You are what you eat, so your lawn needs a nutritious diet to grow healthy and lush. With so many options available, we wanted to make it easy for you to find the best lawn fertilizer. So, we researched Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart fertilizers to find the best products. We break down each one so you can choose the best fertilizer for your grass type and climate.
Top picks
Top 8 lawn fertilizers – Reviews
1. Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer
If you want a dense green lawn that can withstand the elements, try Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer. Within 3 to 5 days of the first application, grass starts to green up. The slow-release formula continues working for up to eight weeks. Because it’s made with natural ingredients, it won’t burn your grass, and it’s safe for children and pets.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Liquid, slow-release, organic
- N-P-K: 9-0-2
- Package size: 20 lbs.
- Type of grass: Any
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves color ✓ Improves density ✓ Strengthens weather tolerance ✓ Safe for children and pets | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns |
Where to buy
2. Scotts Natural Lawn Food
Scotts Natural Lawn Food is certified organic for homeowners who want healthy lawns with sustainable soil. It’s safe for cool-season and warm-season grasses, and you can use it in any season. The 11-2-2 formula improves turfgrass’s appearance, root growth, and overall health. It’s safe for children and pets, and you can walk on the lawn right after fertilizing.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 4,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, organic
- N-P-K: 11-2-2
- Package size: 29.1 lbs.
- Type of grass: Any
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves appearance ✓ Improves health ✓ Safe for children and pets | ✗ Unpleasant odor ✗ Some states ban fertilizers with phosphorus |
Where to buy
3. The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer
The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer provides a balanced diet for healthy, lush lawns. It has the highly recommended 4-1-2 NPK ratio and contains micronutrients such as iron and Humic DG. As a result, you’ll notice greener grass in as little as a week. It continues to nourish your lawn for up to 8 weeks, strengthening its immune system, roots, and appearance.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 6 – 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular, quick and slow-release, synthetic
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 40 lbs.
- Type of grass: Any
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Well-balanced nutrition ✓ Improves appearance ✓ Improves health ✓ Made in USA | ✗ Expensive ✗ Some states ban fertilizers with phosphorus |
Where to buy
4. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder
If you want to maintain dense green grass without much fuss, try Scotts Liquid Turf Builder. It comes ready to use in a 32-ounce bottle. Attach the bottle to a garden hose to fertilize while you water your lawn. Its formula fosters healthy green grass and is safe for any turf.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 3,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Liquid, synthetic
- N-P-K: 29-0-3
- Package size: 32 fl. oz.
- Type of grass: Any
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Improves color ✓ Improves density ✓ Quick and easy ✓ Fertilize while you water | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns ✗ High risk of fertilizer burn |
Where to buy
5. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food
Southern homeowners should consider Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food. It contains Scott’s All-in-One Particles that nourish the grass roots to improve heat and drought tolerance. As a result, lawns remain lush even after heat waves and dry spells.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 6 – 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, synthetic
- N-P-K: 32-0-10
- Package size: 14.06 lbs.
- Type of grass: Any
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Improves color ✓ Improves density ✓ Improves heat tolerance ✓ Improves drought tolerance | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns |
Where to buy
6. Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer
Northern homeowners should try Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer. Apply it between September and mid-November to help your grass recover from summer stress and improve its immunity to winter damage and diseases. When your lawn is kept safe in the winter, it’s lush and green at the beginning of spring.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 15,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: Up to 3 months
- Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, synthetic
- N-P-K: 10-0-20
- Package size: 45.1 lbs.
- Type of grass: Cool-season grass
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Excellent for fall feeding ✓ Great for cold climates ✓ Great for cool-season grass | ✗ Not good for spring and summer ✗ Not good for southern states without harsh winters |
Where to buy
7. Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8
Another fertilizer on our list with the sought-after 4-1-2 NPK ratio is Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8. The well-balanced liquid formula contains feed-grade ingredients like seaweed and fish. Application is quick and easy because it comes ready to use and is applied directly from the product bottle. With little effort, you’ll have beautiful, healthy turf.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 3,200 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 2 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Liquid, contains some organic ingredients but not certified totally organic
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 32 oz.
- Type of grass: Any
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Improves appearance ✓ Improves health ✓ Well-balanced ✓ High-quality ingredients ✓ Quick and easy ✓ Made in USA | ✗ Some states ban fertilizers with phosphorus |
Where to buy
8. Pennington UltraGreen Weed and Feed
If you want a product that promotes healthy grass growth and provides weed control, consider Pennington UltraGreen Weed and Feed. Its nitrogen-rich fertilizer nourishes thick, green lawns, and its herbicide kills over 250 weeds. It’s best to apply in late spring.
Note: We don’t recommend weed and feed products for all lawns at all times, as the timing for fertilization and weed control don’t always line up. Learn more in our article: Is Weed and Feed Bad for Your Lawn?
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 12 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, synthetic
- N-P-K: 30-0-4
- Package size: 12.5 lbs.
- Type of grass: Bentgrass, Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, tall fescue, Zoysiagrass
- Weeds treated: Over 250 weeds, including chickweed, clover, dandelion, dollarweed, henbit, spurge
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Improves color ✓ Improves density ✓ Treats weeds | ✗ Not good for St. Augustinegrass ✗ The right time to fertilize may not be the right time to treat weeds |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide to lawn fertilizers
To choose the right fertilizer for your lawn, please consider the following:
NPK
The three primary nutrients in lawn fertilizers are N-P-K:
- Nitrogen (N) gives grass its deep green color and fast growth. Lawn fertilizer typically contains a lot of nitrogen.
