Use These Grass Fertilizers to Grow a Healthy and Luscious Lawn

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They say the grass isn't always greener—but what if your grass can always be greener... and healthier? We're talking grass that rivals the luscious fields and pastures of Drummond Ranch. Okay, maybe those can't be beat. But, if you grab one of these best fertilizers for grass, you can definitely come close! The thing is, buying fertilizer can be a little tricky. That's because there isn't a one-size-fits-all-lawns formula. To help you avoid that, we've rounded up our top picks for grass fertilizer so you can get your yard ready for the upcoming months!

Lawn fertilizers can be found in both granular and liquid formulas and contain three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K). These are responsible for making your grass green, promoting root development, and keeping it strong no matter the conditions. Synthetic options work quickly but may be harsher on your lawn while the natural ingredients in organic fertilizers offer slow and steady release and won’t burn your lawn.

As for liquid or granular fertilizers, liquid has a quick-release formula that is sprayed across the lawn and granular comes in the form of dry pellets with slow-release qualities, typically over a six to eight week period. You can also find formulas for different seasons or all-season options. Once you find the formula that's right for your lawn, only fertilize when necessary to avoid leaf burn. (Scotts has a great guide on when to fertilize.) Then, water thoroughly with garden hoses to ensure the nutrients soaks in. Once you've got a well-fed and healthy yard, consider landscaping ideas to really bring your lawn to life!

Milorganite Long Lasting All Purpose Lawn Food 6-4-0

This bestseller packs a powerful greening punch at a great price point. It's a slow-release formula, which means your grass will receive a small, steady amount of nutrients that it can feed on for up to ten weeks. This one has micronutrients like iron and nitrogen to produce thick, green lawns without excessive top growth. The slow-release is also said to reduce the need for watering and cut down mowing time. Bonus points: It's non-toxic for pets and people.

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food 32-0-4

Scotts is one of the most well-known lawn care brands—and for good reason. If you don't know much about your yard, this pick makes it easy thanks to its all-seasonal properties that work on any grass type. Plus, it's safe to use around pets and kiddos. Containing 32% nitrogen, this product will support rapid green growth by building strong roots and improving their ability to absorb water and nutrients. Note: While it can heal burnt grass, heavy application may also cause burning.

Pennington Ultragreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4

Because it works to strengthen your grass against heat and drought, this fertilizer is great to use as we head into the spring and summer months. It's suitable for all grasses and full of essential plant nutrients like 5% iron for deep, dark green color as well as both fast acting and slow release nitrogen to not only produce quick greening, but extend feed time for up to three months. The manufacturer recommends keeping pets and kids away from the treated area until it settles or dries.

The Andersons PGF Complete Lawn Fertilizer 16-4-8

According to the manufacturer, a year of researching and testing lent itself to this fertilizer which combines other top products plus all the needed plant nutrients into a single all-in-one formula. It's a professional grade fertilizer made available to the average homeowner for high grade growing and greening results on all grass throughout all seasons. Additional ingredients like humid acid will enrich soil, quicken greening, and increase turf quality. Slow release nitrogen provides uniform growth and extended feeding for up to eight weeks.

Safer Brand Lawn Restore All-Purpose Fertilizer 9-0-2

Here's another all natural and organic formula that won’t pollute the environment or harm pets and children—but this one is specifically built to repair and revitalize thin grass to leave you with healthy and thick turf. Nitrogen will give you a greener lawn in just three to five days, while other naturally derived plant food ingredients won't deprive the soil of nutrients or burn your lawn as it works to increase soil biological activity, nourish grass, and strengthen root systems. It will also help the grass withstand outside stresses.

Winter Survival Fall Lawn Fertilizer 10-0-20

There's no need to let your yard lose its shine in the winter—especially when you can get products like this to help you keep it alive. The slow-release of a nutrient rich formula will stimulate deep root growth and help your yard withstand cold stresses like frost, lack of irrigation, weed germination, fungus development, and more. Not to mention, your yard will green up sooner and appear brighter when spring comes around. For this one, people and pets are safe to re-enter the area once it's dry.

Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced Balanced NPK 16-4-8

If you're looking for a liquid fertilizer, this complete nitrogen, phosphate, and potash formula will provide green results and promote lush growth for all grass types—all in a ready-to-use sprayer. Those high-quality ingredients will improve root vigor and support essential plant functions, too. And to enhance the formula even further, this fertilizer also contains both seaweed and fish (which work as a burn-free nitrogen) to provide your lawn with additional nutrients. Just make sure your lawn is watered sufficiently to ensure proper nutrient absorption and let it dry before sending the dogs or kids out.

Scotts Turf Builder Starter Brand Fertilizer 24-25-4

When starting a new lawn, finding the right nutrients for your soil is essential. That's where this formula comes into play! It's said to grow all new grass (including seeds, sod, and plugs) 70% thicker and 35% quicker versus unfed grass. The nutrients makeup helps establish roots and healthy blades, plus it works quickly to deliver the needed ingredients during the lawn’s six-week germination period. Better yet, it's a kid and pet-friendly formula. But be sure to use it correctly to prevent any runoff pollution.

Espoma Organic All-Purpose Lawn Food For All Grasses 9-0-0

With this all natural and organic formula, you can be sure the product you're using is safe for your whole family (including furry friends) as well as the environment. It's an all-season and all-grass fertilizer that contains bio-tone microbes which aid in long-lasting healthy soil, grass growth, and green coloration. Additionally, it won't burn your lawn or leach the soil. The manufacturer says your yard will also require less frequent mowing.

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