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Best Fertilizer For Grass

Editor's Choice
Espoma Spring Lawn Booster
4.5/5
Best Choice
Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Non-Burning Fertilizer
4.5/5
Best Overall
GreenView Lawn Food
5/5

Who doesn’t love the look of a healthy, lush green lawn? It looks pretty and it also increases the value of your property as well. While the benefits are many, maintaining a lush green grass can be quite the challenge, but with our helpful gardening guides, you can always pick the right type of grass fertilizer to achieve a lush green turf growth.

If you notice brown patches all over your grass, weed growth, and clumps or spots of bare earth, then it is a clear indication that your lawn lacks proper nutrients to grow healthy. To counter this, you can use one of these best fertilizers for grass to help bring back proper root growth as well as moisture retention in your soil. You can pick from a range of the best liquid fertilizers or, depending on your grass needs and growth requirements, you can select one of the best organic lawn fertilizers to help your grass grow healthier.

On the other hand, chemical fertilizers can certainly show quick results but their nutrients do not sustain your grass for long as in case of organic grass fertilizers. At Your House Your Garden, we help you understand the needs of your garden grass better so you can invest in only the best fertilizer for grass growth and good health.

Top picks for best fertilizer for grass

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1. Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Lawn Fertilizer

When the winter chill begins to set in from September through November, your once green grass is at a risk of burning or withering away. This Jonathan Green formula is an excellent option to help enhance root growth and strengthen it so that your grass can withstand the butter cold.

Other forms of lawn trouble during winter time can include excessive weed growth, lack of irrigation, frost, and even fungus or disease development. Applying this fertilizer can ensure that your grass can restore its lush color back in spring.

It is a slow release fertilizer that stays effective up to 12 weeks and comes in a granular fertilizer form. One packet can cover up to 15000 sq. ft and its NPK ratio of 10-0-20 ensures that your green grass remains healthy even during wintertime.

2. Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Non-Burning Fertilizer

Packed with essential micronutrients, this Safer Lawn Restore fertilizer helps your grass retain its fresh color. It contains phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium that are key ingredients for a healthy turf.

More importantly, unlike synthetic fertilizers, this contains all-natural ingredients that are unique to organic fertilizers.

The manufacturer of this plant food states that its unique blend of ingredients is sourced from the ocean species and plants as well as fish bones and mined minerals which makes this organic fertilizer safe for humans and animals as well. You never have to worry about children or your pets running about as this is completely non-toxic.

This high nitrogen fertilizer also ensures that your grass retains a rich green hue, while the phosphorus element helps provide energy to every corner, stem, and leaf of the plant and every single blade of grass. Finally, potassium helps in producing enzymes that protect your turf against harsh weather. It is also a slow release lawn fertilizer that ensures long term positive results.

However, beware when using it with close-by water sources as the phosphorus can contaminate it so read the package and follow directions carefully.

3. GreenView Lawn Food

Looking for a versatile lawn fertilizer? Look no further! This Greenview lawn food is both quick and slow release fertilizer. It comes packed with quick release nitrogen that helps with growth and slow release nitrogen helps give your lawn food and nutrients for up to 7-8 weeks.

It also helps strengthen your grass roots and helps combat any damages from droughts or stress as a result of weather change. Thanks to the lack of phosphorus in this fertilizer, you never have to worry about water contamination and still helps to make roots resilient overtime.

It is a granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 22-0-4, and one pack can cover up to 15000 sq. ft. Just make sure to follow application directions as it does contain very high levels of nitrogen which may end up burning your grass if you are not careful.

4. Espoma Spring Lawn Booster

If you are on the hunt for the best lawn fertilizer for spring, then this is it! This Espoma lawn fertilizer works best with warm season grasses and contains slow release nitrogen which helps in growing dense turf.

Unlike many other lawn fertilizers, this one is especially handy in bringing back the lushness of the lawn after those bitter winter months. When May hits, you can begin adding this fertilizer to your grass so it can assist in root development over the next few months.

With 8% nitrogen, this Espoma lawn fertilizer helps balance the nutrients in the soil so your grass can photosynthesize better, resulting in greener and thicker blades. It also contains 3% calcium which is pivotal in the strengthening of the grass and combating against diseases that could otherwise halt its growth.

