{"id":128918,"date":"2026-01-12T14:17:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T17:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=128918"},"modified":"2026-01-12T17:28:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T20:28:30","slug":"difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/","title":{"rendered":"Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizer: Which Is Best for Your Lawn?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing between organic and synthetic fertilizer can feel overwhelming. Organic fertilizers use natural materials that improve soil health over time, but work slowly, while synthetic fertilizers deliver nutrients directly to plants for fast results, but don&#8217;t build long-term soil quality.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither is universally &#8220;better.\u201d The best choice depends on your lawn&#8217;s needs: quick greening or sustainable growth. Many homeowners use both strategically to get the best of both worlds.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article examines the key differences between organic and synthetic fertilizers to help you decide which one is right for you.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Not sure which fertilizer your lawn needs?<\/strong> LawnStarter connects you with <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">local pros who specialize in fertilization<\/a> and can create a custom plan. Get a free quote today.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Organic feeds the soil; synthetic feeds the plant directly<br>\u2022 Synthetic shows results in 2-7 days; organic takes weeks<br>\u2022 Organic costs more upfront but lasts longer per application<br>\u2022 Synthetic has precise nutrient ratios<br>\u2022 <strong>Best for most homeowners:<\/strong> Use both strategically to deliver optimal results<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-ba72e796-456f-44be-90c2-ff50f917a7e6\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#0-quick-comparison-organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer\" style=\"\">Quick Comparison: Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizer<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#1-what-is-organic-fertilizer\" style=\"\">What Is Organic Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#4-what-is-synthetic-fertilizer\" style=\"\">What Is Synthetic Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#8-how-to-choose-between-synthetic-and-organic-fertilizer\" style=\"\">How to Choose Between Synthetic and Organic Fertilizer<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#9-faq\" style=\"\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-quick-comparison-organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer\">Quick Comparison: Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizer<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBefore choosing a product, homeowners should know what their \u2018aesthetic goals\u2019 actually are,\u201d says Hayden Bock, assistant professor of landscape sustainability at Penn State.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDo they envision a deep green, perfectly manicured lawn (which usually requires synthetic products), or are they content with a slightly less manicured look?\u201d he says. That distinction can help homeowners decide between organic and synthetic fertilizer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond aesthetics, take a look at the table below for a snapshot of the main differences of each fertilizer type:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Organic<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Synthetic<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Speed<\/strong><\/td><td>2-6 weeks<\/td><td>2-7 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nutrient Release<\/strong><\/td><td>Slow, gradual<\/td><td>Fast, immediate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Soil Health<\/strong><\/td><td>Improves structure<\/td><td>No improvement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Burn Risk<\/strong><\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Moderate-high<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Environmental Impact<\/strong><\/td><td>Low runoff<\/td><td>Higher runoff<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/lawn-fertilization-price\/#3-cost-by-fertilizer-formulation\">Fertilization cost<\/a><strong> (pro application)<\/strong><\/td><td>$200-$500<\/td><td>$100-$300<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/td><td>Long-term health<\/td><td>Quick fixes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-is-organic-fertilizer\">What Is Organic Fertilizer?<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6336572523_26a5f9c507_o-1.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding organic fertilizer pellets\" class=\"wp-image-128229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6336572523_26a5f9c507_o-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6336572523_26a5f9c507_o-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6336572523_26a5f9c507_o-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6336572523_26a5f9c507_o-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/6336572523_26a5f9c507_o-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Organic fertilizer in hand. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/dougbeckers\/6336572523\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Doug Beckers<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organic fertilizer comes from plant, animal, or mineral sources that break down gradually. Unlike synthetic options, organics work with soil biology, feeding beneficial microbes that, in turn, feed your grass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bock explains that organic fertilizers \u201care less immediately available and often require soil organisms to transform them into usable forms.