For homeowners:
How much lawn fertilizer should I apply?
Remember, to minimize the potential for fertilizer leaching into the groundwater we are not allowed to apply fertilizers before April 1st or after November 1st. Keep your eye on the weather and do not fertilize if heavy rainfall is expected within the next 2 to 3 days of a planned application.
Once you know your lawn maintenance type - low, medium or high - you can concentrate on proper timing of the application(s).
When possible, smaller amounts of fertilizer applied more often is preferred. It is very important to have a properly calibrated spreader when applying any fertilizer. See Simple Spreader Calibration and Simple Spreader Calibration Worksheet and Example WorksheetTiming noted in shaded boxes indicates a plan to apply fertilizer at lower rates more often.
The alternative schedule outlines when to fertilize at higher amounts less often.
Suggested Fertilizer Application Schedules
Amount of Nitrogen to apply to each 1000 square foot area
| Lawn Type |
April
late |
May
late |
Sept.
early |
Oct.
early |
Total Pounds
Nitrogen/year |
| Low Maintenance* |
|
|
¾ - 1 lb |
|
0-1 |
| Low Maintenance |
|
½ lb |
½ lb |
|
1 |
| Medium Maintenance |
|
¾ - 1 lb |
¾ - 1 lb |
|
1½ – 2 |
| Medium Maintenance |
½ lb |
¾ lb |
¾ lb |
|
2 |
| High Maintenance |
|
¾ - 1 lb |
¾ - 1 lb |
¾ - 1 lb |
2¼ - 3 |
| High Maintenance |
¾ lb |
¾ lb |
¾ lb |
¾ lb |
3 |
* In cases with dense lawns that look good, no fertilizer is needed.
|
