When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN Skyline

The best time to fertilize your lawn in Minnesota is from early August to mid-October. May to late June is the second-best time to fertilize your lawn.

Fertilizing your lawn gives it the nutrients it needs to grow green and healthy. We’ll explain when to fertilize your lawn in Minnesota in this article.

Best time to fertilize: late summer to early fall

Golden leaves foliage on trees in front of house in late Autumn
Shubby Studio | Adobe Stock Free | License

The University of Minnesota recommending putting down an application of nitrogen fertilizer between early August and mid-October. The conditions in fall are ideal:

  • The air temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is optimal for grass growth.
  • Fall’s morning dew gives your grass moisture to help it absorb the fertilizer.
  • The soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for cool-season root growth.

All cool-season grasses should be fertilized in fall. Doing so helps them recover from the summer heat while giving them the nutrients needed to survive the upcoming winter, where they go dormant. They’ll store the nutrients to survive the cold and ensure they grows green and healthy once spring arrives.

Pro Tip: Fertilize your lawn two to three weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the grass to fully benefit from the fertilizer while avoiding winter damage.

Second best time to fertilize: late spring

The second-best time to fertilize your cool-season lawn (regardless of grass) is in May to late June. Like in fall, the conditions are ideal for a spring application of fertilizer if:

  • the soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit;
  • the air temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit;
  • the grass is actively growing.

Just as a fall application of fertilizer helps it survive winter’s intense cold, a spring application of fertilizer helps it survive the summer heat. It will stop growing during that time and go dormant.

When NOT to fertilize your lawn

yellow and dry grass
vannovostro | Adobe Stock Free | License

Avoid fertilizing your lawn during the following times:

  • Early spring: Fertilizing your grass too early will encourage it to grow when it should be dormant, weakening it.
  • Mid-summer or during a drought: The heat can cause the fertilizer to burn your lawn.
  • Before a heavy rain: Too much rain can wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to sink into the soil.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of fertilizer should I use?

If you didn’t get a fertilizer test, the best type of fertilizer for Minnesota lawns is one with a grade of 24-0-12. A fertilizer with a grade of 24-0-18 is also worth considering, as it gives your lawn extra potassium to help it get through winter.

Pro Tip: Minnesota lawns usually don’t need phosphorus – in fact Minnesota bans fertilizer with phosphorus in it unless you are fertilizing a new lawn or a soil test indicates a need for phosphorus. Look at the three numbers on the fertilizer bag – the middle number (phosphorus) should be “0”.

How many times a year should I fertilize my lawn?

Fertilize your lawn three to four  times a year, starting in spring. Read our article on month-to-month lawn care in Minnesota to learn more.

What is the best time of day to fertilize my lawn?

The best time of day to fertilize your lawn is in the morning or early evening. You’ll avoid the midday heat, allowing your grass to better absorb the fertilizer without burning.

Hire a professional

Fertilizing your lawn is a big deal, but you don’t have to do it all yourself. Contact a lawn care professional, and we’ll fertilize your lawn for you or answer any questions you have.

Stuart Kushner

Stuart Kushner is a writer and aspiring product designer based in New York City. When he isn’t doing either, Stuart enjoys heavy metal music, exercise, and trying new food and drinks.