7 Best Fertilizers for Grass in 2025 [Reviews]

The best fertilizer for grass is Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food. And we have 6 other options, including liquid fertilizers and starter fertilizers, to fit your every need. 

We researched lawn fertilizers from leading lawn care retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. After carefully comparing each product, we found the best ones for you. In this article, we provide detailed reviews of the top lawn fertilizers and a helpful buyer’s guide. 

1. Best Overall

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
Can be applied to any grass type	Customers complain that it can burn the grass (especially on the edges, where the product can accumulate when spreading)
Can be applied to a wet or dry lawn
Can be applied in any season
Good value for money
No-phosphate formula

Specifications

NPK: 32-0-4
Effective period: 6 to 8 weeks
Fertilizer type: Granular
Package sizes: 12.5 lb. and 37.5 lb. bags
Square footage covered per package: 5,000 sq. ft. (12.5 lb.) and 15,000 sq. ft. (37.50 lb.)
Price range: Around $25 for the 12.5 lb. bag; up to $65 for the 37.50 lb.

Our winner for the best fertilizer for grass is the Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food. Highly rated by homeowners across the country, this product is a versatile lawn fertilizer that can be applied to any grass type, during any season, on wet or dry grass. It promises a strong and lush lawn that will resist future problems.

The no-phosphate formula is another key advantage of this product, since some areas forbid or restrict the use of phosphorus for lawn fertilization. We also considered Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food as the best granular fertilizer on our list due to the All-in-One Particle technology, which combines all ingredients in one particle, ensuring even nutrient distribution. 

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2. Best Spring Fertilizer

GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
Lasts up to 12 weeks	Some customers say the product doesn’t cover the area advertised
Can be applied to any grass type
No-phosphate formula
Money-back guarantee from the brand

Specifications

NPK: 27-0-5
Effective period: Up to 12 weeks
Fertilizer type: Granular
Package sizes: 16.5 lb. and 33 lb. bags
Square footage covered per package: 5,000 sq. ft. (16.5 lb.) and 10,000 sq. ft. (33 lb.)
Price range: From $24 for the 16.5 lb. bag and $58 for the 33 lb. bag.

Another popular option among homeowners and considered the best lawn fertilizer for spring on our list is the GreenView Fairway Formula. This fertilizer contains slow-release nitrogen, making your lawn lush and healthy for up to 12 weeks. You apply once a season and spend your spring enjoying a beautifully green turf.

Additionally, the manufacturer provides an attractive money-back guarantee if you are displeased with the results. 

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3. Best Fall Fertilizer

Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Lawn Food 

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
Can be applied to any grass type	Customers say it is slow to promote growth
High potassium formula that helps protect your lawn from winter stress
Lasts up to 3 months
Promotes early greening in spring
No-phosphate formula

Specifications

NPK: 10-0-20
Effective period: Up to 3 months
Fertilizer type: Granular
Package sizes: 15 lb. to 45 lb.
Square footage covered per package: 5,000 sq. ft. (15 lb.) to 10,000 sq. ft. (45 lb.)
Price range: Around $25 for the 15 lb. bag and from $45 to $70 for the 45 lb. bag

Our choice for the best fall fertilizer is the Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Lawn Food. With a potassium-rich formula, this product helps protect your lawn from winter stress and promotes early greening in the spring. It also has a season-long effective period, lasting up to 3 months.

Because it has no phosphate in its composition, it is suitable for areas with phosphate restrictions. It can also be used on any turf type.

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4. Best Starter Fertilizer

Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
Can be used on any grass type	Because the formula contains phosphate, its use might be restricted by local legislation
Promises a 70% thicker lawn and a 35% quicker growth rate
Can be applied whether you’re laying sod, planting seed, or installing sprigs and plugs

Specifications

NPK: 24-25-4
Effective period: 6 to 8 weeks
Fertilizer type: Granular
Package sizes: 3 lb., 15 lb., and 42 lb. bags
Square footage covered per package: 1,000 sq. ft. (3 lbs.), 5,000 sq. ft. (15 lbs.), and 14,000 sq. ft. (42 lbs.)
Price range: Around $18 for the 3 lb. bag; up to $85 for the 42 lb. bag

If you want to set up your newly seeded lawn for success, the Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass is the right choice for you. Elected the best fertilizer for new grass on our list, the Scotts starter fertilizer promises a 70% thicker lawn and a 35% quicker growth rate when compared to unfertilized lawns. 

