Having a green and fresh lawn has a beautiful impact on the way your garden looks . Just as the human body needs food to grow, the plants also need nutrients to grow — the best time to fertilize the lawn is in the spring and fall. The grass needs nutrients up to four times a year depending on the type of grass and the amount of use the yard gets. The best lawn fertilizer should boost the growth of the grass, making it thicker and making it a brighter green color without the fear of burning it.
Table Contents
- Top 10 Best Lawn Fertilizer of 2023
- 1 – American Hydro Systems All-Natural Blend
- 2 – Azomite Micronized Bag
- 3 – DiatomaceousEarth Food Grade
- 4 – Miracle-GRO Water-Soluble Lawn Food
- 5 – Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
- 6 – Milorgranite Nitrogen Fertilizer
- 7 – Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
- 8 – Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer
- 9 – Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
- 10 – Scotts Turf Builder Starter New Grass
- Buying Guide
- Things To Consider Before Buying
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Top 10 Best Lawn Fertilizer of 2023
1 – American Hydro Systems All-Natural Blend
For feeding the lawn, this fertilizer from American Hydro Systems is beneficial, which helps in making the lawn greener and thicker. Apply this fertilizer through injections and spray systems which automatically feed the lawn. The established lawns do not get burned while it’s used. Small feeding of primary nutrients provides a beautiful landscape throughout the entire season.
One gallon of this Grass So Green feeds about 4000 square feet of lawn for about one month. The liquid is protected from both warm and cool-season grass. This fertilizer is designed to be friendlier with the environment than competing products, by contributing less to run-off.
Key Features
- It is formulated for maintaining a greener and thicker lawn
- Fertilizes when the lawn is watered
- Easy to use
- Designed to be used in green feeder
- Possess a 19-0-0 formulation
- For every 4000 sq. Ft., make use of 1 gallon each month
- Helps in replacing the nutrients that are lost due to mowing
Pros
- Genuine OE product
- Provides nutrients
- Organic Product
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Packaging complaints
2 – Azomite Micronized Bag
Azomite is a highly mineralized complex silica ore. It is used as a naturally rich soil re-mineralizer for plants, as well as a feed ingredient for the animals. Azomite lawn fertilizer comprises more than 70 trace minerals which hold many rare earth elements. Each plant that takes Azomite produces larger fruits and vegetables. The products developed with Azomite are better in taste and have better resistance against diseases.
It is used internationally as a feed additive. This Azomite is an ultra-fine powder that is excellent for coating seeds for maximum generation and initial growth. The Fertilizer comprises of sodium, magnesium, potash, and calcium. If you are planning to use Azomite as a foliar spray, ensure that there is enough pressure on the spray tank. It is water-soluble
Key Features
- Micronized natural trace minerals
- Re-mineralizes soil for optimum growth
- Enhances root systems, yields, and plant health
- Ideal for all types of soil
- It is an all-purpose natural nutrient for organic use
Pros
- Boosts microbial activity
- Water-soluble
- The nutrient release rate is four months
- Not animal-based
- Can be used in organic agriculture
Cons
- Packaging complaints
3 – DiatomaceousEarth Food Grade
A great product from Diatomaceousearth that meets all health requirements for health supplements. It is 100 percent organic. This is a multi-purpose fertilizer product that comes in powder form which can be used for a wide range of applications from health supplements to pet care. Originally, it is a fossilized mineral that started as a collection of microscopic marine plants in freshwater lake beds. These fossilized plants are one of nature’s highest sources of silica, which is an essential mineral for all living organisms. The presence of silica also helps in getting healthier hair, skin, bones, and joints.
Key Features
- It is a fossilized mineral
- Takes food out of intestines
- It promotes collagen production
- Good source of silicone
- Packed using stainless steel equipment to prevent any contaminants from entering.
Pros
- Organic
- Cost-effective
- Easy to use
Cons
- Is not effective for flees
4 – Miracle-GRO Water-Soluble Lawn Food
Miracle-GRO lawn fertilizer is suitable for all-purpose compatible types of grass just like the name says. It is categorized under dry fertilizers and is water-soluble, which works effectively for both indoor, and outdoor plants and lasts up to 2 weeks.
