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
- 2. Best Spring Fertilizer: GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer
- 3. Best Fall Fertilizer: Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Lawn Food
- 4. Best Starter Fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
- 5. Best Liquid Fertilizer: Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8
- 6. Best Organic Fertilizer: Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food
- 7. Best Weed and Feed: Preen One LawnCare
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.
Where to buy:
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.
Where to buy:
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.
Where to buy:
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.
Where to buy:
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.
Where to buy:
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.
Where to buy:
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.
Where to buy:
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
The best time to fertilize your lawn depends on your type of grass:
Cool-season grass: April, September, and November are the best times to fertilize cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue.
Warm-season grass: April, June, and September are the best times to fertilize warm-season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, and centipede.
See Related: 5 Tell-Tale Signs Your Lawn Needs Fertilizer
To make your own fertilizer at home, you can use:
• Grass clippings
• Bone meal
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Compost
• Wood ash
• Aquarium water
See Related:
• How Much Does Lawn Fertilization Cost?
• 6 Different Nitrogen Sources for the Lawn
Fertilizing your lawn right before or right after heavy rain can cause the fertilizer to wash away before sinking into the soil. Ideally, you should fertilize your lawn at least 2 days after heavy rain and when the forecast shows no rain for at least 2 more days.
It’s OK to fertilize right before rain if you’re only expecting a light sprinkle, but you never truly know what to expect from Mother Nature. Use caution.
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.
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