The best quick-release fertilizer on our list, the Scotts Food for New Grass can be used on any grass type. Whether you are laying sod, seeding a new lawn, or overseeding your lawn, this fertilizer can help you achieve a thick, lush turf.

Important: Before applying this product, check your local legislation on fertilizing with phosphorus, as some cities limit using fertilizers with phosphate. However, some municipalities allow the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus when establishing new lawns or if your soil test results show the need for this nutrient. 

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5. Best Liquid Fertilizer

Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
Ideal NPK ratio	Short-lived results without reapplication
Fast results	Because the formula contains phosphate, its use might be restricted by local legislation
Easy to apply
Contains organic material
U.S. family-owned business

Specifications

NPK: 16-4-8
Effective period: 2 weeks
Fertilizer type: Liquid
Package sizes: 1 quart, 1 gallon, and 2.5 gallons
Square footage covered per package: 3,200 sq. ft. (1 quart), 12,800 (1 gallon), and 32,000 sq. ft. (2.5 gallons)
Price range: From $22 for 1 quart to $118 for the 2.5-gallon size.

The best liquid fertilizer is Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8, with a balanced NPK ratio that is ideal for most lawns. It encourages dense green grass that’s well-rooted and resilient. Its liquid formula provides easy application and an excellent area coverage. 

It contains feed-grade ingredients like seaweed and fish. Although it isn’t certified organic, its natural ingredients inspire healthy roots and savory soil. It’s an excellent option for homeowners seeking fast results.

Important: Before applying this product, check your local legislation on fertilizing with phosphorus.

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6. Best Organic Fertilizer

Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
Long-lasting greening effect	Has a strong scent, which some customers complain about
All natural, organic formula
Children and pet safe
Enriched with beneficial microbes
Can be used on any grass type
No-phosphate formula

Specifications

NPK: 9-0-0
Effective period: 6-8 weeks
Fertilizer type: Granular
Package sizes: 28 lbs.
Square footage covered per package: 5,000 sq. ft.
Price range: From $47 to $53 for the 28 lb. bag

For homeowners looking for organic and environmentally friendly lawn fertilizers, we bring the Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food. A versatile product, it can be applied at any time during the growing season and works on any turf type. And because of its all-natural formula, it won’t burn your lawn. 

Because their exclusive Bio-Tone formula is produced with feather meal and poultry manure, some customers complain about the product’s smell. But for your dog, this might be a heavenly scent. And although the product is labeled as pet-friendly, any fertilizer is bad for dogs when ingested. So remember to store it safely to save your canine from serious stomach issues. 

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7. Best Weed and Feed

Preen One LawnCare

What We Liked	What We Didn’t Like
Feeds lawns up to 8 weeks	Not recommended for new grass
Kills up to 250 broadleaf weeds	Can’t be applied to St. Augustinegrass, dichondra, colonial bentgrass, and carpetgrass
Kills and prevents crabgrass
No-phosphate formula

Specifications

NPK: 24-0-6
Effective period: Up to 8 weeks
Fertilizer type: Granular
Package sizes: 9 lb., 18 lb., and 36 lb. bags
Square footage covered per package: 2,500 sq. ft. (9 lb.), 5,000 sq. ft. (18 lb.), and 10,000 sq. ft. (36 lb.)
Price range: From $20 for the 9 lb. bag to around $64 for the 36 lb. bag 

For the best weed and feed on our list, we selected Preen One LawnCare. A single application provides a 3-in-1 action that combines nourishment for up to 8 weeks, broadleaf weed control, and crabgrass prevention. 

Because it includes a pre-emergent, this formula is best for spring or fall — before summer or winter weeds sprout in your lawn. And with any fertilizer, don’t overapply: Excessive nitrogen can cause fertilizer burn on your lawn or degrade your soil, leading to more weeds. See our article on Common Fertilizer Mistakes to Avoid to prevent common pitfalls during application.

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What to Look for in a Fertilizer

To find the best fertilizer for your lawn, there are key factors to consider, such as your soil test results, the product’s NPK ratio, and the micronutrients needed. Additionally, take into account the type of fertilizer you’re looking for and if the cost of the product meets your expectations.

Soil Test Results

A soil test helps you identify what the plant needs. Your soil test report shows soil pH, nutrient levels, and soil conditions. To find the best lawn fertilizer, get your soil tested. 

You need to know the soil’s nutrient deficiencies to select the best plant nutrients for your lawn. For example, if the test shows your soil lacks potassium, you can choose a fertilizer with a high potassium formula. Likewise, you can avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers if your soil has excess nitrogen.

