Apr. 21, 2025
Knowing how to pick the right fertilizer for your lawn is the first step toward a lush and green lawn. You'll need more than just a good lawn mower to keep a well-maintained and attractive lawn outside your business premises, though a good lawn mower and lawn care specialist always helps.
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Without proper fertilization and overseeding, and other specialist lawn care tricks, your turf can quickly become patchy, brown, and unhealthy. And, without a good fertilizer, your lawn also becomes more vulnerable to pests and fungi.
At Earth Development, we provide comprehensive commercial lawn fertilizer services across the Midwest, including Milwaukee, Madison, and Minneapolis. We also provide a wealth of information to readers right here on our website, so in this piece, we will explore the best type of fertilizer for lawns, how you can choose the right one, and other steps you can take to ensure your lawn stays healthy.
When it comes to the best fertilizer for a lawn, the best solution for you depends on your lawn and your needs. So, when debating which fertilizer to use, we have created a guide to the top five grass fertilizers to give your cool and warm-season grasses the boost they need. Here is the best fertilizer for lawn needs.
The best fertilizer for grass, overall, is Milorganite Slow Release Nitrogen Lawn Fertilizer. This grass fertilizer is wonderful for promoting healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers. With a non-burning, slow-release fertilizer solution, this nitrogen formula feeds for up to 10 weeks, while the iron helps promote long-lasting green grass.
Pros:
It stays in the root zone, preventing groundwater or well contamination;
The slow-release fertilizer keeps feeding for up to 10 weeks so you don't have to constantly re-fertilize;
The non-burning formula protects vegetation;
It does not contain salt so can be used in drought conditions;
It does not need to be watered in.
Cons:
The 32 lb bag only covers 2,500 square feet, compared to other bags that can cover 5,000.
When it comes to the best organic fertilizers, Jonathan Green is at the top of the list. For a healthy lawn, organic fertilizer like this is essential. It is made with food-grade organic materials, like feather meal, soybean meal, and blood meal. Plus, it's enriched with calcium carbonate and sulfate of potash. And with organic fertilizers, such as this organic fertilizer from Jonathan Green, you can feel safe using it around children and pets.
Pros:
Offers a homogenous blend for all grass types;
Safe for both kids and pets.
Cons:
Takes longer to see the benefits of this organic grass fertilizer.
For lawn fertilizers for new grass, we prefer the Scotts Turf Builder for lawn fertilization and grass growth.
This Starter Food blend promotes faster root and blade development, with a 24-25-4 lawn fertilizer ratio that provides the ideal amount of nutrients for a developing lawn. With this formula, you will promote grass seed to develop faster, improving seeding results so it grows 70% thicker, as well as 35% faster.
Pros:
Speeds up grass growth;
Safe to use on any grass type;
Provides proper nutrients for a newly developing lawn;
Can be used when planting new grass, starting a new lawn, or reseeding an established lawn.
Cons:
Should not be applied directly on newly planted sod, as it can cause burning.
For addressing weeds while promoting lush green grass, Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is the best lawn fertilizer product for the job.
This weed-killing lawn fertilizer relies on WeedGrip Technology to grip and kills the weeds you see, as well as the ones you don't. The lawn fertilizer is formulated to address over 50 listed weeds, including clover and dandelion while creating a ticker, green grass.
Pros:
Created with WeedGrip Technology to address over 50 common weeds;
Helps to promote a lush lawn while killing weeds;
Crowds out future weeds.
Cons:
Can only be applied when temperatures are remaining between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Of all the lawn fertilizers, Ironite Mineral Supplement is best for getting that perfect green grass look. To promote greener grass, this formula addresses nutrient deficiencies in your grass with a combination of iron, sulfur, and other minerals to promote a more vibrant finish. While promoting greener grass, the supplement also helps reduce mowing, compared to lawn fertilizers that promote growth.
Pros:
Promotes a more vibrant green grass;
Can be used on both the lawn and garden;
Does not stain or burn.
Cons:
Does not promote grass growth.