It is also a slow release fertilizer which feeds your grass and soil over time instead of dramatic, short term results. However, keep in mind that this fertilizer contains calcium which does not react well to soil that has higher alkaline levels. Such soil already contains calcium and by injecting more of it, you will likely stunt grass growth. Remember to carry a soil test beforehand.

5. GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer with Crabgrass Preventer

If you are struggling with excessive weed growth as well as crabgrass taking over your precious lawn, then we recommend this Greenview lawn fertilizer that comes packed with elements to prevent crabgrass. It consists of herbicides that can get rid of hundreds of common lawn weeds and also eliminates crabgrass up to 3-4 weeks after the seeds have germinated.

It also comes packed with quick release nitrogen which helps brighten your grass color and the slow release nitrogen helps feed it for 10-12 weeks. It has zero phosphorus so you never have to worry about water toxicity. This fertilizer comes in granular form with an NPK ratio of 24-0-6 and a single packet can cover up to 10,000 sq. ft.

Remember not to over-fertilize as the high levels of nitrogen can also cause the grass to burn.

6. Safer Brand Lawn Restore Fertilizer

Much praised for its eco-friendly and non-toxic ingredients, the Safer Brand’s lawn fertilizer is completely phosphorus free and contains enough nitrogen to give your grass a lush green color without the risk of burning it or over-fertilizing. It is often considered better than other organic lawn fertilizers.

This organic fertilizer helps make your turf thicker and healthier and also enhances the grass roots whilst injecting your soil with beneficial microorganisms which is a feature often lacking in chemical fertilizers and even some liquid fertilizer.

It consists of an NPK ratio of 9-0-2 and is effective up to 8 weeks. However, keep in mind that the new formula for this lawn fertilizer leaves behind a nasty odor.

7. Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

Slow release lawn fertilizers not only keep your grass fed for longer but they also provide long-lasting results. This Milorganite grass fertilizer is excellent for your grass, flowers, and even trees. It will keep your lawn fed for up to 10 weeks.

While the results appear slowly, they are far more long lasting than those of chemical fertilizers. It injects your grass with maximum nutrients and ensures that they reach the roots rather than washing away with water or wind.

Additionally, this lawn fertilizer is also an excellent investment if your lawn has patches of yellow or brown grass, or if there is weed growth. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, this is an organic fertilizer that does not derive its nitrogen content from chemicals.

Just keep in mind that this lawn fertilizer contains some phosphorus that may be toxic to nearby water. With an NPK ratio of 6-4-0, this lawn fertilizer can be used all year round.

8. Medina HastaGro Liquid Lawn Food

There are several benefits of liquid lawn fertilizers. Firstly, they contain far less salt than granular fertilizers, and secondly, they are easy to absorb and do not need watering down or worked into the soil. This Medina liquid lawn fertilizer is a top choice for many gardeners especially since it helps release all nutrients at once allowing your grass and soil to absorb them quicker.

For a quick, healthy lawn, liquid fertilizers such as these can immediately help fix yellowing or thinning grass. It also comes packed with high levels of phosphorus that enhances turf growth and helps in strengthening the roots. This makes it extremely beneficial for new grass as well as all grass types, be it warm season grasses or cool season grasses.

Additionally, it also contains nitrogen and potassium which makes your grass greener and protects it against extreme heat or cold, as well as diseases.

Though it is quick release fertilizer, you will still need to replenish it more frequently than most slow release fertilizers to ensure similar results. Do not add too much too often as this can lead to overgrowth and weak roots, making your grass susceptible to stress damage

Choosing the Best Grass Fertilizer for Your Lawn

Make a soil test the first step in your decision-making process for lawn fertilizer. You’ll need a soil sample in order to perform a basic soil test. The pH of the soil and its nutrient constituents, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, etc are both revealed by a soil test. You should pick a lawn fertilizer that can supply the nutrients your soil lacks if it is deficient in these useful primary and secondary nutrients.

A healthy lawn is its own greatest defense against lawn pests and grass weeds/broadleaf weeds. Feeding your lawn the nutrition it requires with the best lawn grass fertilizers will stimulate lush green grass growth. Choosing a grass fertilizer with a weed barrier to prevent may also be a good idea.