Pro Tip: You can get a soil test from your state’s Extension service.

See Related: How to Change Your Soil pH

The NPK Ratio

NPK is the essential nutrient ratio present in the fertilizer, so that you can choose according to your soil needs:

• Nitrogen (N) inspires deep green color and fast plant growth. Most lawn fertilizers are high in N. 
• Phosphorus (P), also called phosphate, encourages deep, vigorous root development. It’s vital for new grass, but established lawns only need a little bit. Many fertilizers omit it entirely because P pollutes waterways, endangering aquatic life. Some states have banned phosphate fertilizers.
• Potassium (K) improves grass’s tolerance to weather, pests, and diseases. Fall fertilizers typically contain more K than spring fertilizers, giving grass the strength to make it through winter. The K in fertilizer is sometimes called potash. For more information, check out our article: “What Does Potassium Do for Your Lawn?”

See Related: Fertilizer Numbers: What They Mean and How to Use Them

Needed Micronutrients

In addition to the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, your grass also requires micronutrients to thrive. The standard soil naturally fulfills most micro needs, but if your soil test indicates an imbalance, you might want to choose a product that includes these nutrients. Examples include:

• Calcium (Ca) strengthens grass’s cell walls, so lawns that lack calcium have trouble fighting off diseases.
• Iron (Fe) aids nitrogen in giving grass its vibrant green color. Iron-deficient grass typically turns light green or yellow. 
• Magnesium (Mg) helps lawns stay strong and healthy. Sandy soils are more likely to lack magnesium than loam or clay. Symptoms include discoloration and an increased sensitivity to pests and diseases.
• Manganese (Mn) helps grass with nitrogen consumption and photosynthesis. Deficiencies are most common in sandy, alkaline soils. Signs included spotted or discolored grass blades. 

Types of Fertilizer

To choose the right lawn fertilizer for you, consider the following factors:

• Liquid vs. granular: Liquid fertilizers are mixed with water and applied using a sprayer, while granular fertilizers are applied using a fertilizer spreader. When comparing liquids to granules, liquids are easier to apply and yield faster green-up. But granules release nutrients slowly for long-lasting results.
• Slow-release vs. quick-release: Slow-release fertilizers gradually break down, feeding lawns for several weeks. They are cost-effective and require fewer applications. In contrast, quick-release fertilizers emit a quick burst of nutrition that greens-up grass fast. But the results are short-lived and too much fast-release nitrogen can burn grass.
• Organic vs. synthetic: Organic lawn fertilizers typically cost more and yield slower results than synthetic fertilizers, but they are great for your lawn in the long run. Organic matter sustains your soil while being safe for children and pets. Keep in mind that some fertilizers have safe natural ingredients, but aren’t certified organic.

Additionally, some fertilizers come with herbicides or pesticides in their composition to provide a double (or even triple) action. These products typically contain one of the following:

• Insecticides that kill and prevent common lawn pests, such as grubs, armyworms, and chiggers.
• Herbicides that control weeds, typically labeled as “weed and feed” fertilizers. They green-up grass while wasting woeful lawn weeds. They can get a bad rap, but when used correctly, weed and feeds are not bad for your lawn. An all-natural example is corn gluten meal.
• Fungicides that treat common lawn diseases. The best lawn fungicides take out pesky lawn diseases, including brown patch, dollar spot, and snow mold.

Other special purpose fertilizers are tailored to suit the grass’s type or maturity:

• Starter fertilizers are for newly established and freshly seeded lawns. Starter fertilizers have a lot of phosphorus to inspire dense root growth.
• Grass-type precise fertilizers have nutrients that cater to a particular type of grass. For example, the best fertilizers for Bermudagrass improve pest and disease defense. And the best fertilizers for St. Augustine have enough nitrogen to support St. Augustine’s striking deep green blades. 

Cost of Fertilizer

Most retail fertilizer packages cost $25 to $70 and cover 2,500 to 10,500 square feet.

Liquid fertilizers typically cost more per square foot than granules, but liquids sell in smaller quantities that cost less. Additionally, liquid fertilizers usually have a good value for money since they have a good area coverage.

FAQ About Fertilizers

When to Call a Pro

With all that goes into selecting a lawn fertilizer, remember, that’s only half the battle. It takes proper equipment and heavy lifting to fertilize your lawn. And there’s much more to lawn care than just fertilization. That’s why LawnStarter links you to qualified lawn treatment pros with affordable services.

LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

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