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means that when you apply organic fertilizer, soil microorganisms break it down, converting organic compounds into simple nutrients that grass can absorb. This takes time but provides feeding for a longer period.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Common Types of Organic Fertilizer:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Manure:<\/strong> Composted animal waste (cow, horse, chicken)<\/li>    <li><strong>Bone meal:<\/strong> Ground bones, rich in phosphorus<\/li>    <li><strong>Blood meal:<\/strong> Dried animal blood, high in nitrogen<\/li>    <li><strong>Compost:<\/strong> Decomposed plant materials and food scraps<\/li>    <li><strong>Fish emulsion:<\/strong> Liquid made from fish remains<\/li>    <li><strong>Seaweed\/kelp:<\/strong> Marine plants with trace minerals<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-advantages-of-organic-fertilizers\">Advantages of Organic Fertilizers<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organic fertilizers offer several important advantages. Let&#8217;s take a look at them:<\/p>   <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-b5c6c681-47f7-4104-96cb-d498f00ca874\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ab907fdb-f8cb-4970-a583-85257c790cf7\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Build soil health: <\/strong>Improve soil structure, water retention, and feed beneficial microbes. Create long-term lawn fertility and resilience.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5eb78227-bd2b-4e97-8bae-646a3003a1d1\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Lower burn risk: <\/strong>Slow nutrient release makes burning difficult (though still possible with extreme over-application), avoiding a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/common-fertilizer-mistakes-to-avoid\/\">common fertilization mistake<\/a>.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d29a0fa1-822a-48c0-8254-a907b06876ee\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Release nutrients gradually:<\/strong> One application feeds your lawn for <strong>2-6 months<\/strong>, which means fewer applications per season.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f15afa42-4a03-4374-97d0-f0413d65f1c6\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Contain micronutrients: <\/strong>Include calcium, magnesium, iron, and trace minerals synthetic fertilizers lack.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-520da163-7f74-4910-a4d0-2a10b4c65091\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Promote environmental health: <\/strong>Lower runoff risk, repurpose waste materials, require less energy to produce.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li> <\/ul>   <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-disadvantages-of-organic-fertilizers\">Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizers<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organic fertilizers also come with tradeoffs that can affect results, cost, and timing:<\/p>   <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-6787b275-9f5e-4c8b-b8bd-ae98a2a0dd63\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4ee2306a-0398-47b0-9532-b0c4e26cc1a2\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Slower results:<\/strong> May take weeks or months to fully break down and become available to plants. Not ideal for quick fixes.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a4ed98a2-5d6b-43d1-95f8-28a2e888bb97\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Higher cost: <\/strong>Often more expensive per unit of nutrient, though they last longer.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-820022a0-77c0-4127-a0bd-3f368fdf29f6\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Inconsistent nutrients:<\/strong> Vary by batch, so it&#8217;s harder to manage precise nutrient ratios. Usually, they contain lower nutrient concentrations.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-3762d763-6a01-46e3-9fd9-42184fa66fbf\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Bulkier materials: <\/strong>Require larger volumes to deliver the same nutrients, making them bulkier and harder to transport, store, and apply.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-de572ef4-72a5-4c77-8065-f21ab6a027c1\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Temperature dependent: <\/strong>Require active soil microbes. Don&#8217;t work well below 55 F soil temperature.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li> <\/ul>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-organic-lawn-care\/\">What Is Organic Fertilizer?<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-what-is-synthetic-fertilizer\">What Is Synthetic Fertilizer?<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lawn-fertilizer.jpg\" alt=\"Gloved hands holding lawn fertilizer\" class=\"wp-image-139414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lawn-fertilizer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lawn-fertilizer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lawn-fertilizer-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lawn-fertilizer-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/lawn-fertilizer-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Synthetic fertilizer in hand. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/garden-grass-care-fertilizer\/436372177\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andrey Popov<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Synthetic fertilizer (also called conventional or artificial fertilizer) provides water-soluble, concentrated forms of essential plant nutrients for immediate uptake: essentially, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bock advises that synthetic fertilizers \u201care highly usable by plants, but this accessibility also increases the risk of those nutrients being lost to groundwater.