5 Ways to Apply Fertilizer

Soil tests reveal which fertilizers can make your lawn thrive. But how do you apply them? The different ways to apply fertilizer include broadcasting, banding, fertilizing using an aerator, foliar feeding, and fertigation.

By understanding all the ways to apply fertilizer, you can choose the one most suitable for your lawn. Note, though, that not all methods mentioned online are right for lawn care. So, we’ve put together the most common and effective application methods you can use for fertilizing your lawn and garden.

Common methods of applying fertilizer to lawns and gardens

There are different approaches to classifying a fertilizer. But for the purpose of determining the best ways to apply fertilizer, we’re going to categorize them as either solid or liquid.

Solid fertilizers are also called granular fertilizers because they come in little granules that look like multi-colored pellets. Since these granules can take a while to break down, they’re a good choice if you aim to provide nutrients at a slower rate.

Liquid fertilizers, on the other hand, are usually mixed with water. They provide a more concentrated form of nutrients delivered in a fast and efficient manner.

Solid fertilizers are like healthy meals, which take longer to produce results, while the liquid version is similar to an IV drip with immediate effects. After classifying the type of fertilizer you’re using, you can now choose the application method. Note that the first three methods are usually chosen for applying granular fertilizers, while the last two are for liquid fertilizers.

1. Broadcasting

Yes, the concept is pretty much like broadcasting a video since you’ll spread or scatter the granules in different directions, with the grasses as your audience. Your lawn fertilization service provider will likely use a broadcast spreader for this method, but you also can use a handheld spreader for DIY.

The main goal of broadcasting is to spread granular fertilizer over the growing area, then these granules are left to filter into the soil. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, you also can incorporate the pellets into the soil with a spade or a tiller.

Pros of broadcasting:

• Cost-effective
• Wide coverage
• Ease of application

Cons of broadcasting:

• Nutrient loss
• High risk of runoff and leaching
• Can contribute to water pollution

2. Banding

This method is best for newly seeded lawns and plants, as it keeps the granular fertilizer a safe distance from the growing roots. It involves placing the granules in a narrow band applied in furrows, usually 3 inches from the seeds and 1 to 2 inches deeper.

Some homeowners also use this approach as a side dressing. After the plants’ roots have been established, the nutrients in the soil may be already depleted. So, it’s time to add another round of fertilizers to help rejuvenate or replenish soil nutrients.

Banding is also ideal for growing widely-spaced plants in your yard or garden bed. You can apply your solid fertilizer in a circle surrounding the plant, 3 to 4 inches from the base.

Pros of banding:

• Efficient nutrient use
• Reduces weed growth
• Enhances early plant growth

Cons of banding:

• Labor-intensive
• Potential root burn
• May require special equipment

3. Fertilizing using an aerator

Regardless of the method used, the goal of applying solid fertilizer is to get the nutrients into the soil so your turf or plants can absorb them. But what if the soil is too compacted? That’s where fertilizing with an aerator comes in, which helps the granules penetrate deeper into the root zone.

In lawn aeration, the process involves perforating the soil with small holes using specialized equipment like core aerators so that water and air can flow. To save money and time, you can add granular or powder fertilizer into these openings. Even if your soil is not compacted, you also can benefit from this method, as it helps prevent runoffs.

Pros of fertilizing using an aerator:

• Reduced surface runoff
• Efficient absorption of nutrients
• Enhances soil health while reducing compaction

Cons of fertilizing using an aerator:

• More expensive and labor-intensive
• Only applicable for established lawns
• Can disturb soil and root systems if done improperly

4. Foliar feeding

Liquid fertilizers are easier to work with, and foliar feeding is a great method you can use to apply them. The name itself can be loosely translated to “leaf” feeding, and the process is as easy as spraying the concentrated liquid directly onto the leaves. With foliar feeding, you can bypass the soil’s limitation in quickly delivering nutrients to plants.