Once you've mastered NPK numbers, you also need to ask yourself, “What type of fertilizer should I use on my lawn?”.
There are many kinds of lawn fertilizers to choose from, but the best lawn fertilizers for your lawn depend on many factors. Whether you prefer organic, synthetic, granular, or liquid fertilizers, and so many more, we are breaking it all down here.
Fertilizer Type Description Features Organic Made from natural materials that give your lawn the essential nutrients It needs. - OrganiWon't burn lawns
- Offer slow and steady nutrient release Synthetic Ideal for providing the exact amount of nutrients your lawn needs based on its chemical makeup. - Work quickly
- Are inexpensive Liquid Liquid concentrates that are diluted with water that can then be easily sprayed on the lawn. - Easy to spray across the lawn
- Offer a quick-release formula Granular Dry, and come in the form of pellets. - Slow-release formula
- Won't need to be reapplied during the season Slow-Release Granular beads that offer fertilizer that releases nutrients over a controlled period, typically 6-8 weeks for longer. - Provides uniform application and growth
- Decreases loss of nutrients through the soil and air Quick-Release These immediate-release options release nutrients right away into the soil when watered for an immediate boost of nutrients. - Fast response from grass
- Less expensive than alternatives
- Provides immediate nutrients
Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials that give your lawn the essential nutrients It needs. Typically, these fertilizers are great for boosting the nutrients in your soil, too.
Organic Fertilizer:
Won't burn lawns;
Offer slow and steady nutrient release;
Has a wide range of trace minerals and balanced nutrition;
Boosts soil life by breaking down soil matter.
Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, are ideal for providing the exact amount of nutrients your lawn needs based on its chemical makeup.
Synthetic fertilizers:
Are commonly available;
Formulas vary for specific lawn needs;
Work quickly;
Are inexpensive.
Liquid fertilizers are liquid concentrates that are diluted with water that can then be easily sprayed on the lawn. Many liquid fertilizers are quick-release and give your lawn essential nutrients.
Liquid fertilizer:
Easy to spray across the lawn;
Offer a quick-release formula;
Must be re-applied more frequently as it absorbs quickly.
Granular fertilizers are dry, unlike liquid formulas, and come in the form of pellets. Most granular formulations are slow-release and provide nutrients to your lawn over a long period.
Granular fertilizer:
Slow-release formula;
Won't need to be reapplied during the season;
Provides nutrients over a long period.
Slow-release formulas feature granular beads that offer fertilizer that releases nutrients over a controlled period, typically 6-8 weeks for longer, more consistent enrichment of your lawn.
Slow-Release Fertilizers:
Provides uniform application and growth;
Decreases loss of nutrients through the soil and air;
Less likely to burn the lawn;
Doesn't require as many re-applications.
Quick-release fertilizers come as both liquids or water-soluble beads. These immediate-release options release nutrients right away into the soil when watered for an immediate boost of nutrients.
Quick-Release Fertilizer:
Fast response from grass;
Less expensive than alternatives;
Provides immediate nutrients;
Is more likely to burn;
Needs more frequent applications.
Several fertilizer options can help target your lawn's unique needs and requirements. With these types of fertilizers, you can give your lawn the boost it needs for a healthier lawn.
Some specialty lawn fertilizer types include:
Weed and feed
This is a mixture of nutrients as well as weed-killing chemicals that keep your lawn free of pesky weeds and plants.
Fertilizers for New Lawns
These mixtures are formulated to promote faster, lush growth. of the lawn, allowing new seeds to grow rapidly.
Seasonal Lawn Fertilizers
Wondering what is the best lawn fertilizer for early spring? There are unique lawn fertilizers for different seasons, allowing your lawn to grow strong depending on the weather.
With so many options for the best lawn fertilizer for your lawn, it can be hard to select the right one for you. To help you choose the best lawn fertilizers for your yard, follow our step-by-step guide.
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The grass type growing in your lawn is an essential factor when choosing which fertilizer to use, and there are two primary types found in yards across the U.S.: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.