\u201d When nutrients dissolve quickly, any excess that the grass doesn&#8217;t absorb immediately can leach out of the soil into waterways with rainfall or irrigation.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-the-npk-ratio\">The NPK Ratio<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All fertilizers contain three macronutrients:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Nitrogen (N):<\/strong> Leaf growth, green color<\/li>    <li><strong>Phosphorus (P):<\/strong> Root development<\/li>    <li><strong>Potassium (K):<\/strong> Disease resistance, stress tolerance<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A &#8220;20-10-5&#8221; fertilizer contains 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, 5% potassium.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/fertilizer-numbers-what-they-mean\/\">Fertilizer Numbers: What They Mean and How to Use Them<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-advantages-of-synthetic-fertilizers\">Advantages of Synthetic Fertilizers<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Synthetic fertilizers offer several clear advantages. Here are the main pros to consider:&nbsp;<\/p>   <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-aed18fe1-ba58-4be9-b114-01a1647b6a91\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4339e600-12b1-4c6e-9731-3c43e2310de5\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Fast results: <\/strong>See greening within <strong>3-7 days, <\/strong>especially if you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-liquid-fertilizer-to-lawn\/\">applying liquid fertilizer<\/a>. Perfect for quick fixes or severe deficiencies.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-686bf061-d3d2-43ae-be49-dc9ed0848803\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Precise control: <\/strong>Exact nutrient ratios let you target specific needs based on soil tests, estimating the exact application rate.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-fb3effdc-e643-4d78-91f9-6d5fd72fcdac\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Easy storage and application:<\/strong> Easier to transport, store, and apply in large quantities, as they require less volume to deliver nutrients.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e7f288eb-1e77-4db6-af5d-1acc400a5213\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Lower cost:<\/strong> Typically 40%-50% cheaper than organic options per application (based on a cost of $100-$300 for synthetic vs. $200-$500 for organic).<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-cd097f00-aa38-4dc0-804b-41bee27406c5\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Work in cool weather: <\/strong>Don&#8217;t rely on soil microbes, so they work even below 55 F, which is ideal for early spring and late fall.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li> <\/ul>   <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-disadvantages-of-synthetic-fertilizers\">Disadvantages of Synthetic Fertilizers<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While synthetic fertilizers work quickly, they also come with drawbacks that are important to consider before choosing them for your lawn:<\/p>   <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-6deb0333-922f-46e5-b51e-ccd108764599\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-1ae1f3b9-49b4-4115-9be9-368dc36ba4b5\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>No soil improvement: <\/strong>Provide nutrients without adding organic matter. Long-term heavy use can also lead to soil compaction, salinity, and acidification.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-34a96717-3f60-400a-9110-82978d973109\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>High burn risk: <\/strong>Concentrated nutrients can cause fertilizer burn if over-applied or not appropriately watered.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-55c6c889-0d4d-4c2d-8926-8179778020ce\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Environmental concerns:<\/strong> Prone to runoff into waterways, causing algae blooms. Production has a significant carbon footprint.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 320 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5d596e26-5c23-41aa-830a-6fdcc774134e\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M310.6 150.6c12.5-12.5 12.5-32.8 0-45.3s-32.8-12.5-45.3 0L160 210.7 54.6 105.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0s-12.5 32.8 0 45.3L114.7 256 9.4 361.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 301.3 265.4 406.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3L205.3 256 310.6 150.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Short-term feeding: <\/strong>Require frequent reapplication throughout the growing season, as nutrients are quickly depleted.<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li> <\/ul>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-how-to-choose-between-synthetic-and-organic-fertilizer\">How to Choose Between Synthetic and Organic Fertilizer<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"illustration depicting organic fertilizer and synthetic fertilizer\" class=\"wp-image-129071\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer-1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer-1-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer-1-1-656x328.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer-1-1-150x75.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/organic-vs-synthetic-fertilizer-1-1-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s no single &#8220;best\u201d fertilizer for every lawn. In most cases, the right choice depends on how quickly you want results, your soil condition, and how much long-term soil health matters to you.