Fertilize lawn

Why It Matters

Early-season fertilizer drives healthy spring growth and helps grass outcompete weeds. Skipping it leads to thin, weed-prone turf.

Tools

• Broadcast or drop spreader

Materials

• Lawn fertilizer matched to your grass type (cool-season or warm-season)

How to Do It

1. Identify your grass type (cool-season or warm-season) so you buy the right fertilizer formulation.
2. Purchase a fertilizer labeled for your grass type and note the recommended application rate on the bag.
3. Calibrate your spreader to the setting listed on the fertilizer bag for your spreader type.
4. Apply the fertilizer across the lawn at the labeled rate, working in overlapping passes to avoid missed strips or double coverage.
5. Water the lawn after application to move the fertilizer off the grass blades and into the soil.

Related Tasks

• Aerate and overseed lawn Once a year
• Apply perimeter pest repellent Once a year
• Clear debris from yard Once a year
• Mulch garden beds Once a year
• Rake and remove fall yard debris Once a year