Cool-season grasses: This type of grass is best in cooler areas of the country. The species included in this type include Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, and bentgrass. These grasses stay green all year and are best fertilized after the weather cools down, such as at the end of the summer;
Warm-season grasses: Typically found in warmer climates, species of warm-season grasses include Bermuda grass, zoysia, St. Augustine, and buffalo grass. All of these grasses become dormant in the winter and thrive in warm-season growth. These are best fertilized when the weather heats up.
To determine what your lawn needs, you have to test the soil. With a soil test kit, you can take a look at soil microbes, the soil's pH levels, how much acidity is present, and what nutrients are missing so you can address these issues for a healthier lawn.
To do this, all you need to do is dig up some soil and send it to the county Extension office for testing to learn what your soil needs. Typically, we recommend regular tests of your soil.
Knowing the N-P-K numbers is a key part of knowing how to choose a lawn fertilizer. These numbers determine how effective a fertilizer can be, or even how ineffective it can be.
Each fertilizer you'll find available for sale will show you the ratio contained within it on the back of the back. The numbers show the percentage of potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen. A bag that reads 30-10-20, for instance, will mean that it consists of 30% nitrogen, 10% phosphate, and 20% potassium.
You might be wondering why fertilizers change this ratio if the numbers can be wrong – and that's a good question. The answer, however, is that every law needs something different. With each nutrient offering different benefits, it's up to you to find a ratio that suits your lawn.
How Do I Choose the Right Ratio?
Choosing the right ratio depends on the current health of your lawn. Here are some general rules to stick to.
A Healthy Lawn
For an established and healthy lawn, choose fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen but lower in phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen is the least expensive nutrient of the bunch, and an established and healthy lawn doesn't need as much potassium or phosphorus.
A New Lawn
For a new lawn, phosphorus, and potassium are much more important. Go easy on the nitrogen as the roots aren't ready to handle a lot of top growth yet. So choose a fertilizer that's low in nitrogen and high in potassium and phosphorus. It's usually more expensive, but it's important for new turf.
A Stressed Lawn
If your grass is dealing with stressful conditions, then an increase in potassium can help prevent that stress and prepare the grass to be stronger. Choose fertilizers with high nitrogen and potassium, but lower in phosphorus.
Now it's time to choose between the different types of fertilizer. As we explained before, there are some options, whether liquid or granular, slow-release or quick-release, the best one for you depends on your goals.
When debating the options, consider what kind of results you need. Is it late in the season and you want quick results for a greener lawn? A quick-release formula is best for you. However, if you go ahead and apply your fertilizer in the spring, a slow-release, granular formula will help ensure the longevity of your lawn.
There's something to know about fertilizer - it's not one-and-done. It's important to plan and schedule your applications over the year, as your lawn will surely need it. While those of us up North won't re-apply fertilizer in the winter months, doing so when the weather is warmer before the frost settles is essential to maintaining your lawn and keeping it healthy through all the seasons.
The best time to fertilize your lawn is in late spring once the ground has warmed up and your grass has started to grow again. However, it's important to not apply it too early in the season, as this can hurt your grass's growth. Instead, apply it a few more times over the growing season depending on your needs.
A lawn food or supplement, such as GreenView Lawn Food will help promote a greener lawn while helping your grass endure environmental stressors. Nitrogen-rich formulas like this one will help promote a more green, vibrant lawn like the ones you dream of.
After fertilizing your lawn, you should lightly water the entire lawn to help the nutrients sink into the soil. After this initial watering of the lawn, water as you usually do for your grass type.
After using a granular bead fertilizer, you can start mowing again after you first water the lawn, or after the first rainstorm. This will give the granules a bit of time to sink Into the soil, first.
Knowing how to pick the right fertilizer for your lawn can be complicated. That's why businesses throughout the Midwest and beyond trust contractors with the task. Our teams of local experts offer commercial landscaping services, boast years of experience, and know precisely what kind of fertilizer your lawn needs based on its current condition and health.
