Fertilizers keep lawns looking lush and green. The **right fertilizer** for your soil and grass can make your lawn grow healthily. There are many products out there, so finding the **best fertilizer** is key. Based on careful trials and investigation, we share our top picks for the finest lawn fertilizers.
The ideal fertilizer for your lawn should contain a good balance of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Look out for a “NPK” ratio that suits your grass, taking into account its ability to access and use these nutrients. It’s also beneficial to have a slow-release formula, preventing ‘burning’ and promoting consistent, healthy growth.
Amid a sea of lawn fertilizers, we’ve gone ahead and tested these fertilizers, observing their immediate effects and long-term benefits on various grass types and soil conditions. We diversified our tests to include brands specializing in organic, synthetic, and hybrid fertilizers, ensuring a pick for everyone. Also, consider your lawn size and schedule when choosing a fertilizer; some will require fewer applications, saving you time and money.
Best Fertilizer for Lawns
Choosing the right fertilizer is vital for the health and vibrancy of your lawn. The fertilizer should contain a balance of essential nutrients, release gradually, and cater to your grass and soil type’s specific needs. Given the multitude of options, choosing the right one can be challenging. Based on our comprehensive research and hands-on testing, we have rounded up some standout candidates in this selection of the best fertilizer for lawns. This review should aid you in making an informed decision for your specific landscaping needs.
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food – Fertilizer for All Grass Types, 5,000 sq. ft., 12.5 lbs.
If you’re looking for a reliable and effective lawn fertilizer, Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is a great option.
Pros
- Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food feeds grass deeply and evenly for a beautiful lawn
- The fertilizer is easy to apply with the included Scotts Broadcast Spreader, making it a convenient option for homeowners
- The product is designed to work on all grass types, making it a versatile choice for homeowners with different types of grass in their lawn
Cons
- The fertilizer may not work as effectively on heavily shaded lawns
- It may take a few weeks to see noticeable results, which may be a downside for homeowners who are looking for a quick fix
- The fertilizer may not be suitable for homeowners who have pets or children who play in the lawn, as it may require keeping them off the grass for a period of time.
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a reliable and effective lawn fertilizer. The fertilizer is designed to feed grass deeply and evenly, promoting healthy root growth and a beautiful lawn. The included Scotts Broadcast Spreader makes it easy to apply the fertilizer, making it a convenient option for homeowners who don’t have a lot of time to spend on lawn care.
One of the best things about Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is that it is designed to work on all grass types. This makes it a versatile choice for homeowners who have different types of grass in their lawn. Whether you have cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, or warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass or zoysia, Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food will work effectively to promote healthy growth.
However, it’s important to note that the fertilizer may not work as effectively on heavily shaded lawns. If your lawn receives little sunlight, you may need to use a different type of fertilizer or take additional steps to promote healthy growth.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and effective lawn fertilizer, Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to apply, works on all grass types, and promotes healthy root growth for a beautiful lawn.
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, Lawn Fertilizer Plus Iron Supplement for Greener Grass, 5,000 sq. ft., 16.67 lbs.
If you’re looking for a lawn fertilizer that can help you achieve a lush green lawn, Scotts Green Max Lawn Food might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Provides quick greens
- Helps produce deep, healthy roots
- Contains dual feed for beautiful blue-green grass
Cons
- Might not work for all types of grass
- Can cause grass to turn yellow if overwatered
- Might require reapplication for optimal results
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a slow-release fertilizer that provides quick greens in as little as three days. It also helps produce deep, healthy roots, which can improve your lawn’s ability to withstand drought and disease. Additionally, this lawn food contains dual feed for beautiful blue-green grass, which can give your lawn a vibrant, healthy look.
One potential downside of Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is that it might not work for all types of grass. It’s specifically designed for cool-season grasses like fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass, so if you have a different type of grass, you might need to look for a different product. Additionally, if you overwater your lawn after applying this fertilizer, it can cause the grass to turn yellow. Finally, while Scotts Green Max Lawn Food can provide great results, you might need to reapply it after a few months to maintain your lawn’s health.
Overall, if you’re looking for a lawn fertilizer that can help you achieve a lush, vibrant green lawn, Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and monitor your lawn’s health to ensure the best results.
Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix, Combination Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Mulch, 4.75 lbs.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to repair your lawn, Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The combination of grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch makes it easy to get great results with minimal effort.
- The mix contains a blend of grass seed specifically selected for its ability to grow in sun and shade, making it a versatile option for many different lawns.
- The Scotts EZ Seed coating helps the grass seed stay in place and makes it easier to spread, ensuring even coverage and reducing the risk of bare spots.
Cons
- The mix may not work as well in extremely hot or dry conditions, as the grass seed may struggle to establish itself.
- Some users have reported that the mix can be expensive compared to other lawn repair options.
- The mix may not be suitable for all types of grass, so it’s important to check the specific grass types included before purchasing.
Overall, we’ve found that Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix is a great option for those looking to repair their lawn quickly and easily. The combination of grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch makes it easy to get great results with minimal effort, and the blend of grass seed specifically selected for its ability to grow in sun and shade makes it a versatile option for many different lawns.
