Best Fertilizer for Lawns

Having a healthy and bright green lawn in your home is the absolute dream, and you can certainly picture your family and pets playing in it, in the picture-perfect ideal world. But truth is, getting your lawn to be that picture-perfect requires some work on your behalf. It won’t just happen.

If you don’t feed the grass properly, it will be more yellow than green, and will likely be sparse rather than a full patch of grass. And not only that. If you don’t maintain and care for your grass, weeds are almost guaranteed to appear, so it will end up looking more like the wilderness than a home garden.

But don’t worry. We’re not saying you have to spend every day tending to your lawn. To keep it looking beautiful and healthy a bit of lawn fertilizer should do the trick, and you usually will only need to use it a couple of times a year in order for it to be effective! Just make sure you’re using a high-quality fertilizer that is right for your lawn, and you’re good to go!

Finding a reliable and high-quality fertilizer for your lawn shouldn’t be hard, as there are plenty of options. But discerning which products are the ones worthwhile can be somewhat of an overwhelming challenge.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our top five favorite lawn fertilizers, which we consider to be the best of the best. Here is our review for each one!

OUR TOP PICK

Scotts is a leading brand within the world of lawn fertilizers, so it is no wonder that we’ve listed so many of their products in our list of favorites. (And it’s no wonder one of them is right at the top!)

The Turf Builder Triple Action fertilizer is an incredibly popular product option, and a top Amazon choice. It is available in two different amounts, able to cover either 4000 or 10000 sq. ft.

Its Triple Action does a three-in-one job: it kills all the weeds, prevents crabgrass for up to 4 months, and feeds the grass for a healthy and beautiful lawn.

It’s really easy to use, as you can calculate the amount you need with the help of the Scotts My Lawn app, then you simply pour the product into the spreader and apply it to the lawn!

For the most effective results, it should be applied during the Spring, in the daytime, and preferably during consistent temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. (Keep people and pets away from the lawn during the process, and for a while after while it settles.)

The effect is long-lasting, and you should actually leave at least 6 to 8 weeks between applications. It can be used on Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, and Fine Fescue. (Essentially formulated for Northern Lawns). And the best part, it comes with guaranteed results or your money back!

Pros

  • Triple Action Formula: it kills weeds, protects from crabgrass, and feeds the lawn!
  • Scotts My Lawn App: the app will help you along the process so that it’s super easy to use! 
  • Compatible with a good range of grass types: formulated for Northern Lawns, with a versatile application
  • Long-lasting effect: Minimum of 6 to 8 weeks between each application, so plenty of time to relax and forget about it 
  • Guaranteed results or money back: highly reliable product, and highly recommended

Cons

  • Very soft consistency that might blow away if it’s windy!

EDITORS CHOICE

The Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food fertilizer is a close second on our list of top favorites, and it’s also an Amazon top choice, highly recommended by its customers! It is available in liquid form and comes in a bottle of 32 ounces, which can treat up to 3200 sq. ft.

This liquid fertilizer contains plenty of high-quality feed-grade ingredients, which will fully nourish the grass to get it to top condition. It is a perfect blend of key micronutrients, and it also contains seaweed and fish.

The nitrogen, phosphate, and potash formula, is perfect for getting your grass to grow greener than ever, and it’s compatible with all grass types, making it one of the most versatile lawn fertilizers out there.

It’s also super easy to use and has been designed to be applied with ease, thanks to the ready-to-use sprayer it comes in. It is an overall excellent product option, and is highly reliable, as it is manufactured in the United States by a family-owned business, with 25 years of experience. (They really do know what they’re doing!)

Pros

  • Contains plenty of high-quality feed-grade ingredients: highly nutritious, to help your grass grow greener than ever 
  • The formula is compatible with all grass types: Incredibly versatile, usable on all lawns
  • Comes in a ready-to-use sprayer: designed to be very easy to use, with a fast application 
  • A family-owned business with 25 years experience: Highly reliable and recommended product, an excellent overall option

Cons

  • No significant downsides

BEST VALUE

Another highly popular product option by the Scotts brand is the Green Max Lawn Food Fertilizer. It is available in two different amounts, able to cover up to either 5000 or 10000 sq. ft. So it’s ideal for larger lawns!