For businesses, our service is extremely convenient. We'll keep on top of your lawn while you do what you do best.
Top dressing fertilizer for maize works best when the timing is key; ie. when it is applied at the correct crop growth stage and at the recommended rate.
This is why: For maize, Urea application timing depends on an understanding of the key growth stages. As many crops reach top dressing timing, we look at the main requirements of the crop.
Nitrogen applied at the 3-4 leaf stage with a broadcaster leaves nitrogen vulnerable to leaching when the crop does not require it.
Nitrogen – and other nutrients – are not taken up at a constant rate through the crop life. Therefore, the table below summarises the important growth stages and the amount of nitrogen in particular that the crop takes up at each stage.
Applying at 3-4 leaf stage leaves probably a 4-6 week gap before the crop is really taking up the fertilizer. Even slow-release top dressing fertilizer for maize do not overcome this in trials that I have been involved with. This is especially true in seasons with well over 600mm of rainfall like we are experiencing now.
Nitrogen takes time to get into the crop. In most cases, the optimum is around the 8-10 leaf stage for top dressing fertilizer for maize. There were certainly a number of crops in the North Rift that I looked at last week that were getting short of nitrogen at this stage where topdressing was delayed.
Do not forget, leaching has been significant this year with the high rainfall. This is why leaf tests (or leaf nutrient analysis) are an important tool to take a snapshot of what is happening inside the plant. They will also highlight other nutrients and I use them to guide:
Have I applied enough phosphate in the seedbed – do I need to change next year?
Is Boron at levels that might limit kernel numbers?
How much and how soon to apply nitrogen top dressing?
Comparing any trials in the field – has seedbed Boron or Zinc actually got into the plant and is it needed?
When we have decided how much top dressing fertilizer for maize to apply, consider splitting the application.
This reduces the risk of leaching;
Improves application timeliness;
As a general rule, the little-and-often approach means N is more efficiently taken up by the plant.
To see the logic of delaying nitrogen top dressing and look at the greatest risk of leaching in the early stages, we plotted the N uptake onto a growth stage chart.
In recent years there has been a trend among maize growers to apply Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer to their crops in preference to Urea. The lower volatilization risk in dry soils and the perceived neutral effect on soil acidity has encouraged the trend, along with the subsidized price through the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB).
But how accurate are these claims, and what is the best value approach for your crop? Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) contains 28% nitrogen typically and is rapidly and efficiently taken up by plants. The Nitrogen content is far lower than Urea however which contains 46% nitrogen, so the actual cost per Kg of Nitrogen is more expensive (calculations done with fertilizer bag prices):
CAN – Sh 1,900 per bag (14kg of N in a bag) = Sh 135 per Kg of Nitrogen
Urea – Sh 1,900 per bag (23kg of N in a bag) = Sh 82 per Kg of Nitrogen
We can see here that the Nitrogen in Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) costs 65% more than Urea because it is less concentrated. So even if some N is lost after applying Urea, it is still far less expensive than CAN. Applied in the right conditions to moist soils, losses are very small. In most soils the acidifying effect of Urea is minimal, and the Calcium in CAN is not in a form that is particularly available.
Maize can easily achieve 9 tons/ha (40 bags per acre) with the right agronomy and adequate moisture, but it does require adequate nutrition to achieve this. The amount of fertilizer required is best calculated by multiplying the target yield in tons per hectare, by 20-25 Kg. For a 30 bag per acre crop this is 160 Kg of nitrogen.
Timing is final part of getting fertilizer right; DAP or a compound fertiliser at planting forms a good base for crop emergence, with the balance applied as urea as a topdressing. Soil Mineral Nitrogen testing can help too, by accounting for residual nitrogen in the soil profile.
And finally, top yields require accurate application. This can be discussed in detail with your CropNuts agronomy contact for independent agronomic advice.
When discussing types of fertilizer for Nitrogen topdressing you can always be sure of lots of debate about the merits of Urea vs Ammonium sources such as Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) .