While some would argue that liquid fertilizers don’t last as long as solid fertilizers embedded into the soil, the ease of spraying makes up for the reapplication process. For instance, if your turf is deficient in nitrogen and you want to solve the issue quickly, the straightforward approach of foliar feeding can help apply the nutrient directly.

In foliar feeding, you apply the liquid fertilizer directly to plant leaves, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed through the leaf surface. This application method provides a rapid nutrient uptake, so you can correct deficiencies more quickly than other soil-based fertilization methods.

Pros of foliar feeding:

• Quick nutrient absorption
• Useful for supplemental feeding
• Bypasses soil issues like pH imbalance

Cons of foliar feeding:

• Only small quantities can be applied at a time
• Reduced effectiveness during extreme conditions
• Frequent applications needed for sustained benefits

5. Fertigation

With decades of use in commercial agriculture, fertigation is fast becoming a method of choice even in residential landscapes because of its reliability and ease of use. But because of its expensive setup, fertigation is only suited for large lawns with an extensive irrigation or sprinkler system.

If you don’t want to apply your liquid fertilizer through foliar feeding, you can go with fertigation instead. This method is a sort of automated process of foliar feeding. With fertigation, you’ll use your irrigation system to distribute the water-soluble fertilizers along with the water in a drip or spray fashion.

Pros of fertigation:

• Saves time and labor
• Efficient use of water and nutrients
• Precise application and nutrient delivery

Cons of fertigation:

• Higher initial setup costs
• Requires a well-maintained irrigation system
• Can clog the irrigation system if not properly maintained

Pro tip: It can be very confusing which application method is best, and this does not even cover other important considerations, such as selecting and using inorganic fertilizers over organic ones. That’s why it’s always best to consult with lawn care experts if you want to avoid messing up your lawn.

Tips for applying fertilizers properly

Regardless of the application method, you must do it properly if you want your fertilization practices to be safe and effective. You can follow these tips to achieve the best results:

1. Conduct a soil test before fertilizing: Always start with a soil test to determine your lawn’s specific nutrient needs. What works for your neighbor’s lawn might not be right for your lawn.
2. Use the right fertilizer: You can choose the appropriate fertilizer based on your soil test results. The recommendation usually takes factors like soil quality, grass type, local climate, and your lawn’s specific nutrient needs into consideration.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the fertilizer label and follow them carefully. You’ll usually find safety precautions and other application recommendations in the packaging.
4. Fertilize at the right time: Apply fertilizers when your lawn is most likely to absorb the nutrients during its active growth. We’ll discuss it in more detail in the section on the best time to apply fertilizer.
5. Use the appropriate application method: Depending on the fertilizer you’re applying, you can choose between the five methods above.
6. Clean up spills promptly: To prevent runoff, clean up any spills immediately and avoid washing them into the street.
7. Avoid over-fertilization: Excessive fertilizer can damage plants and contribute to nutrient runoff and water pollution. To avoid applying too much fertilizer, only use the amount recommended in your soil test.
8. Never apply near natural drainage: Fertilizers should not be applied in areas close to natural drainage to avoid contaminating surface water.
9. Beware of windy conditions: Avoid fertilizing on windy days to ensure the fertilizer stays where it’s needed and doesn’t spread to other areas.
10. Avoid fertilizing before heavy rain: Heavy rainfall can cause nutrient runoff and leaching, wasting your effort and resources. If your lawn is too wet, the soil will not be able to absorb the nutrients properly. But fertilizing before or after a light rain shouldn’t be a problem, as long as the ground is not too saturated with water.
11. Don’t fertilize during extreme heat or drought: It’s better to apply fertilizers during milder conditions because fertilizing in severe heat or drought can cause fertilizer burn.

Should you apply organic or inorganic fertilizer?

When choosing between organic vs. inorganic fertilizers, you should go with the one your lawn actually needs. Going blindly and just picking up the same fertilizer your sister is using in her lawn is a big no-no.

