Your lawn’s nutritional needs change with temperatures and soil conditions. Choose a fertilizer that matches your grass type and specific location.

Opt for a slow-release form of nitrogen that provides a steady supply, reducing the risk of nutrient overload. Also consider a soil test. This will reveal crucial information about your soil, including its pH levels and nutrient balance.

Best summer lawn fertilizer

summer lawn fertilizer must contain several nutrients such as:

1. Nitrogen

When grass is stressed by heat or disease, nitrogen can actually be counterproductive. Cool season grasses like fescue, bluegrass and rye need low to moderate levels of nitrogen during the summer to avoid pushing them into a growth spurt that could be more difficult to control or sustain.

Nitrogen is summer lawn fertilizer, But it must be used in measured and controlled quantities. If you apply too much nitrogen to your lawn during a hot and dry period, it could burn the grass. That’s why it’s important to only apply a moderate amount of fertilizer each time you feed it during the year, based on the numbers listed on the bag. If you’re applying a granular product, calibrate the spreader correctly for even application and water thoroughly shortly after application to help activate and move the nutrients into the soil where the roots can absorb them.

A soil test reveals your lawn’s unique nutrient requirements and guides your choice of fertilizer. Consider a slow-release option that delivers a steady supply of nutrients, reducing the risk of overfeeding. For drought-prone lawns, choose a liquid formula that helps the soil retain moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering. Or opt fertilizer which provides a balanced blend of nitrogen with micronutrients to support the turf during periods of stress. 

Summary: 

best lawn fertilizer for summer: 1. Nitrogen

• Managed nitrogen levels for grasses, such as fescue, bluegrass, and rye, to prevent excessive growth spurts during summer stress periods.
• Applied measured quantities of summer lawn fertilizer to avoid burning the grass, ensuring controlled and effective nutrient absorption.
• Calibrated spreader for fertilizer application, promoting even distribution, and watered thoroughly post-application to activate nutrients in the soil.
• Utilized soil tests to determine lawn nutrient requirements, selecting appropriate slow-release or liquid fertilizers to support healthy growth and reduce overfeeding risks.
• Choose balanced fertilizers with micronutrients to support turf health during drought conditions, promoting moisture retention and reducing watering needs.

Read more: Fertilizer for Seedlings

2. Potassium

Once you’ve done your spring fertilizing, the next step to a beautiful lawn is feeding it throughout the summer. This is because grasses require different nutrient demands than warm-season ones. To maintain a lush lawn throughout the hotter months, the best summer lawn fertilizer is one that combines a low Nitrogen analysis with high levels of Potassium.

Most lawn fertilizers will list an analysis on the label indicating the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The first number refers to the amount of nitrogen, the second number represents levels of phosphorus and the third number is the level of potassium. Fertilizers that are labeled 10-10-10, for example, contain equal levels of each nutrient.

The ideal lawn fertilizer for summer should also contain a handful of micronutrients like iron and manganese to support the plant’s ability to fight stress throughout the summer. Grass can be overwhelmed by hot temperatures, extended periods of dry soil, weeds and bugs. These challenges make it critical to choose the right lawn fertilizer for summer that will help it thrive.

Summary: 

best lawn fertilizer for summer: 2. Potassium

• Implemented summer lawn feeding schedule post-spring fertilization, optimizing nutrient balance for grasses to ensure a vibrant lawn during hotter months.
• Selected summer lawn fertilizers with low Nitrogen and high Potassium levels, tailored to meet the specific nutrient requirements of  grass varieties.
• Utilized fertilizer labels to identify nutrient concentrations (N-P-K ratio), emphasizing the importance of micronutrients like iron and manganese for stress resistance in grass.
• Choose lawn fertilizers with balanced micronutrient profiles to combat challenges like high temperatures, dry soil, weeds, and pests, promoting overall lawn health and resilience.
• Prioritized the selection of lawn fertilizers containing essential micronutrients to support grass in combating summer stressors, fostering optimal growth and vitality.

Read more: Best Starter Fertilizer

3. Micronutrients

In addition to nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, your lawn requires micronutrients. For example, boron is critical to many plant functions, including cell wall formation and stability, movement of sugar or energy into growing parts of the plant, pollen and seed set, and nitrogen fixation in legume crops.

Choose a summer lawn fertilizer with a low Nitrogen analysis that includes the essential micronutrients for healthy summer grass growth. Look for a slow-release product to avoid burning and ensure that the nutrients are released gradually over time.

Summary: 

best lawn fertilizer for summer: 3. Micronutrients

Advised on selecting summer lawn fertilizers with Nitrogen content and essential micronutrients like boron for optimal plant functions, cell stability, and energy transfer, while prioritizing slow-release products to prevent grass burning and ensure gradual nutrient release.

Read more:  Best Organic Fertilizer

4. Iron

The best summer lawn fertilizer includes some iron to keep the turf a dark green color without pushing any extra growth. Iron is a micronutrient that supports plant health and helps the lawn withstand stress. 

It is also important to avoid applying fertilizers during times of heat and drought stress. This can lead to damage to the grass. A soil test can reveal the specific nutrient needs of your yard, guiding your selection of fertilizers and timing of applications.

Be sure to use a calibrated spreader or sprayer when applying lawn fertilizers. This ensures even coverage and prevents streaks or patches of over-fertilization. It’s also important to cut the grass to a high level before applying, so that it can absorb the nutrients more easily. Always choose a day that is not expected to rain shortly after application, as this will help the soil retain moisture. If you want to reduce the amount of watering you need to do during the summer, consider using a combination fertilizer and weed control,  Fertilizer. 

Summary: 

best lawn fertilizer for summer: 4. Iron

• Recommended the use of summer lawn fertilizers containing iron for a dark green turf color without excessive growth, supporting plant health and stress resistance.
• Advised against applying fertilizers during heat and drought stress periods to prevent grass damage, emphasizing the importance of soil tests for tailored nutrient application.
• Emphasized the importance of using calibrated spreaders or sprayers for even fertilizer coverage, cutting grass to an appropriate height for better nutrient absorption, and selecting rain-free days for application to enhance soil moisture retention.
• Suggested the use of combination fertilizers with weed control to reduce summer watering needs while promoting lawn health and appearance.

Read more: Types of Fertilizers

fertilizing lawns in summer

Fertilize your lawn in late spring or early summer when it is actively growing and temperatures are moderate. Apply the fertilizer evenly, using a spreader or sprayer calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly water the lawn after application to activate the fertilizer and help carry nutrients down to the root zone.

Avoid fertilizing during periods of heat stress, drought or frost as these conditions can damage the grass and reduce nutrient uptake. Consider integrating weed control solutions with your lawn care plan, especially if you have a problem with persistent weeds such as crabgrass or dandelion. Also, opt for a natural organic or reduced-nitrogen fertilizer to reduce the risk of burn and improve soil health over time. A soil test can reveal your lawn’s nutrient requirements, guiding your choice of fertilizer type and frequency.

Summary: 

• Scheduled lawn fertilization in late spring or early summer during active growth and moderate temperatures, ensuring even application with a calibrated spreader or sprayer as per manufacturer guidelines.
• Recommended light watering post-fertilization to activate nutrients and facilitate their absorption into the root zone for enhanced grass health.

Read more: Palm Tree Fertilizer