A Guide to Fertilizing Your Lawn in Summer

Summer is the season when everyone wants to spend their days outdoors, enjoying their lawns. However, the weather often seems to have other plans, challenging your efforts to maintain that lush, green look. The intense heat, prolonged droughts, pests, emerging weeds, diseases, and wear and tear from your frequent outdoor activities can take a toll even on the most well-kept lawn.

What you may not realize is that continuing your fertilizing efforts in the summer is essential. As temperatures rise, your grass requires a consistent supply of nutrients to strengthen itself against the extreme weather changes of the season and to withstand the lower temperatures in fall better. Proper fertilization ensures your lawn stays healthy, resilient, and prepared for the season changes.

Why You Should Fertilize in Summer

The intense heat and prolonged drought in summer can significantly stress your grass. The higher temperatures increase transpiration, resulting in moisture loss that can push your grass into dormancy. As moisture levels drop, roots may struggle to absorb enough water to survive. Additionally, the increased foot traffic from summer activities can compact the soil, leading to stunted growth and increased susceptibility to lawn pests and diseases.

A well-timed application of summer lawn fertilizer ensures your grass receives the essential nutrients to withstand these harsh conditions and remain resilient. Key elements like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus play crucial roles: nitrogen improves green color, potassium supports root development, and phosphorus encourages recovery from wear and tear.

Fertilizing your lawn during the summer helps maintain its density, which is crucial for resilience. Under fertilized lawns gradually lose density, providing opportunities for weeds to take hold. The risk of pests, diseases, and soil erosion increases. Without adequate nutrients, damage is more visible, and recovery takes longer. By keeping your lawn well-fertilized, you ensure it has the strength to thrive even in the challenging summer months.

What is the Best Fertilizer for Summer

Summer lawn maintenance often relies on using the correct type of fertilizer. Slow-release formulations are recommended as they provide a steady supply of nutrients, supporting root growth and drought resistance. NutriPod® is an excellent example of a slow-release fertilizer, providing a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to contribute to dense growth and deep greening. It is recommended for use when planting grass plugs.

NutriPod® consists of fertilizer granules encased in dissolvable pods, each placed in a planting hole before inserting the plugs. The granules are coated with a semi-permeable substance that controls the release of nutrients into the soil. This gradual release provides a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period, lasting up to 45 days, reducing the risks of overfertilizing.

How Often to Apply Fertilizer in Summer

While the best time to plant grass plugs to repair a lawn or fill in patchy areas is in the spring, you can also do so in summer, making NutriPod® an ideal summer fertilizer. After this initial feeding, allow 6-8 weeks before transitioning to a fertilizer formulated for established lawns. Warm-season grasses usually need fertilizing once in early spring and again in early summer.

Applying the right amount of fertilizer is essential—too little and your lawn may struggle to thrive; too much can damage it. The key is finding the right balance so your grass grows at a healthy, steady rate without compromising root development. Rapid top growth can weaken your lawn by forcing it to prioritize leaf production over root strength. You can maintain a healthy and resilient lawn throughout the summer by fertilizing properly.

Final Tips

Maintaining a lush, green lawn in summer requires more than simply fertilizing it. A comprehensive approach to lawn care, including effective weed control, sufficient watering, and proper mowing practices, is essential. Additionally, prioritizing soil health by addressing compaction, excessive thatch, pests, and diseases is crucial.

Healthy soil forms the foundation for a resilient lawn, capable of withstanding environmental stresses. By following these steps, you'll ensure the effectiveness of your fertilizing efforts and contribute to a sustainable and effective lawn care routine.

For a wide range of lawn fertilizers, including grass plug nutrition, visit the NutriPod® website.