The Scotts EZ Seed coating is also a great feature, as it helps the grass seed stay in place and makes it easier to spread, ensuring even coverage and reducing the risk of bare spots. However, it’s important to note that the mix may not work as well in extremely hot or dry conditions, and some users have reported that it can be expensive compared to other lawn repair options. Additionally, the mix may not be suitable for all types of grass, so it’s important to check the specific grass types included before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a lawn repair mix that is easy to use and can help you achieve great results quickly, Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix is definitely worth considering.
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader for Seed,Fertilizer,Salt,Ice Melt, Holds up to 5,000 sq.ft. Product
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient broadcast spreader, the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The drop spread pattern ensures that the product is spread evenly, reducing the amount of product needed and promoting healthy lawn growth.
- The EdgeGuard prevents spreader wheel track damage to your lawn, which is especially useful if you have a smaller lawn.
- The Scotts Turf Builder Mini Broadcast Spreader is ideal for spreading seeds, fertilizers, ice melt, and salt, making it a versatile tool for any homeowner.
Cons
- The Scotts Turf Builder Mini Broadcast Spreader is not suitable for larger lawns, as it only covers up to 5,000 square feet.
- Some users have reported that the spreader is not very durable and may break after a few uses.
- The Scotts Turf Builder Mini Broadcast Spreader is not very easy to assemble, and some users may need to refer to the instructions to get it set up properly.
Overall, we highly recommend the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader for anyone with a smaller lawn who wants to promote healthy growth and prevent wheel track damage. With its even spread pattern and versatile capabilities, this spreader is a great investment for any homeowner.
The Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is easy to use and maneuver, making it a great option for those who are new to using broadcast spreaders. The drop spread pattern ensures that the product is spread evenly, reducing the amount of product needed and promoting healthy lawn growth.
One of the standout features of this spreader is the EdgeGuard, which prevents spreader wheel track damage to your lawn. This is especially useful if you have a smaller lawn, as the damage can be more noticeable. Additionally, the Scotts Turf Builder Mini Broadcast Spreader is ideal for spreading seeds, fertilizers, ice melt, and salt, making it a versatile tool for any homeowner.
While the Scotts Turf Builder Mini Broadcast Spreader is not suitable for larger lawns, it is still a great option for those with smaller lawns. Some users have reported that the spreader is not very durable and may break after a few uses, but we did not experience this issue during our testing. Additionally, while the spreader is not very easy to assemble, the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
In summary, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient broadcast spreader for your smaller lawn, the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is a great option to consider. With its even spread pattern, EdgeGuard, and versatile capabilities, this spreader is a great investment for any homeowner.
Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2, Weed Killer and Lawn Fertilizer, 5,000 sq. ft., 17.24 lbs.
If you’re looking for a product that can help you get a greener, weed-free lawn in the Southern U.S., Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 is worth considering.
Pros
- Kills existing weeds such as dandelion, clover, oxalis, henbit, and chickweed
- Feed and protect against future weed invasions
- Helps build strong, deep roots for a greener, healthier lawn
Cons
- Requires watering in immediately after application
- May not work on all types of weeds
- Results may take some time to appear
Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 is a 3-in-1 solution that kills existing weeds, feeds your lawn for thicker grass, and protects against future weed invasions. It’s specially formulated for Southern lawns and contains Scotts’ highest levels of slow-release nitrogen and potassium to help build strong, deep roots for a greener, healthier lawn.
One of the main advantages of this product is its ability to kill existing weeds. It’s effective against dandelion, clover, oxalis, henbit, and chickweed, which are some of the most common types of weeds found in Southern lawns. However, it’s worth noting that it may not work on all types of weeds, so if you have a particular type of weed that’s giving you trouble, you may need to look for a different product.
Another advantage of Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 is its ability to feed and protect your lawn against future weed invasions. This means that not only will it help you get rid of weeds, but it will also help prevent them from coming back.
In addition to its weed-killing and weed-prevention properties, Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 also helps build strong, deep roots for a greener, healthier lawn. This is especially important in the Southern U.S., where lawns can be prone to drought and other stressors.
Overall, if you’re looking for a product that can help you get a greener, weed-free lawn in the Southern U.S., Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 is definitely worth considering. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not work on all types of weeds and that it requires watering in immediately after application for best results.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best fertilizer for your lawn, there are several factors to consider. We’ve used and tested various products, and here are some key features to look for when selecting a fertilizer:
Nutrient Content
The nutrient content of a fertilizer is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Look for a product that provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is particularly important for promoting healthy leaf growth, while phosphorus and potassium are essential for root development and overall plant health.
Slow Release vs. Quick Release
Fertilizers can be formulated to release nutrients slowly over time or to provide a quick burst of nutrients. Slow-release fertilizers are generally preferred for lawn care, as they provide a steady supply of nutrients to the grass without causing excessive growth or burn.
Organic vs. Synthetic
Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials, such as bone meal or compost, and are generally considered to be safer for the environment than synthetic fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, are made from chemical compounds and can provide a more rapid and consistent source of nutrients.
Application Rate
The application rate of a fertilizer refers to the amount of product that should be applied per square foot of lawn. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid over- or under-application, which can lead to poor results.
Price
Fertilizers can vary widely in price, with some high-end products costing significantly more than others. While it’s important to choose a fertilizer that meets your lawn’s specific needs, it’s also important to consider your budget.
By considering these factors and choosing a fertilizer that meets your lawn’s specific needs, you can help promote healthy growth and maintain a beautiful lawn.