The formula produces a dual-action effect, which feeds the grass, and supplements it with iron, which is a micronutrient that enhances the greening process.

The product is 100% nutrients, with no fillers. And you can tell, as your grass will become considerably greener in just three days! (Plus, it has been formulated so that it doesn’t stain your driveway or surrounding areas, making it super convenient!)

The formula is compatible with all grass types, and usable during spring, summer, and the fall months. It is also completely safe to use, and you can re-enter the lawn immediately after application, with no risks.

And as proof of how reliable this product is, it is worth mentioning that it is recommended as part of the Scotts Lawn Care Plan, meaning it’s a product known for being good for the health of your lawn!

Pros

  • Dual-action formula: it both feeds and supplements your grass, for a full nutrition
  • Greener grass in 3 days: the iron within the formula enhances the greening process, with visible results in 3 days 
  • Compatible with all grass types, and most seasons: except for winter, use it whenever, and on any lawn type! 
  • Completely safe to use, no staining, and no waiting time: it doesn’t stain surrounding areas, and you can enter the lawn immediately after 
  • Part of the Scotts Lawn Care Plan: guaranteed to be a healthy addition to your lawn maintenance

Cons

  • No significant downsides

RUNNER UP

Yet another product option by the Scotts brand, which is also an Amazon top choice, we have the Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food fertilizer.

In Scott brand fashion, it is ideal for larger lawns, as it is available in different amounts that can cover up to either 5000, 10000, or 15000 sq. ft.

This fertilizer has been specially formulated for Southern lawns, although it can be applied to any grass type, making it a versatile option. It includes the Scotts All-in-One particles, which provide an even distribution of the nutrients, for evenly spread results.

Its main effect is that it strengthens the roots, protecting them from heat and drought. It also improves the lawn’s ability to absorb water, so that it is able to grow healthier and faster.

It is very easy to apply, and it is completely safe, as you can re-enter the lawn immediately after the application, with no risks whatsoever.

Overall, it’s a great product option if you live somewhere where the weather is harsher, and it will keep the grass growing green and thick, for that picture-perfect garden.

Pros

  • Compatible with all grass types, ideal for Southern Lawns: versatile product, which is perfect if you live down south where the weather is hotter
  • Scotts All-in-One Particles: it ensures even distribution, for equal results throughout the lawn 
  • Protection from heat, and better water absorption: it strengthens the roots, and ensures the grass grows green and healthy despite droughts and heat 
  • Safe to use: you can re-enter the lawn immediately after application

Cons

  • Might do more harm than good if used on a lawn where it rains often

RUNNER UP

Last but not least on our list of top picks, we have the GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer, another great product option for getting that picture-perfect lawn. It is available in two different amounts, able to cover up to either 5000 or 10000 sq. ft. Ideal for larger lawns!

The formula provides a triple action, as it kills weeds, blocks crabgrass, and feeds the lawn so that the grass grows green and healthy. And this formula is known to kill even the toughest of weeds, so it’s highly effective, providing Pro-grade professional results!

The formula is also a 65% slow-release, so it provides a steady and even feeding of the lawn, for up to 12 weeks. It should be applied during Early Spring, and while the lawn is slightly wet for the best possible results.

It’s compatible with a wide range of different grass types, but should not be used at all on St.Augustine Floridian grass, or on dichondra and carpet grass, as this will seriously harm the lawn.

Overall, it’s a highly effective fertilizer, and it comes with a satisfaction guarantee or your money back!