Primarily, it is important to know that it is an inorganic fertilizer made out of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in the ratio of 24-8-16. It can be used in any season, at any period of time and day. This all-purpose plant food can be widely used for feeding trees, shrubs, vegetables, and houseplants.
Water-Soluble Lawn Fertilizer guarantees a solid foundation when it is regularly fed to the plants. Using it can increase flourishing flowers. It does not burn your lawn and is safe for kids and pets. The fertilizer needs to be concentrated to repair and restore the lawn. It comes in crystal form which allows it to get hooked up to a house.
Key Features
- Ensures more significant growth of the plant
- The positive change can be seen when compared with an unfed plant
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor plants
- Instantly feeds all types of grass
- Encourages a soft green carpet of grass
- The quickest way for a greener and thicker lawn
- Covers up to 4,000 square feet per box
- Can be used with a garden feeder
- Inorganic
Pros
- The results are quite prompt
- Suits all grass types
- Feeds through roots and blades
- Does not burn the lawn
- Safe for kids and pets
- It is odorless
- Comes at affordable price
Cons
- High-pollutant content
- If it is not mixed correctly, it may burn the lawn
- May burn if it is not applied just before the rain
5 – Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
This lawn food from Scotts Turf Fertilizer is an expert in killing dollar weed and clover. It effectively prevents and kills fire ants for up to 6 months. This is very useful because these fire ants are very bad for the way your lawn looks. By regularly feeding this fertilizer to the grass it will help in making the grass stronger. This way it will be better protected against heat and drought. It is made out of many nutrients that protect the lawn against heat and drought all year-long. This product protects your grass against small amounts of weed. If larger amounts of weed occur in your garden lawn weed killers will help you to remove them.
Key Features
- Feeds the lawn and strengthens it to protect against future problems
- Builds strong and deep roots
- Enhances the water absorption capacity of lawn
- Suits all types of grass
- Provides nutrients to plants
Pros
- Spreading granular fertilizers is easy
- Kills ants up to 6 months
- Safe to use around pets and kids
- Helps to ‘bulk up’ grass to thicken its density
- Fights off weed effectively
- Made of loads of nutrients
- Promotes water-absorption
Cons
- De-weeding contact is not done
- Is not suitable for dormant grasses
- Because there is an absence of phosphorus, it is limited to existing grasses
6 – Milorgranite Nitrogen Fertilizer
Milorgranite Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer is an eco-friendly and slow-release organic nitrogen fertilizer. It improves the growth of plants, lawns, trees, shrubs. A great thing about this fertilizer is the fact that it never burns and doesn’t have to be watered. There is a 2.5 percent presence of iron, which helps in producing thick green lawns without any excessive growth. It does not stain concrete, unlike the iron salts in synthetic fertilizers.
As it is composed of about 85 percent organic matter, it helps in plant nourishment and feeding the soil microbes. It does not possess any mined resources or synthetics, which makes it eco-friendly. It satisfies all the criteria that are imposed on the fertilizer product for health, safety, and environmental concerns.
Key Features
- Promotes healthy growth when used on lawns, shrubs, trees, and flowers
- Slow-release as it does not leach in groundwater
- Suitable in dry areas
- Can be applied any time of the year to the lawns
- Does not burn
- Ensures that the grasses grow thicker, greener, and evenly.
- Great to on golf courses
Pros
- 100 percent organic
- Can be used in all seasons
- This fertilizer also works on sandy soil
- made out of iron which promotes greener grass
- Has been developed to take care of all safety measures. It is safe for kids, elders, and pets
- Decreases down mowing time
Cons
- May possess some odor
- A bit pricey
- It lacks the root growing element
7 – Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Every fertilizer possesses a different percentage of macronutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Scotts Turf Builder weed and feed possess 28 percent of Nitrogen, 0 percent of phosphorus and 3 percent of Potassium. The presence of 28 percent nitrogen helps in nurturing the leaf growth on the plants. The 3 percent potassium helps in nurturing the overall functions of the plant.