- Phosphorous (P) helps grass develop a strong root system and is particularly important when establishing a new lawn. Phosphorus fertilizers are banned in some states and local municipalities because when too much phosphorus runs off into natural bodies of water, it can cause algal blooms that disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
- Potassium (K) strengthens grass’s ability to fight diseases and improves its weather tolerance.
Each fertilizer package lists its N-P-K ratio. If you buy a 20-pound bag of fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 12-2-8, the fertilizer contains the following:
- Nitrogen (N): It’s 12% nitrogen. To calculate the amount of nitrogen— .12 X 20 = 2.4 pounds.
- Phosphorous (P): It’s 2% phosphorous. To calculate the amount of phosphorous— .02 x 20 = 0.4 pounds
- Potassium (K): It’s 8% potassium. To calculate the amount of potassium— .08 X 20 = 1.6 pounds.
Note about phosphorus: Most lawn fertilizers don’t contain phosphorus because soil often has enough to nourish established lawns, and an excess harms the environment. Too much phosphate in the soil affects oxygen levels in the water, thus suffocating fish. However, starter fertilizers should contain phosphorus to help new grass establish strong roots.
Micronutrients
A healthy lawn’s diet includes small doses of micronutrients in addition to the big three (NPK), including:
- Iron (Fe): Along with nitrogen, iron helps grass maintain its beautiful green color. Light green or yellow grass may indicate an iron deficiency.
- Magnesium (Mg): Lawns with sandy soil are more prone to magnesium deficiency. Signs include discoloration and a higher susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Sulfur (S): Sulfur encourages dense growth, and sandy soil is more prone to sulfur deficiency.
Since your grass doesn’t need much of these, testing your soil before treating it is essential.
Soil test
The best way to identify your lawn’s nutritional needs is to test your soil. A soil test measures pH, nutrients, organic matter, and texture. Homeowners may purchase an at-home soil test kit or send their soil to a lab; local university extension offices often offer lab soil tests.
Types of fertilizer
You have many options when choosing the best type of fertilizer for your grass:
- Slow-release vs. quick-release fertilizer: Slow-release fertilizers break down into the soil slowly over time, while quick-release fertilizers emit an immediate burst of nutrients. Fertilizer burn is more common with quick-release products.
- Liquid vs. granular fertilizer: Granular fertilizer is cheaper and typically applied less frequently than liquids because granules tend to be slow-release. However, liquid fertilizers are easier to apply and start working quicker. Learn more about liquid vs. granular fertilizers.
- Organic vs. synthetic fertilizer: Organic fertilizers typically take longer to work than synthetic fertilizers but are better for long-term soil health. Organic fertilizers also tend to be pricey, so consider our recipes for homemade fertilizer.
- Weed and feed: Weed and feed fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro and Scotts Turf Builder contain fertilizer and herbicide, so they nourish the lawn and kill various weeds, such as clover or crabgrass.
Equipment
To properly spread lawn fertilizer, you need the right equipment. The list includes:
Spreader
Use a spreader to apply granular fertilizer. If you have a lawn tractor, many models are compatible with spreader attachments. Otherwise, you can purchase or rent a stand-alone spreader for lawn fertilization, seeding, and other granular treatments.
There are two main types of lawn spreaders:
- Rotary spreaders, also called broadcast spreaders, are fast but less accurate.
- Drop spreaders aren’t as quick as rotary models but are far more accurate.
Sprayer
Some liquid fertilizers come ready to use in a bottle with a trigger sprayer attached. Other fertilizers mix with water (or other substances) and are applied using a watering can or pump sprayer.
Cost of fertilization
Expect professional lawn fertilization to cost $120 to $480 and DIY fertilization to cost $40 to $320. Prices vary depending on your lawn’s size and the fertilizer type.
FAQ about lawn fertilizers
The best fertilizers for St. Augustinegrass include The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer and Espoma Organic Lawn Booster.
The best fertilizers for Bermudagrass include Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 and Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer.
The best fertilizers for centipedegrass include Simple Lawn Solutions 15-0-15 Liquid Fertilizer and Ferti-lome Centipede Lawn Fertilizer 15-0-15.
The best fertilizers for Zoysiagrass include Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 and The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer.
Proper lawn care is the best way to prevent lawn weeds. Good lawn care includes:
● Lawn aeration when soil becomes compacted (usually once every 2-3 years)
● Fertilization on a proper schedule for your grass type
● Mowing to the correct height and at the correct frequency for your grass type
● Dethatching at least once a year in spring or fall
● Lawn watering the right amount and at the right time
● Applying the best pre-emergent herbicides at the right time of year
If weeds still emerge, you can kill them using the best post-emergent herbicides or natural weed control methods.
When to call a lawn care pro
The best way to maintain a pristine lawn is to hire a lawn care pro. Local pros will determine precisely what your grass needs to thrive, and they will handle all the routine lawn maintenance, including regular lawn fertilization. You’ll have a lovely lush lawn without having to do any work. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, contact a local lawn care pro today!
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