Different Varieties of Fertilizers for Your Grass

There are different types and varieties of grass fertilizers you can pick for your turf. Below are some of the different options available with their set of unique benefits and drawbacks.

Liquid Grass Fertilizers for Yard

Spraying liquid grass fertilizer and water on your turf is a nutrient packed, quick-action solution for healthy growth. The biggest difference and advantage of liquid grass fertilizers is that they lack the granules found in ordinary fertilizers which take their time to break down and seep through the roots.

Liquid grass fertilizers can be absorbed right away by your grass. Since this form of fertilizer does not have a steady release, your lawn will often need more applications of it. These grass fertilizers are simple to use with your garden hose and have a lower salt concentration, which is beneficial for growing grass roots.

Granular Grass Fertilizer for Garden

Granular grass fertilizers consist of coarse powdery, grainy particles that carry a heap of essential nutrients useful for a steady and healthy grass growth over a period of time. These products are typically less expensive than liquid fertilizers. While nutrients in granular or slow-release fertilizers won’t be immediately available to plants, they will remain longer.

Granular grass food may also need watering after you have spread it so it can break down and is absorbed by the roots of your grass effectively. A granular fertilizer might be a better option if you don’t want to fertilize your grass several times. This lawn fertilizer can be spread with a broadcast spreader.

Organic Fertilizers for Grass Growth

Organic grass fertilizers, much like granular varieties, typically take longer to decompose than chemical fertilizers, which contain macronutrients like nitrogen. But they tend to supply grass with more micronutrients supporting the overall health of your lawn.

Organic grass fertilizers are also safer to use when you have kids or pets around in your backyard. These also do not contaminate any water bodies closeby.

Chemical/Inorganic Grass Fertilizers

Chemical grass fertilizers or inorganic grass fertilizers are considered fast-acting formulas for grass growth as they consist of very specific nutrient ratios that boost grass growth. Many such types of grass fertilizers are packed with extra minerals that help your grass retain a lush green appearance.

Protect Your Grass Against Fertilizer Burns

There is a significant likelihood the lawn has been burnt due to excessive fertilizer product if you notice yellow or brown spots following fertilizer application.

Usually, it’s simple to spot since the grass will look injured rather than just dull.

Possibly the simplest method is to use a slow-release fertilizer. Burn can be avoided by following the manufacturer’s recommendations, applying the fertilizer when the grass is dry, and providing enough water to activate the fertilizer.

Make sure your route doesn’t have a lot of overlap if you’re utilizing a spreader/granule combination. This will always overload or oversaturate some sections of grass with fertilizer. This is most likely what happens if you notice yellow streaks in your lawn every few feet.

FAQs About the Best Fertilizer for Grass in Your Backyard

Lawn fertilizers are necessary for healthy grass growth as they contain the necessary nutrients needed to strengthen grass roots, enhance growth, protect against harsh weather and diseases, and retain greener grass. These are achieved through a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are found in different quantities in lawn fertilizers.

Organic grass fertilizer is derived from natural sources such as byproducts of organisms, manure, compost, etc., that contain all the essential nutrients for healthy plant growth. This makes it a natural lawn fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers for grass are developed from inorganic materials that may or may not be entirely synthetic.

The best time to add fertilizer to your lawn is in late spring. Applying fertilizer excessively early in the growing season can impede the growth of your grass, so avoid doing so. During the growing season, many people opt to apply additional fertilizer once or twice, although this depends on the particular requirements of your yard.

No, granular grass fertilizers are not more effective in boosting grass growth than liquid grass fertilizers. In fact, neither granular fertilizer nor liquid fertilizer is better than the other. Both have their own purposes and come packed with nutrients that will ultimately benefit your garden grass.

Though, each has a specific purpose that you should be mindful of. Liquid grass fertilizers are excellent in the early growth stage of the turf whereas granular grass fertilizers can help in its growth and protection later on.

Abigail Clemente

Abigail Clemente

To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.

Abigail Clemente

Abigail Clemente

To say that Abigail is passionate about gardening and landscaping would be an understatement. Abigail came to Your House Your Garden team with an already exceptional portfolio as an experienced writer.