Urea remains the least expensive form of Nitrogen at around 80 – 90 Kes per kilo of N compared to around 115 – 135 kes in CAN (depends on the volatility of fertilizer bag prices). But what are the likely volatilization losses, and is it possible to go some way predicting this?
Firstly, there is actually surprisingly more data out there than you might imagine given the intensity of the Urea vs CAN debate. The problem is, very little of this work has been carried out in Africa, in our conditions. Should we be worried?
The losses of ammonia measured in a GRDC trial in Australia in liquid fertilizer is summarized in the graph and shows what can happen over 5 days of unfavourable conditions – losses topped out at nearly 30% of the total N applied in the Urea. Ammonium Sulphate lost only around 5% of its nitrogen.
Some very extensive work was carried out in the UK by ADAS in the s which concluded that Urea was only a few percent less efficient that Ammonium Nitrate in most conditions.
More recent work suggests that while urease inhibitors and controlled release fertilisers do work effectively, the overriding views of independent researchers that I speak to is that losses from untreated urea are rarely large enough to make a coating / inhibitor worthwhile.
Looking at recent GRDC work in Australia the consensus is that a maximum of 20% of applied N is lost from Urea, and usually far less (link at the bottom).
That said, in the real world there are often practical reasons for using them as we cannot always spread large acreages in perfect conditions, and if the weather forecast is wrong having some protection on the urea to reduce losses it very desirable.
A study in Brazil showing how urea losses can be mitigated by using an inhibitor or side dressing 2cm deep
Ultimately it comes down to an individual farmer's perception of risk, and farmers should remember that if you happen to be on alkaline soils they behave much differently, as research from Canada highlights.
I reckon that our broadacre clients typically spend between Ksh. 4,000 (USD 40) and Ksh. 11,000 (USD 110) per hectare on topdressing fertilizer for maize, wheat or barley. When you consider the value of the fertilizer that we spread each single season, it is often greater than the value of the machine that we use to apply it.
On top of this, there are so many different grades of the fertilizers available to do the same job; different prill sizes and qualities, nitrogen and sulphur blends for example, that can allow savings in time and money – if they can be spread accurately.
Choosing the correct fertilizer spreader can open up possibilities for the material you spread, and importantly can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently when the application window is right…
This will normally depend on tramline width, but a high quality material such as Yara’s Amidas or ETG’s Kynoplus will happily spread to over 40 metres. Lower quality Ammonium Sulphate and Urea on the other hand is a much less expensive way of buying sulphur, but will require two passes and the AS will struggle to spread even 12 metres.
An important consideration for larger farms, as the option of buying in bulk 1 ton bags will soon become a reality.
The smaller the fields and the more short work you have, the more this will pay you back in reducing overlaps and also minimizing lodging on the headlands. Everyone talks about the pros and cons of Urea vs Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizers and volatilization etc. In reality many farmers can improve their efficiency far more by spreading their fertilizer correctly!!! Accurate section control also avoids under-application on the headlands; the largest part of the field.
On-the-move calibration allows lower quality materials to be used, because even when the density changes the spreader adjusts and still applies the same amount. The real top-end machines have torque-sensing on the disc shafts that detect the amount of fertilizer on the disc and adjusts the position of the fertilizer falling onto the disc to maintain the spread pattern.
Bredal have a very good forced metering system using a small belt to deliver the fertilizer right onto the discs. Great for slightly variable quality fertilizer where the odd lump or damp bag needs some help to get through the machine evenly.
Plug-and-go into the tractor controls is a must for section control and allows variable rate application plans to be fed into the machine – something that the very best performers are already doing.
Often forgotten, but making a machine easy to fill can save hours when there is a short window to apply the fertiliser and you are re-filling every 20 minutes. High fill spreaders are great with tractor loaders and handlers, but it is amazing how often you see cracks in the frame where operators drop them right onto the ground to get the hopper low enough.
An important consideration for topdressing tall crops such as Sunflowers!
Easy to couple up to the tractor with no PTO, and more precise disc speed and spread pattern over hilly terrain.