Pros

  • Triple action formula: kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds the grass for a healthy growth 
  • Highly effective against weeds: it is able to kill even the toughest of weeds, for more professional results 
  • 65% slow-release fertilizer: steady feeding of the lawn for up to 12 weeks! 
  • Compatible with a wide range of grass types: versatile product, ideal for use during early spring

Cons

  • Cannot be used on St.Augustine, dichondra, and carpet grass (it will harm the lawn)

Best Fertilizer for Lawns Buying Guide

Buying fertilizer for your lawn is very important, as it can be the difference between your grass looking like it’s dying and poorly, and it looking healthy and green.

There is a vast amount of different types of fertilizers, with different effects and nutrients, which will suit different grass types and different lawns (sometimes according to their location!). So how do you choose the best possible fertilizer for you?

Well, there are a few basic factors that we recommend you take into consideration, as they can be determining factors when it comes to making a decision on whether a specific product is suitable for your needs and preferences or not.

You want your fertilizer to be effective, high-quality, easy to use, and ideally, long-lasting so that you can apply it and forget about garden maintenance for a good while.

So, to help you out, we’ve summarized those main basic factors, and hopefully, they’ll help you with your decision-making!

Amount and Coverage

The first thing you need to figure out is how much fertilizer you need for your lawn. Fertilizers come in different amounts, and you need to make sure you have enough, or else you’ll be left with uneven patches!

Some fertilizers have an affiliated smartphone app that can help you figure out the exact amount of fertilizer you need, and this is extremely helpful. Definitely, something to look out for!

Formula and Nutrients

The formula should be your number one priority when choosing a lawn fertilizer, as it is what will determine the effects on your grass, and the nutrients provided.

The best formulas will have a triple action effect, as they will kill off any weeds, block crabgrass, and will then feed the lawn with nutrients so that it grows green and healthy. (We definitely recommend looking for these types of formulas, as they are a 3-in-1 treatment!)

Other things to look out for in the formula, are the components themselves. Iron is a supplement that will seriously enhance the greening process, so if you’re after greener grass, that is something to look for in the formula.

You also need to check the effects of the formula, because not all lawns need the same treatments. Identify the problems your lawn has, and what your grass is lacking, and aim to provide for those specific needs. That is how you will obtain the best results.

Application and Ease of Use

The easier a fertilizer is to apply, the more comfortable it is to use. Usually, you will apply fertilizer by pouring it into a spreader. Although liquid fertilizers will be used with a sprayer.

Some fertilizers come in a bottle that is also a sprayer, meaning you won’t need to buy any other tools and can use them directly!

Safety of Use

Safety is always important, and with fertilizers, you need to be aware of if there is a waiting time after application. For some, it isn’t safe to step into the lawn until after some time.

While with others, you can step into the lawn immediately after, as there are no toxicity risks.

You also need to look into whether the fertilizer will stain your driveway and surrounding areas or not, as some require you to be extra careful and only touch the grass.

Grass Compatibility

Not all fertilizers can be used on all lawns. It is very important to check whether a certain fertilizer is compatible with the grass type in your lawn.

You also need to look at whether the fertilizer is formulated and designed for specific weather conditions and locations. For example, some fertilizers will be specific to Southern lawns, as they protect from harsh heat and droughts.

Long-lasting Effects

How long-lasting will the effects of the fertilizer be? You don’t want to be having to re-apply it too often, as ideally, you should be able to forget about it for a few months.

Some fertilizers have a steady slow-feeding effect, for example, in which they continuously feed the grass with nutrients for a few weeks, so the effects are ongoing. 

FAQ's

What month is best for fertilizing your lawn?

As a general rule, the best time for applying fertilizer onto your lawn is early Spring. So the ideal month would be around March.

This is because it is the time in which the grass will begin to actively grow, so nutrients and supplements will be a lot more effective, and will have a more visible result.

Is liquid or granular lawn fertilizer better?

This depends on your preferences, and on the needs of your lawn, as both types of fertilizer can be equally as effective.

The main difference between them is that liquid fertilizer has a more immediate effect, but needs to be reapplied more often. While granular fertilizer will have a slower and steadier effect, which gets released when the lawn is watered or rained upon.

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