Sign in Pro
Best Lawn Fertilizers Rated and Reviewed
It is a general knowledge this could aid in nourishing the grass and could provide the needed nutrients for it to grow. The grass on your lawn needs added energy to grow in times when it would rather lay latent. There is a wide range of nutrient products that you can find in the market today and selecting the best one for your lawn could require a bit more research. Although your budget is part of the many things to consider, the major part of your decision is largely dependent on the type of grass that you have in your lawn.
In this buying guide, we have evaluated various products and ranked them to make the selecting and buying process a lot easier for you. Each product is reviewed and comes with strengths and weaknesses so you can easily match it with your preferences. Check out the top ten best below.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Model
Your lawn is like a living thing that entails minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to survive. Some of us take multivitamins because we know that we are not getting enough vitamins from the food that we eat. The same thing applies to your lawn.
Grass Type
All types of grass need nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus and water to survive. There are many types of grass, some of them require less watering and more enricher while others require less maintenance at all. The most common type of grass found in most lawns today includes Zoysia Grass, Bermuda Grass, Kentucky Blue Grass, Red Fescue, and Perennial Rye Grass to name a few.
Types
The most important criterion to consider when choosing the best one is the type. Currently, there are two types available in the market. They are organic and synthetic.
Synthetic
This type is made from grasses, minerals, and waste with the target of achieving a fast outcome, which happens in just several days. In other words, it is called synthetic because it is chemically manufactured. It releases nutrients and penetrates the soil at a fast rate. While it acts fast, the downside of this type does not last that long. This means that you have to do the process several times. The synthetic is also notorious for its reputation of burning the grass if applied in the wrong way. This type can also be a threat to the environment and could pose dangers to the health if it reaches the water supply.
Organic
Unlike the synthetic, the organic type is made of living organisms and their byproducts ranging from peat moss to bones to cottonseed among others. It can take a little while for it to take effect on the grass and would require several weeks before you can see the results. This is because an organic made is a natural solution that appears to break down gradually when emitting nitrogen. It can enhance the density and texture of the lawn. In addition, many homeowners do not like it for its strong foul odor. Compared to the synthetic, this type has a low health and environmental risk.
Formula Type
Strictly speaking, there are only two types of formulae, which are granular and liquid. The type of formula that you are going to use is another important factor in the health and growth of your lawn.
Liquid
This type of formula is either a fluid that requires to be diluted in water or in a powder form which requires water to liquefy it. This type usually entails more regular application. It is highly recommended if you want to achieve fast and rapid results. This type, however, poses a high risk to the environment in the event that it contaminates the water supply in massive amount.
Granular
This type of formula appears to work in a slow and gradual manner. Often, it would take a month or more for this type to deliver outcomes but it requires less regular follow up. Granular is far less of a threat to the health and environment so most homeowners are better off using this type of formula. You can choose this if you are not in a rush and if you are willing to wait for a particular time for your yard to be healthy.
Application
Fertilizer or plant food is essential in many places because not all places in the US are perfect for an all-year growth. Using the best one can help you grow your lawn lush and strong.
Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are just some of the elements are present in most composts. Phosphorus aids the grass to grow stronger roots while nitrogen helps in growing new blades. The potassium, on the other hand, is required to protect the grass from diseases and to make it grow healthier. The type of grass plays a major role in the success of your lawn.
If you are having a hard time coming up with the type of grass to plant, you can check out the map of the climate zone. For instance, if you are located in the southern zone, you need to have a hearty grass that can withstand humid and warm place. In arid areas, you may need to have a grass that can tolerate drought. Another important key to growing a healthy and lush lawn is the right time to apply it in your grass.
You need to basically conduct a soil test to identify the amount and the type that you need that will benefit your lawn the most. It is also important that you know when to apply it in your lawn. If this is your first time to purchase one for your yard, it is important that at least see to it that your choice meets the criteria that we have included in this buying guide. These are useful features and factors that you should consider before making the final decision.
These can also help you in determining which brand will genuinely benefit your lawn and will give you your money’s worth. Your choice must at least meet the criteria that we have enumerated in this buying guide.
Spring Type
It is important to note that spring fertilizers contain more phosphorus than the standard fertilizers. The purpose of this is to allow your lawn to form roots and quickly grow strong in the upcoming season after lying dormant during winter.
Effectiveness
Another important factor that you should take into consideration is the numeric digits that you can find in the labels. These digits refer to the ratio of NPK or the percentage of the nutrients present.
N stands for nitrogen, P for phosphorus, and K for Potassium. If you see the digits written as 12-0-0 on the label, it means that it contains 12 percent Nitrogen, zero phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium.
Nitrogen is responsible for keeping the plants green, phosphorus enhances growth in the roots and potassium protects the plants against diseases and drought. Depending on your location and the kind of climate, one combination will always be better than other combinations. To get the optimum nourishment for your grass, it is important that you know the species of your grass.
Features
Different brands come with various features that make them ideal for particular types of yards or lawns. Some have a quick release and slow release features. Several others feature feed and weed. While some offer insecticide.
