Most homeowners fertilize their lawn at least twice per year, though your lawn may have different needs.
These are formulated in various combinations and concentrations.
Granular slow-release fertilizer slowly feeds and releases nitrogen into the grass over a period of months.
groveb / Getty Images
How this translates into the exact fertilizer amount depends on the percentage of nitrogen in the fertilizer.
Always follow the directions on the fertilizer label.
Over-fertilizing can be more detrimental to the lawn than using no fertilizer at all.
Leaving grass clippings on the lawns adds nitrogenAkchamczuk / Getty Images
They grow the most during cool weather in the spring and fall.
These grasses are usually fertilized twice a year.
Apply slow-release fertilizerbefore the summer heat sets in.
Fertilize before it rainsImage by Chris Winsor
The second fertilization should be in the late summer or early to midfall.
Just as cool-season grasses, they are usually fertilized twice a year, but the timing is slightly different.
For the second fertilization, a soluble, readily available nitrogen fertilizer is often recommended.
Wait at least 45 to 60 days between applications.
When Is the Best Time to Fertilize?
Besides the season when you fertilize, thetime of the dayis also important.
It also helps you to get everything lined up in time for fertilization.
However, a lawn fertilizing schedule needs to be flexible.
If rain is not in the forecast, delay fertilizing until it is.
And if there is a drought, delay the fertilization until its over, or skip it altogether.
When there is no water, grass wont grow, and fertilizer has no place to go.
Fertilizing a lawn during a drought when the grass is already stressed makes fertilizer burns more likely.
Yes, you should mow the lawn before fertilizing, if possible.
This will make it easier for the fertilizer to work its way into the soil.
Lawn Fertilization for Texas Warm-Season Grasses.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