This fertilizer is free from phosphorus because of the new regulations that equate too much phosphorus with water pollution. It does not disturb the environment because it does not create harmful toxins. Fertilizers that come with phosphorus, lower the level of oxygen which leads to algae growth in the water. Because of this, it kills the fishes as well. The whole bag covers up to 5000 square feet.
Key Features
- 2 times powerful than clover and dandelion
- The most powerful weed and feed solution
- Possess powerful weed grip technology
- Helps in building the thick green turf from roots upwards
- No money-back guarantee
- Has the ability to crowd out the weeds while feeding thicker lawns
- The lawn absorbs all the nutrients and water with the smart water technology
Pros
- It has multiple types of use
- Can bear extreme temperatures
- Available in two packs
- It is food grade safe
Cons
- This product is a bit pricey
- Weeds portion works properly, in contrast to the fertilizer
- The replacement of a proven herbicide Atrazine with metsulfuron does not make a better result
8 – Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer
The fertilizer from Simple Lawn Solutions is superior nitrogen and potash 15-0-15 NPK. It is a premium lawn food supplement that boosts the greenery around your house. As this fertilizer is completely free form phosphorus, it improves in soil resistance power against heat and cold. It is free from any chemicals and is an all-natural fertilizer that is safe to use and is ideal for sandy soils.
The organic food-grade ingredients are safe for oil to use promoting health, hardiness, and turf’s strength. It is a pure liquid fertilizers lawn solution made by bioactive organics, feed grade urea, potash, sulfur, and Hulic/Fulvic acids. Watering should be done regularly when making use of this fertilizer to ensure the nutrients absorb quickly.
Key Features
- It is easy to use
- Boosts the growth of grass and provides excellent results
- The presence of humic and fulvic acid-content acts as building blocks for new grass
- NPK ratio is 20-4-8
- It promotes strength and is pest-resistant
- Concentrated
Pros
- It is safe for kids and pets
- Low cost
- Comes in liquid form
- Ideal for all grass types
- It is a bio-active organic fertilizer
- Improves the grass growth
Cons
- Sprayer breaks easily
9 – Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
Scoots Green Max has a unique formula lawn food that feeds the lawn and provides a deep greening effect within three days. It possesses a unique 2 – in – 1 formula which can be used on any type of grass. The special formula does not stain the concrete, driveways or any other surfaces around the lawns. It contains 5.17 percent iron, which is an essential micro-nutrient that helps in boosting the growth of grass. Moreover, each granule possesses 100 percent nutrition, which feeds the lawn effectively
The presence of nitrogen helps in strengthening the grass blades while the potassium helps in maintaining the health of the lawn. Each packet covers about 2,500 to 10,000 square feet. It can be used in all seasons. The lawn should be fed every 6 to 8 weeks for the best results.
Key Features
- High level of nitrogen which makes the lawn greener
- Low priced
- Fast-acting fertilizer
- Possess 5.17 percent of Iron
- Possess NPK in a ratio of 27-0-2
- Ideal for all grass types
- Pushes out the weed
- Inorganic fertilizer
- Liquid form
Pros
- Shows quick results making the lawn greener
- Brown or yellow spots replace with thick, green-blue grass
- Weed will be taken over by thick new grass growth
- Works in all seasons
Cons
- May stain the floor
- The odor is a bit off-putting, but it fades after a good watering
- Can burn the lawns in a hot climate
10 – Scotts Turf Builder Starter New Grass
Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food Lawn Fertilizer is designed to satisfy the special needs of the seeds by providing them with a combination of various nutrients. Because of this, the new grass growth is visible quickly and improves the faster root and blade development. The presence of NPK is in a ratio of 24-25-4, which provides all the nutrients essential for developing a lawn. The growth of new grass is about 70 percent thicker and 35 percent quicker when compared to unfed grass.