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Integrated Approach: Using Both Together<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many homeowners, the best option isn&#8217;t choosing one or the other, it&#8217;s using both organic and synthetic fertilizers strategically. This approach combines the fast, predictable results of synthetic fertilizer with the long-term soil benefits of organic inputs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you need to choose only one, here are a few tips to help you decide:<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choose Organic If:<\/strong><\/p>   <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-1aceda70-1472-4b45-8b0b-8ef6ee8af5c6\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-fdd5594b-f3fc-4201-b1b7-e986be7b8876\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You prioritize long-term soil health<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-735b425a-a419-4317-9222-b9a6108070af\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You can wait a few weeks for results<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ab50d190-8880-433f-9e1f-f54a23491505\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You want to reduce environmental impact<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-09bd3136-8645-4d14-9ce4-ae267e2c660f\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You have pets or children on the lawn<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e344c4be-ecba-464b-a97e-97e0abec20d6\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Your soil needs organic matter<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li> <\/ul>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Bock, \u201cOrganic options have a longer timeline for aesthetic benefits.\u201d However, he says, \u201cThis time tradeoff comes with making your soils more resilient.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choose Synthetic If:<\/strong><\/p>   <ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em;text-align: left;--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em;);--ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px;--ub-list-item-spacing: 0px;column-count: 1;--ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1\" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-9d7228dd-c982-4ad3-aa59-10abb37ab9fc\"> <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-87e92bb6-11cd-4541-a5ce-5c12740bea78\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You need quick results<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-e6ab5fc4-e21d-4e92-8dbf-e93ebdfef387\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You&#8217;re on a tighter budget<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-b60d11bd-e2df-4164-af71-0f9f09637f31\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You need precise nutrient control<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ceb47025-1690-420b-b714-7b24ee3c3d1b\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You&#8217;re fertilizing in cool weather<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li>  <li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2b8205e7-140e-4052-ba53-040c50f980c5\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\"> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\"> \t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path><\/svg> \t\t\t\t<\/span> \t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You&#8217;re correcting severe nutrient deficiencies<\/span> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t\t \t\t<\/li> <\/ul>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer\/\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-choose-lawn-fertilizer\/\">How to Choose the Right Lawn Fertilizer<br><\/a>\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-do-you-know-you-over-fertilized-your-lawn\/\">How Do You Know You Over-Fertilized Your Lawn?<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-faq\">FAQ<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1767939431371\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can Organic Fertilizer Cause Fertilizer Burn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, though it&#8217;s less common. Organic fertilizer releases nutrients slowly, reducing burn risk, but excessive amounts can still cause problems. High-nitrogen organics like blood meal are most likely to burn if overapplied. Stick to recommended rates and water thoroughly.<br\/><br\/>For related info, read our article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-fertilizer-burn\/\">What is Fertilizer Burn?<\/a><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1767939440210\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do You Need to Water After Using Synthetic Fertilizer?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Absolutely. Water after using <strong>any<\/strong> fertilizer to activate nutrients and help them penetrate the soil. For granular synthetic fertilizers, water immediately. For liquid synthetic, wait 2-4 hours, then water lightly. Without watering, granules sit on grass blades and cause burning.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1767939446677\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Can You Tell if Fertilizer Has Gone Bad?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>Synthetic fertilizer<\/strong> doesn\u2019t go bad as long as it\u2019s stored properly (dry, sealed), so you don\u2019t have anything to worry about on that front.