Yes, you should mow your lawn before fertilizing it. This is especially true if you’re fertilizing it for the first time in the spring. However, you should wait before fertilizing your lawn after mowing.
Why should you mow your lawn before fertilizing?
Mowing your grass before fertilizing turns your lawn into a clean canvas to work with. Mowing your lawn removes overgrown grass and helps get rid of thatch and other debris, which helps the fertilizer get down to the soil. That way, your turf’s root system can easily absorb the fertilizer and nutrients.
Additionally, it’s healthier for your grass. According to Cheryl Moore-Gough, a Montana State University Extension horticulture specialist, fertilizing your lawn after one to two mows prevents the grass from focusing on growing long quickly instead of using some of those nutrients for root growth. Mowing before fertilizing results in resilient grass and less time spent mowing.
When should you fertilize after mowing your lawn?
You shouldn’t fertilize your lawn straight after mowing it. Wait 24 to 48 hours after mowing before fertilizing your lawn.
Mowing stresses out your grass, and you shouldn’t fertilize stressed grass. While the stress caused by mowing is not as bad as stress induced by dormancy, stress makes grass more susceptible to damage. You might even cause fertilizer burn.
FAQ about mowing and fertilization
Can I mow after fertilizing my lawn?
No, it’s not ideal to mow directly after fertilizing your lawn. You might move around or cut off grass blades that fertilizer has clung to, so your lawn will likely not be fertilized evenly. You’ll end up with a patchy, uneven lawn.
Additionally, some fertilizers need to be watered in after application. That means you’ll be mowing wet grass, which is a big no-no.
You can mow your lawn a few days after fertilization, though. The fertilizer will have settled into the soil by then.
Should you leave grass clippings on your lawn before fertilization?
You can leave a thin layer of grass clippings on your lawn before applying fertilizer. In fact, grasscycling (leaving clippings on your lawn) returns nutrients to your soil. Just make sure to spread your lawn clippings evenly throughout your yard.
You can learn more about this practice in our guide, “What is Grasscycling?”
When is the best time to mow and to fertilize your lawn?
The best time to mow your lawn is in the mid-morning or late afternoon, while the best time to fertilize your lawn is in the early morning after the dew has dried.
In the spring, make sure your lawn has greened up before the first mow and fertilization.
Hire a lawn care pro to mow and fertilize your lawn
It’s important to mow and fertilize your lawn properly (and in the right order) to ensure it grows healthy and lush. If you’re worried about messing up either – whether in terms of execution or timing – then why not hire a professional to do it for you instead?
Lawn Love’s pros know how to properly mow, fertilize, and much more. Connect with a lawn care pro near you today for a beautiful green lawn.
- Main Photo Credit: Tomasz Zajda | Adobe Stock Free | License
