A thick, green lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it takes the right care at the right time. One of the most important steps in maintaining healthy grass is proper fertilization. At Tick and Turf, we often get questions like “What kind of fertilizer should I use?” or “When is the best time to fertilize?” In this post, we’ll break down how to fertilize your lawn the right way so you can enjoy a lush, vibrant yard all season long.
Why Fertilizing Matters
Fertilizer feeds your lawn the essential nutrients it needs to grow strong roots, resist weeds, and maintain rich color. Over time, your soil naturally loses nutrients—especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization replenishes them, helping your grass recover from stress, fight off disease, and grow thick enough to crowd out weeds.
But not all fertilizer applications are created equal. The how, when, and what you use can make a big difference in your lawn’s health.
Step 1: Know Your Grass Type
Connecticut lawns are typically made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall or fine fescue. These grasses have two peak growing periods—spring and fall—which are also the best times to fertilize.
If you fertilize cool-season grass during summer heat or winter dormancy, it may not absorb the nutrients effectively and could become stressed or vulnerable to disease.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fertilizer
Fertilizers are labeled with three numbers that represent their N-P-K content:
- N = Nitrogen (for leaf growth and color)
- P = Phosphorus (for root development)
- K = Potassium (for overall hardiness)
A typical fertilizer label might read 24-0-10, meaning 24% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. Many lawns in Connecticut don’t need extra phosphorus unless you’re starting new seed.
Pro tip: Use a slow-release fertilizer for longer-lasting results and less risk of burning your lawn.
Tick and Turf can help you select the best fertilizer blend based on your lawn’s specific needs and soil conditions.
Step 3: Test Your Soil (Optional but Helpful)
Before applying fertilizer, consider getting a soil test. This will tell you what nutrients your lawn is lacking and help you avoid over-fertilizing.
Soil tests can also alert you to issues like pH imbalance, which could prevent your grass from absorbing nutrients even if you fertilize regularly.
Step 4: Plan Your Fertilization Schedule
Here’s a simple fertilization schedule for most Connecticut lawns:
- Early Spring (April): Use a light, nitrogen-rich fertilizer to jumpstart growth.
- Late Spring (May to early June): Feed again to support thicker growth and prepare for summer.
- Early Fall (September): The most important feeding of the year. Helps grass recover from summer stress.
- Late Fall (October to early November): Apply a winterizer to strengthen roots before dormancy.
Avoid fertilizing during mid-summer heat unless you’re using a summer-specific, low-nitrogen formula. Fertilizing at the wrong time can stress the grass or promote disease.
Step 5: Mow and Water Before You Fertilize
- Mow your lawn a day or two before fertilizing to remove excess height.
- Water lightly the day before, unless your lawn is already moist from rain.
Avoid fertilizing dry, stressed grass. Moist soil helps nutrients move into the root zone, where they’re most effective.
Step 6: Apply Evenly
Use a broadcast or drop spreader to apply your fertilizer evenly. Follow the spreader settings listed on your fertilizer bag, and walk at a steady pace. It’s better to make two lighter passes in opposite directions than to apply too much at once.
Avoid overlapping too much or missing strips—uneven application can lead to light and dark streaks in your lawn.
Important: Never apply fertilizer before a heavy rain. It could wash away the nutrients and harm nearby waterways.
Step 7: Water After Application
After applying fertilizer, give your lawn a good soaking—unless the product specifies otherwise. Watering helps carry the nutrients into the soil so your grass can absorb them.
If you’re using a slow-release fertilizer, a lighter watering is usually fine. For quick-release formulas, more thorough watering is often needed.
Step 8: Clean Up and Monitor
- Sweep fertilizer granules off driveways, sidewalks, and patios to prevent runoff.
- Keep pets and kids off the lawn for a day or two, depending on the product instructions.
- Watch your lawn over the next few weeks. You should notice greener, thicker growth within 1–2 weeks.
Need Help? Tick and Turf Has You Covered
Fertilizing seems simple, but the right approach can mean the difference between patchy, stressed grass and a healthy, weed-resistant lawn. At Tick and Turf, we offer customized fertilization plans based on your grass type, soil, and seasonal needs.
Whether you need a one-time feeding or year-round lawn care, our team of professionals can deliver consistent lawn care in Southbury CT.
Let’s Grow a Healthier Lawn Together
Ready to get started with fertilizing your lawn the right way? Contact Tick and Turf today for professional lawn fertilization services in Newtown, Southbury, and surrounding Connecticut towns.
We’ll help you feed your lawn—and starve the weeds.