It can be used on all grass types, also when new grass is planted, replacing an existing one or when installing sprigs, sod or grass plugs. When the grass grows about 3 inches, the area should be mowed
Key Features
- Provides essential nutrients
- Boosts the growth of seeds, sods, and plugs versus the unfed
- The new grass grows 70 percent thicker and 35 percent quicker
- The NPK ratio is 24-25-4 providing nutrients
- Ideal for all grass types
- Inorganic
Pros
- Can be used in all seasons
- Enhances the seeding results
- Great for sod and grass plugs
- Easy to spread
- Overdosing can burn
Cons
- Requires a fertilizer spreader to apply
Buying Guide
There are a variety of lawn fertilizers available on the market. Each has its unique features that might be helpful to you. If you are using lawn fertilizers for the first time, the chances are that you have a hard time finding the correct fertilizer because of the many options available on the market. Many factors need to be considered, such as the grass type and environmental conditions.
What signs show that the lawn needs fertilization?
Timing is a very vital point when deciding on the fertilization. If the fertilizer is applied too early or too late in the season, the results are not that effective. The wrong timing of application on the lawn will have poor effects. applying while its raining, cold weather, or dormant grass is not effective. Late application will have ineffective results on the grass and is a waste of time and money.
The ideal time to fertilize the lawn is in the spring when the soil temperature stays at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When the soil reaches this temperature, lilac begins to blossom, and the grass grows. Ideally you use this to feed your lawn in mid-April.
Besides the time of the year, the strength of the grass also should be considered when you want to move on to fertilization. When the freshly grown grass is fertilized before it is strong enough to withstand the treatment, the fertilizers might harm the grass. The thing that should be remembered here is that it is a ‘one and done’ situation to fertilize the lawn.
To prevent your grass from damaging, you should not fertilize your lawn when it is raining or when rain is expected for the upcoming 2 or 3 days. The rain will wash away your fertilizers and it will be a waste of time and money.
Whenever you want to fertilize your lawn, consider the following things:
- Age of the grass
- Length and strength of the grass
- The climate of the area you stay in
- Type of fertilizer you apply
- Whether there is any rain prediction
- The temperature of the soil
How often should the fertilizer be fed to the lawn?
You should know the amount of fertilizer the lawn needs. Feeding to little nutrients is not good for your lawn but feeding to much isn’t good for your lawn either, because this will result in burning it. Observing the grass precisely will help you in deciding what amount of fertilizer is the right amount for your grass.
If family members use to lawn often, you should apply fertilizer from two to four times a year. Also, it must be applied if you do not leave grass clippings on the lawns after the mowing process is done.
If your lawn is green and healthy and it is not used as often, it is fine to leave the grass clippings on it. The nutrients should be fed once a year in this case.
Things To Consider Before Buying
With high demand a lot of usage during the years, there are numerous Fertilizer brands on the market. With all these choices it is understandable it is hard to choose which one you should get. Using the proper type of fertilizer for the grass can be helpful in boosting the growth and will be helpful in fast recovery. In the next paragraph there are some of these things explained in short for your ease:
Grass Type
There are various types of grass like Kentucky bluegrass, tall or red fescue, Bermuda, and zoysia. All these types of grass need a proper amount of nutrients provided by the lawn fertilizers. Different types of grass require less watering and maintenance than others.
Lawn Problems
The essential step in choosing the best fertilizer for the lawn is to identify the challenges the lawn is facing. There could be multiple issues like fungus disease damage, the culmination of white grubs, the problem of chinch bugs, the appearance of dry patches, striped lawn, invasion of crabgrass, presence of sod webworm, the destruction that is done by a dog, thin grass and moss, growing in the shade, etc.
When you make use of the right fertilizer for these issues, it will result in leaving a green and healthy lawn. So first you have to address the problems in your lawn to find the right fertilizer that will get rid of them.
Fertilizer Specialty
Fertilizers come in different blends which are designed to deal with a specific problem such as grass growth pest control, weed issues, etc. Also, if compost is intended for a particular plant, it may not work effectively for grass. Many gardeners prefer storing compost in a good compost bin. It is recommended to read the type and functionality of the fertilizer before purchasing one
Synthetic
These are nitrogen-rich fertilizers that have their advantages and disadvantages. The positive side of this fertilizer is that it will undoubtedly help in making the grass grow healthy and fast, a downside to this fertilizer is that you need to keep people and pets off the lawn in order for it to grow properly and have a nice green color.