<br\/><br\/>As for <strong>organic fertilizer<\/strong>, it can degrade. Signs it&#8217;s bad:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Unusual or rotten odor<br\/>\u2022 Excessive clumping or hardening<br\/>\u2022 Color change or mold growth<br\/>\u2022 Liquid that separates and stays separated<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-take-the-guesswork-out-of-fertilization\">Take the Guesswork Out of Fertilization<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both fertilizer types have legitimate uses. Organic builds sustainable soil health for long-term resilience. Synthetic provides quick, affordable results when your lawn needs a boost. The best approach? Using soil testing to understand your lawn&#8217;s needs, then choosing a fertilizer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An easier approach? <strong>Let the pros handle it.<\/strong> Our <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">local fertilization pros<\/a> take the guesswork out of fertilization. They will create a schedule for your grass type and apply the right products at the right times, so you get a healthier, greener lawn without the trial and error. <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Get a free lawn treatment quote<\/a> today.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/slow-release-vs-quick-release-fertilizer\/\">Slow-Release vs Quick-Release Fertilizer<\/a><\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-32650685-97f7-4a63-871a-8d70adbf0b07\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-32650685-97f7-4a63-871a-8d70adbf0b07\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-32650685-97f7-4a63-871a-8d70adbf0b07\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-32650685-97f7-4a63-871a-8d70adbf0b07\">  <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plantscience.psu.edu\/directory\/hwb5138\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hayden Bock<\/a>, assistant professor of landscape sustainability. Penn State University. Personal interview.<\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Person spreading fertilizer on soil with his hand. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/pouring-granulated-fertilizer-under-bushes-in-garden-fertilizing-bushes-and-flowers-in-spring-with-saltpeter-and-complex-formula-chemical-fertilizers\/553859689\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vitalii<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Organic fertilizers consist of natural materials, while synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured. Both can benefit your lawn, depending on its needs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":129068,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-128918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/fertilizing-lawn.jpeg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Maria Isabela Reis","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/maria-isabela-reis\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizer: Which Is Best for Your Lawn?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Organic fertilizers consist of natural materials, while synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured. Both can benefit your lawn, depending on its needs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizer: Which Is Best for Your Lawn?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Organic fertilizers consist of natural materials, while synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured. 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She enjoys breaking down how outdoor spaces work and spends her downtime with her dogs, her plants, and a good cup of coffee.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/maria-isabela-reis\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#faq-question-1767939431371","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#faq-question-1767939431371","name":"Can Organic Fertilizer Cause Fertilizer Burn?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, though it's less common. Organic fertilizer releases nutrients slowly, reducing burn risk, but excessive amounts can still cause problems. High-nitrogen organics like blood meal are most likely to burn if overapplied. Stick to recommended rates and water thoroughly.<br\/><br\/>For related info, read our article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-fertilizer-burn\/\">What is Fertilizer Burn?<\/a>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#faq-question-1767939440210","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#faq-question-1767939440210","name":"Do You Need to Water After Using Synthetic Fertilizer?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Absolutely. Water after using <strong>any<\/strong> fertilizer to activate nutrients and help them penetrate the soil. For granular synthetic fertilizers, water immediately. For liquid synthetic, wait 2-4 hours, then water lightly. Without watering, granules sit on grass blades and cause burning.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#faq-question-1767939446677","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/difference-between-organic-synthetic-fertilizer\/#faq-question-1767939446677","name":"How Can You Tell if Fertilizer Has Gone Bad?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<strong>Synthetic fertilizer<\/strong> doesn\u2019t go bad as long as it\u2019s stored properly (dry, sealed), so you don\u2019t have anything to worry about on that front.<br\/><br\/>As for <strong>organic fertilizer<\/strong>, it can degrade. Signs it's bad:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Unusual or rotten odor<br\/>\u2022 Excessive clumping or hardening<br\/>\u2022 Color change or mold growth<br\/>\u2022 Liquid that separates and stays separated","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128918\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/129068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=128918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}