As we’ve mentioned in the previous section, soil testing is the first step, as it will help you determine which nutrients are missing in your soil. Typically, the soil test results are valid for up to three years. So, if you already have one within this timeframe, you might not necessarily have to do it again.

Once you know the particular nutrients to add to your soil, it’s time to decide which fertilizer you’ll need for your lawn. Here are some sample scenarios:

1. Balancing a lawn’s N-P-K ratio: Inorganic fertilizers, which have higher concentrations of these macronutrients, are perfect for balancing your lawn’s N-P-K ratio.
2. Soil lacking micronutrients: Even if your soil has sufficient N-P-K, it also will need micronutrients like iron and zinc. For this purpose, you can apply organic fertilizers, which offer a wider range of micronutrients and minerals.
3. Rejuvenating a nutrient-deficient lawn: Use inorganic fertilizers to revitalize your lawn so you can take advantage of their fast-acting properties. These quick-release fertilizers can help your turf absorb specific nutrients quickly.
4. Lawn health maintenance: If your lawn is already in good condition and you want to keep it that way, you can use organic fertilizers because they last longer. In general, they are considered slow-release fertilizers, providing a consistent supply of nutrients for a period of time.

When is the best time to apply fertilizer?

Ask any lawn expert, and they’ll tell you the best time to fertilize your lawn is when your turf is in its active growth phase. So, it will depend on your type of grass — whether it’s cool-season or warm-season:

When to apply fertilizer	Cool-season grass	Warm-season grass
First batch	Early to late spring	Late spring to early summer
Second batch	Late summer to early fall	Late summer to early fall
Winterizer	Late fall

According to Erin Garrett, a Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy extension educator for the University of Illinois Extension, photosynthesis affects how grasses adapt to various environmental conditions:

• Cool-season grasses like creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue have higher frost tolerance and can thrive better in low temperatures and light levels. For these grasses, new leaves start sprouting in late winter to early spring and will go dormant in the summer.
• Warm-season grasses like bahiagrass, bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass can’t tolerate frost but have lower water needs. Plus, they prefer higher temperatures and light intensities. As such, new growth starts later than cool-season grasses, around late spring to early summer.

Pro tip: Regardless of the type of grass, most experts recommend applying late summer lawn fertilizer because it helps prepare the grasses for the coming winter chill.

FAQ about ways to apply fertilizer

Why should I be responsible when applying fertilizers?

You should be responsible when applying fertilizers to reduce the negative impact on the environment. On a practical level, adopting responsible practices can help reduce the likelihood of incurring additional expenses for revitalizing soil structures resulting from improper fertilizer use.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lawn through responsible fertilization can yield energy savings of up to 25% during summer, as the lush turf helps cool the surrounding area by several degrees — between 7 and 14 degrees.

If you don’t want to compromise the safety of your pets, you can opt for pet-friendly fertilizers. Plus, you must allow sufficient time — at least 24 hours to a few days — for the fertilizer to be absorbed into the soil before permitting your pets and little ones to play on the lawn.

How can I spread fertilizer without a broadcast or drop spreader?

If you don’t have the right equipment, you can spread granular fertilizer by hand. Remember to wear gloves and walk backward as you throw the fertilizer in a sweeping motion.

Another option is to use liquid fertilizers, which usually require no special equipment. In fact, you can attach most liquid fertilizers to a garden hose and spray them according to the instructions.

How long does it take for granular fertilizer to dissolve?

Most granular fertilizers usually dissolve within 24 to 48 hours after application. However, it’s still best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions on the package label since some brands or formulas may require a different dissolution time.

Choose the right way to apply fertilizer

With different fertilizer application methods available, you should be able to find one that you’re more comfortable with and matches the type of fertilizer you’re using. Although, there’s more to fertilizing than just using the right method or equipment. You also must use the correct N-P-K ratio and apply the fertilizer at the right time.

If you’re unsure which of the five ways to apply fertilizer is right for your lawn needs, Lawn Love can connect you to a lawn care professional who can handle this delicate process.

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