When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Spring

Once spring rolls around, you may find yourself wondering what needs to be done with your lawn. A rough winter can leave behind a brown, battered grass.

Don't worry. All is not lost. Your lawn is probably in serious need of food (nutrients). You can help bring your lawn on the road to winter recovery.

Knowing when to fertilize your lawn is almost as important as knowing how to fertilize your lawn. Spring is definitely a time to feed your grass. Much like humans, a happy lawn is a well-fed lawn. Your lawn will be hungry when it arises from its winter slumber in early spring. It may also have some unwelcome visitors. If you notice crabgrass in the spring, fertilize your lawn with a pre-emergent to control the spread of the crabgrass. Check the fertilizer when you make your first trip to that lawn and garden store in the spring. The stores will likely have stacks of fertilizer in the front. Make sure you choose one that best suits your lawn.

This is where it's important to know your lawn and know your area. If you live in a cooler climate, it's a good idea to fertilize lightly in the spring and do heavier fertilizing in the fall. That's because the growing season for these grasses is usually in the cool-but-not cold times of year, early spring and late fall. Grasses in warmer climates will need to be fed later in the spring and again in the summer.

You can also modify this schedule based on the weather pattern in your area and the needs of your lawn.Remember that watering your lawn can be just as important as fertilizing.