Time Release
Time release is a formulation specially made for those who are after an occasional type of treatments for their yards or lawns. On the average, it will take between two and six months to get the result of this solution. It is also more popularly known as the slow release. This feature enables it to linger in your lawn preventing you from over fertilizing while providing you with even growth for a long time.
Quick or Fast Release
This feature enables faster growth of your lawn and lingers between two and four weeks. This type of solution cost lesser than slow release and it is ideally applied during Fall before the Winter finally starts. It is important that you take extra care when applying this because it contains chemicals that can burn the grass and eventually kill it. It is also essential that your lawn is properly watered when using this solution.
Weed and Feed
There are some that feature a mixture of herbicides and enricher to help users remove those pesky unwanted weeds while nourishing the grass at the same time.
Insecticide
It is like the weed and feed feature; however, it mixes the nutrients that are needed by the grass with several chemicals that can fend off insects and pests that can damage your lawn.
Fit for the Seasons
Aside from the type, another factor that should be taken into consideration the kind that you should use in different types of seasons.
Materials
When choosing the best lawn fertilizer, it is important that you pick the right mixture of nutrients to the soil at the speed level that is favorable to its growth.
Another important factor that you should consider in choosing is its sustainability. If you have children or pets in your home, it is ideal that you go for organic fertilizers. While you cannot immediately see the results if you are using this type of fertilizer, in the long run, it could have the best and long lasting effect on your grass, in the soil, and in the environment as a whole. The downside of using this type is that it could be labor intensive.
It is also important to take into consideration your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Most importantly, quantify the time and amount of work you plan to spend fertilizing your lawn, and the frequency of applying the fertilizer.
Top 10 Picks
1. SCOTTS TURF BUILDER
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that you can apply during the fall so you can achieve lush green lawn in the Spring.
Read moreProduct Features
This product works well in any type of grass. It enhances the ability of the lawn to absorb nutrients and water. This is a time release formulation and is primarily intended to serve as food for your lawn. This product works well in building deep and strong roots for a greener and much healthier lawn in the spring. In addition to this, it is very helpful in repairing the grass from heat damage.
Overall Components
This item from the renowned manufacturer Scotts supplies nutrients that aid in repairing damages on the grass caused by drought, heat, and other activities. It can work well when used with spreaders. This pack can be used to 5,000 square feet. It also helps you save money since it increases the absorption of water that can save you in your utility expense.
Product Description
This has a product dimension of 16 -inches x 12 -inches x 3 –inches. It has an item weight of 12.7 –pounds. It contains an NPK ratio of 32-0-10.
2. SCOTTS 26007B
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product that can kill weeds and bugs like the fire ants.
Read moreProduct Features
This product features a distinct formulation that annihilates clover and dollar weeds while preventing and killing fire ants. It nourishes and empowers your lawn to withstand heat and drought. It is the ideal product to kill annoying weeds like St. Augustine, Zoysia, Carpet grass, and even Centipede.
Overall Components
This unique product from Scotts is powerful enough to eliminate bugs and ants that infest your lawn. This product is tested and proven by numerous homeowners to effectively kill the roughest Southern weeds. It could be a good choice if you not only want to feed your lawn, but also would like to strengthen it so it could endure drought and heat. You can easily apply this product on your lawn. Make sure that the lawn is dry and water it after applying. This will immediately activate the formulation.
Product Description
This has a product dimension of 15.5 -inches x 3 -inches x 10 –inches. It has an item weight of 13.42 –pounds. This product can be used to up to 4,000 square feet of yard.
3. Safer Brand Ringer
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that contains nutrients from plants and does not have manure or poultry litter.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is organic made with an NPK ratio of 10-0-6. It quickly works to make sure that if your soil has the right balance of natural elements. It feeds your lawn and you can easily see its effect after 3 to 5 days of application. This nourishes the fungi and bacteria that are present in your soil. As an effect, the soil produces the right nutrients that the grass in your lawn needs.
Overall Components
In addition to its effect in the soil, this product strengthens your lawn leaving little to no chance for the weeds to grow on it. It does not contain phosphates, which is usually needed by plants to trigger the growth of fruits and flowers. You can use a spreader or a pushcart to apply this. If you have none, you can just use your hand to apply it. Each bag could cover approximately 5,000 square feet.
Product Description
This has a product dimension 3.23 -inches x 14.11 -inches x 24.01 –inches. It has an item weight of 25 pounds and a shipping weight of 26.1 pounds.
4. 0-15 NPK
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for an all-natural and premium product that does not contain any chemicals.
Read moreProduct Features
This is a premium liquid item carefully prepared by combining sulfur, Humic and Fulvic acids, potash, Urea (food grade), and organics that are bio-active. It is free from phosphates and is effective in maintaining the balanced health of your lawn and in nourishing any grass that needs nutrients.
Overall Components
This product delivers essential nutrients for healthy grass and keeps it growth while supplying key ingredients for the health and strength of your lawn. It is important that you keep your lawn adequately watered when you are using this. This is to ensure that your lawn properly absorbs the nutrients.
