When is the best time to apply fertilizer?

When properly applied at the right times of year, fertilizer can be a huge benefit to your lawn, helping your lawn grow faster and denser. However, when lawn fertilizer is applied at the incorrect times or too frequently, it can actually be harmful to your grass, causing it to show signs of stress.

In Southwest Florida, it is best to apply fertilizer two to three times per year to keep your grass green and healthy. Make your first round of lawn fertilizer applications in early spring to help your grass get greener and achieve its maximum growth potential. The second round of fertilization should be performed in mid-summer to keep your grass nourished through the worst summer heat. Be careful not to over-fertilize your grass during this period, which may stress it out. Optionally, you may want to apply a light final round of lawn fertilizer in fall though this is often unnecessary in the Fort Myers area due to our warm winters. Conduct a soil test to see if your lawn has the nutrients it needs before making a decision.

In addition to applying fertilizer to your lawn in Southwest Florida at the right time of year, it’s also important to choose the right time of day. When fertilizer is applied during midday heat, it may result in fertilizer burn. Instead, you should lay down your fertilizer in early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler and your grass isn’t exposed to direct sunlight. Water your lawn immediately after fertilizing to help your grass drink up all those nutrients.