fertilizer.
When to fertilize lawn after mowing?
Start with a clean slate by mowing the lawn right before you fertilize. Leave some grass clippings behind to help the roots.
Should lawn fertilizer be applied before rain?
Never fertilize lawns before a heavy rain to avoid runoff, so be sure to check the forecast before you start. And if it recently rained, let the grass blades dry before fertilizing.