It is recommended to avoid fast-acting synthetic fertilizers. There is no doubt that they will make the garden greener, but they are not good for the environment, and also when used excessively it will burn the grass. Go for the ones that are slow-release, which breaks down the nutrients over an extended period of time to ensure a long term greener lawn and maintaining good health of the soil.
Form Of Fertilizer
Fertilizers come in various forms like granules and liquid. The pellets are very easy to use when compared to liquid as they can be applied easily using a spreader providing a consistent and even application across the lawn.
Liquid fertilizers come in a concentrated liquid form that can be applied using a spray bottle or more effectively, by sprinklers. To decide what sprinkler to use you should check out the this article on finding the best lawn sprinklers for your garden. It is mixed with water. However, this liquid water-soluble is not for the long term and is pretty expensive.
Consider Your Pets
Some fertilizers are based on the bone meal, blood meal, and fish meal. If you have pets at home, especially dogs, never choose any of these because dogs will think they are threats and eat them. These fertilizers are very toxic and are dangerous for the health of your dog.
Area And Climate
You should consider the area and climate you live in when buying fertilizer. You could ask people around you that have lawns what type of soil is in their lawn. This might help you in gaining knowledge about which soil type is lacking and thereby letting you know which fertilizer you need.
The climate is very important when deciding which fertilizer to buy. If the environment you live in is hot and dry, you should go with the turf builder fertilizers that help in maximum water absorption making the grass healthy.
Soil Type And pH
If your lawn has a dry and coarse soil that cannot hold water, you should go with a rich fertilizer that has gypsum. The gypsum can hold the water very well and helps in keeping it closer to those grassroots.
The pH level of the soil also needs to be considered to determine the nutrients the lawn needs. The active alkaline soils need fertilizer that eliminates iron chlorosis, which is a condition preventing the grass from taking up an iron. The soil has neutral pH levels that facilitate the absorption of nutrients necessary for healthy grass.
Check For NPK
NPK stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). This indicates the presence of percentages of these three nutrients in the fertilizer. Buy one with a high content of nitrogen as it helps in making the grass a nice green color. Those with a good ratio of phosphorus and potassium will result in better root growth. The right amount of these three will help in getting lush green looks, root-grabbing, strength, and great durability.
Iron Content
The presence of iron is very beneficial for achieving greener and thicker grass. Look for the fertilizers which are rich in chelated iron because it raises the bio-availability of the iron that makes the grass greener, no matter what is the pH level of the soil is.
Single Nutrient
Single nutrient fertilizers are rich in nitrogen, which is the most effective nutrient for the growth of the plant. As much as they are beneficial for plant growth, they are also dangerous for the environment. When they reach lakes, rivers, or ocean, they could potentially damage the aquatic ecosystems. But when used with care and preciseness, they are safe and effective.
Multi-Nutrient
As the name indicates, they are designed to provide more than one nutrient. It holds a variety of nutrients like iron, calcium or copper. Using it is beneficial for the lawn because it helps in regaining the lushness and greenness of the garden alongside with restoring the lawn.
Organic
As the name says, it is made up of animal waste such as bat guano and chicken manure. They are made from plant materials that are composed. They have a lower nutrient concentration compared to those that are inorganic.
Urea Or Ammonium Sulphate
Both of these types of fertilizers are available on the market and are both rich in nitrogen. They also have a quick release, which makes them ideal for growth in turf. The ones with Urea helps the grass type that prefers acidic soil that is affordable, easy to store, and has a safe combination. The Ammonium Sulfate does not melt in high humidity and is easy to store. It is ideal for regular lawn maintenance and stimulating grass growth.
Method And Frequency Of Fertiliser Application
When the lawn needs to be fertilized, the application process plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of fertilizer. In the cold season, you can fertilize grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial rye. Whereas in spring/early fall/warm season, you should fertilize grass types like Bermuda, Zoysia and Buffalo
These are some of the points you need to take note of and consider before you buy your lawn fertilizer. Choosing the wrong product can lead to severe issues for your lawn, and that is not a risk you should be willing to take at all. A conscious choice is a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
All products are tricky for the first time, and therefore, you may be unsure about some things and have questions about the use of the product. It is natural and right. Questions allow us to gain knowledge about the product and gives us the confirmation we need.