Product Description
This has a product dimension of 5.5 –inches x 3 -inches x 9 –inches. It has an item and shipping weight of 3.35 –pounds.
5. Jonathan Green
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a product that can prepare your lawn for the Winter and could be perfect for Fall seeding.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is popular in the community as one of the best winterizer. It aids you in preparing your lawn for the coming winter by providing a balanced formulation to feed your grass. It also helps the growth of the roots and allows it to hold the nutrients that the grass can use during the Spring. This product has won over many users because of its ability to retain the grass.
Overall Components
If you are the type who would like to keep your lawn safe during Fall and would like to have a green and healthy one in Spring, then you should have this product. When you apply it on your lawn, it is recommended that you use a spreader. This can help make sure that the application is evenly distributed in the whole lawn.
Product Description
This has a product dimension of 3.5 -inches x 13 -inches x 17 –inches. A bag of this product can be used in approximately 5,000 square feet. It has an item weight of 14.95 –pounds.
6. Dr. Earth Super
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that is effective in nourishing the grass, 100 percent natural and organic, and is safe to use even with kids or pets around.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is a time release formulation that will not help you save water but will also decrease thatch build up, feed your soil for three months, and promote a strong and deep root system. It is a premium product made of fish meal, feather meal, fish bone meal, calcium sulfate, alfalfa meal, seaweed extract, potassium sulfate, mycorrhizae, and other microbes that are very beneficial to the soil.
Overall Components
These all-natural and aid the grass to withstand harsh conditions such as poor soil quality, drought, and low grass nutrition by stimulating a strong root system. It digests the thatch and ensures that the buildup is well-controlled. Because of its effect on the root system of the grass, it helps in the correct nutrients absorption from the soil. Although it is a slow release formulation, it can show results fast and can keep your soil nourished for three months.
Product Description
This has a package dimension of 24 -inches x 15 -inches x 4 –inches. It has a package weight of 9.3 –ounces and a shipping weight of 18.3 pounds. This product can cover up to 2,000 square feet of your lawn.
7. Simple Lawn Solutions
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a product that has the right balance of NPK formulation and transforms your lawn into a green and strong one.
Read moreProduct Features
This product has the right blend of 100 percent top-quality organic ingredients that can immediately nourish your lawn. It does not contain any hard chemicals and has the right combination of NPK. This product is also known as one of the best commercial-grade nourishments for the lawn. It promotes a stronger root system and feeds the lawn with organic ingredients.
Overall Components
This concentrated product is safe and can be used to any type of grass. It improves the quality of the soil and it is free from harmful chemicals. This product is designed for easy to use and application.
Product Description
This has a packaging dimension of 5.5 –inches x 3 -inches x 9 –inches. It has an item weight of 2.9 –pounds.
8. Pro Trust
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a water-soluble product, which can produce noticeably effective long-term results.
Read moreProduct Features
This product features a 12 percent Potassium content. This percentage is ideal for the outstanding development of the roots as well as the good growth of the cell wall. It is ideal for both sunny and shady lawns. It contains CDU- a chemical compound called Crotonylene Diurea that ensures that your lawn stays healthy and strong.
Overall Components
The product is made so anyone could easily use and apply it. It is the only product in the market that contains water-soluble nitrogen. It protects the lawn and helps prevent natural grass diseases.
Product Description
This has a packaging dimension of 1 –inch x 1 –inch x 1-inch. It has an item weight of 1 –pound and a shipping weight of 15.75 –pounds. It can cover up to approximately 5,000 square feet.
9. American Hydro
This is the best choice if you are looking for a product that is made to feed both the grass and the turf.
Read moreProduct Features
This product is a formula ideal for desert plants, grass, garden vegetables and other vegetation in warm weather. It contains 30 percent bio-builder, 100 percent natural formulation of humates and other natural ingredients that can help make your lawn and soil healthy.
Overall Components
This type is perfect for both cool season and warm season grasses. A gallon of this will nourish 2,000 square feet of lawn. Each time you water the lawn; it stimulates and delivers nutrients to the soil. This premium quality product could be the cost efficient solution for home lawns and commercial lawns.
Product Description
This has a packaging dimension of 4.5 –inches x 7 –inches x 10.5 –inches. It has an item weight of 10.4 –pounds.
10. Milorganite 0636
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a premium quality organic product that can make your lawn grow healthy and strong for a long time.
Read moreProduct Features
This is an all-purpose product that is safe to apply even if you have kids and pets at home. It is organic made from microbes that are heat dried. It has a mixture of 4 percent non-staining iron that aids in turning your lawn from green into deep green. It can be applied in your lawn any time and in any season.
Overall Components
This organic nitrogen enricher has passed the quality standards of the EPA, the highest criteria in the field. It is granular in form making it easy to spread. This form is also helpful in repelling bugs and pests from your flowers and plants.
Product Description
This has a packaging dimension of 5 –inches x 17 –inches x 23 –inches. It has an item weight of 36.7 –pounds and a shipping weight of 36.8 –pounds.