Top Tip – our trials are continually highlighting the need to feed wheat and barley early with a small dose of nitrogen, at the 2-3 leaf stage. Unlike much of the advice taken from Northern Europe for example we plant into warm soils with 12 hours of daylight, and tiller numbers are laid down early. For our agronomy clients this has implications for fertilizer strategies, and topdressing capabilities may require a rethink on some farms.
High Quality 15-15-15 Lawn Fertilizer A Comprehensive Guide
Maintaining a lush and vibrant lawn is a goal for many homeowners and gardeners. One of the key components in achieving a healthy green expanse is the use of quality fertilizers. Among various options available, 15-15-15 lawn fertilizer has gained popularity due to its balanced nutrient composition. In this article, we will explore what makes 15-15-15 fertilizer an excellent choice and how to use it effectively in your lawn care routine.
Understanding 15-15-15 Fertilizer
The numbers in the fertilizer's name signify its nutrient composition 15% nitrogen (N), 15% phosphorus (P), and 15% potassium (K). This balanced triad is essential for the overall health of your lawn. Each nutrient plays a vital role
1. Nitrogen (N) This element is crucial for promoting lush, green growth. It helps in the development of chlorophyll, the compound responsible for the green color in plants. Adequate nitrogen ensures that your grass grows vigorously, providing a thick and vibrant carpet.
2. Phosphorus (P) Phosphorus is indispensable for root development, flowering, and fruiting. For lawns, it enhances the root system’s strength, promoting resilience against disease and drought. A robust root system establishes a strong foundation for grass, allowing it to absorb water and nutrients more efficiently.
3. Potassium (K) Often referred to as the “quality nutrient,” potassium enhances the overall health of plants. It aids in photosynthesis, boosting disease resistance, and ensuring proper water regulation within the plant. This element is particularly important in helping your lawn withstand stress from environmental factors, such as heat and drought.
Benefits of Using 15-15-15 Lawn Fertilizer
1. Balanced Nutrition The 15-15-15 formulation provides equal proportions of the three essential nutrients, making it suitable for a variety of lawn types and conditions. This balanced nutrition promotes uniform growth and health across your entire lawn.
2. All-Season Use One of the advantages of 15-15-15 fertilizer is its versatility. It can be applied during spring, summer, or autumn, making it an excellent choice for ongoing lawn maintenance. Adjusting the frequency of application based on the time of year and the specific needs of your lawn will yield the best results.
3. Easy Application Most 15-15-15 fertilizers come in granular form, making them easy to apply with a spreader. This simplicity allows homeowners to bulk fertilize their lawns quickly and efficiently.
4. Improved Soil Quality Regular application of balanced fertilizers enriches the soil with essential nutrients, improving overall soil quality. Healthy soil supports not only grass but also the ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms necessary for a thriving garden.
How to Apply 15-15-15 Lawn Fertilizer
1. Timing The ideal times to apply 15-15-15 fertilizer are during the transitional periods in spring and fall when grass is actively growing. Avoid applying fertilizer during extreme heat or drought conditions.
2. Soil Preparation Before fertilizing, conduct a soil test to determine existing nutrient levels. This will help you understand if additional amendments are needed.
3. Application Method Use a broadcast spreader for even distribution of the fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the amount of fertilizer needed per square foot of lawn. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient runoff and damage to your grass.
4. Watering After applying the fertilizer, water your lawn lightly to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. Consistent watering will further enhance nutrient absorption by the grass roots.
Conclusion
Using high-quality 15-15-15 lawn fertilizer can revolutionize the condition of your lawn, providing balanced nutrients that support vibrant growth and resilience. By understanding its components and following proper application techniques, you can create a lush green space that enhances the beauty of your home and provides a pleasant outdoor area for relaxation and recreation. Regular monitoring and care will ensure that your lawn remains healthy and beautiful for years to come. Invest in a quality fertilization strategy today, and watch your lawn thrive!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Ammonium Sulphate Fertiliser. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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