The ideal time to put the winter fertilizer on the lawn is when the grass stops growing in the fall when it still appears green on top and is active below the surface. Many times, this time will be in mid to late November or early December. So when the lawn mower for a small yard is kept aside, one may apply the fertilizer.
Every fertilizer makes use of a three-number rating system like 15-15-15 or 21-8-4, which indicates the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the particular fertilizer blend. The first one, 15-15-15, demonstrates that it holds all the three nutrients in the same amount. Whereas the ratio 21-8-4, proves a high concentration of nitrogen (21 percent), four times the amount of phosphorus (8 percent) and half the amount of potassium (14 percent).
Now you might be confused about which ratio is correct for your grass. Many people ask whether they have to buy a 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 ratio. It does not matter what proportion you use as they provide the same relative amount of nutrients. The thing that matters is that you use the correct amount of fertilizer. When buying fertilizer, always consider these two things: the actual amount (weight) and the ratio of nutrients.
A 10-10-10 fertilizer has about 10 percent of each nutrient, and 5-5-5 has 5 percent. A bag of 10-10-10 contains twice as much as fertilizer as the same sized 5-5-5 bag. Both have the same ratio; the difference is that 10-10-10 is more concentrated.
Remember that you add fertilizer to the soil and not plants because these plants get their food from the soil. If your soil has a high amount of phosphorus, the fertilizer you use while transplanting or for getting more blossom does not need a high amount of phosphorus as the soil holds it already. The fertilizer that you add to the lawn should be a supplement to what your soil lacks.
Nitrogen an essential nutrient required by grass. It is needed for leaf growth and helps in making the plants green. Plants with a lot of leaves need high nitrogen. However, too much nitrogen causes excessive top growth, which leads to diverse problems. This is the reason many fertilizers come with high nitrogen ratios like 24-4-12 or 22-4-6.
A rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is recommended for each fertilizer application. When nitrogen is used in a large amount, the fertilizer product that needs to be supplied should have a lower concentration of nitrogen.
Another thing that must be considered is what type of nitrogen is in the product. The nitrogen fertilizer may be either fast-release or slow-release. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer is recommended for lawns.
Epsom salt, known as Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4), contains magnesium which in reality is a vital component of Chlorophyll. This Epsom salt is a safe and natural product that helps increasing everything from seed germination to the general health of lawns and plants also with nutrient absorption, and growth. When Epsom is fed to the crops which lack magnesium, it will have a great result on that crop. Epsom salt can also be used as a lawn fertilizer in the spring to promote lush green growth.
It is not recommended to apply fertilizer to wet grass. Apply fertilizer to dry grass and then water it well. Watering washes the fertilizer off the grass and leaves without burning the grass.
You could time the fertilizer applications between rainfalls so that rainwater washes the fertilizer into the soil. But doing this, you must be sure that fertilization is not done before it starts raining because the manure will be washed up, this is especially the case when the lawn is sloppy.
If you have cool-season grasses, a minimum of two fertilizer applications is recommended. For spring and fall, one is enough. It can be more though, depending on the condition of the lawn. If you choose to fertilize one time a year, the fall is the ideal period for cool-season grasses.
If you have warm-season grass it requires regular fertilization at the time of heaviest growths which is usually in the summer. The application of fertilizer for warm-season grasses depends on the type of soil like clay versus sandy soils, etc. It also depends on how well the nutrients are retained in the soil.
Conclusion
These are small details you will benefit from choosing your best lawn fertilizer. It is not the case that all the homeowners will find success with the same lawn fertilizer. What will work for one might not work for others. The lawn needs the right nutrients to survive and grow. You need to study the type of soil correctly and identify what it lacks. The type of grass-like the cold season, warm season, or a mixture of both and condition of the grass also plays a crucial role in determining the best fertilizers. A healthy and green lawn is truly beautiful to see and gives a nice look to your house.
James has been working with lot’s of power tool brands like Husqvarna, Makita and WORX for over 12 years. With his passion for power tools and gardening he is helping both consumers and businesses with his expertise. He now runs the editorial team at HomeGearExpert and loves to support local charities in his spare time.