The Key Differences in Fertilizing New Grass vs. Existing Lawn

Establishing a lush, green lawn requires the right conditions and proper maintenance. Water, sunlight, and essential nutrients are the foundation of healthy grass growth. Whether you're starting from seed, sod, or grass plugs, soil quality plays a critical role, as grass draws large amounts of nutrients from it. Over time, even the most nutrient-rich soils become depleted, reducing their ability to sustain healthy, vigorous growth. This is particularly true for new lawns requiring extra care and attention for proper establishment.

Fertilizing is crucial in replenishing these nutrients, but it's not one-size-fits-all. New and existing lawns have different needs. Understanding the key differences can help you make informed decisions on what fertilizers to use, how to apply them, and when to fertilize your lawn, securing long-term success.

Do You Have to Apply Fertilizer to New Grass?

Fertilizing new grass isn’t simply helpful—it’s essential. New lawns often face the challenges of compacted or nutrient-poor soil. Turf grasses need large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus to develop strong roots and shoots. These nutrients are particularly crucial during the early stages of growth to establish a healthy, actively growing lawn.

Innovative options like lawn grass plugs offer some advantages: they have mature roots and are ready to grow. However, they are still dependent on nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Even mature grass can suffer without proper fertilization, becoming patchy and vulnerable to weeds, pests, and diseases.

Preparing the soil beforehand can make a significant difference. Although optional, a soil test allows you to identify deficiencies and address issues early to help your new lawn start on the right foot. Starter fertilizers are specifically designed for this stage, as they provide the high phosphorus levels needed for root development and the nitrogen necessary for shoot growth. Applying fertilizer at the right time ensures a resilient lawn that can withstand environmental challenges and regular wear and tear.

When to Fertilize New Grass and Existing Lawns

Fertilizing your lawn depends on its growth stage. New grass and existing lawns differ in nutrient requirements, timing, and frequency of applications.

New Grass

• New grass may require a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to support strong root development.
• For a newly seeded lawn, the first application should be when the seed is sown, followed by a second feeding after the grass begins to sprout. Meanwhile, sod benefits from immediate feeding after installation, while grass plugs will have better results if fertilized during planting time.
• Follow-up applications should be spaced to maintain consistent nutrient levels, especially during active growth.

Existing Lawn

• Mature lawns benefit more from balanced or nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to sustain color and growth.
• Seasonal timing is crucial: cool-season grasses need fertilizing in early spring and fall, while warm-season grasses, including Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, thrive with late spring and summer feedings.
• Feeding frequency can range from one to three applications annually, depending on the type of grass and your specific lawn needs.

Factors Influencing Fertilization Needs

Several factors determine the type and frequency of fertilizer applications for new and existing lawns.

Method of Establishment: Grass plugs, for example, are mature plants with developed roots. Unlike newly seeded lawns that require higher phosphorus levels to promote root development, grass plugs benefit more from nitrogen-rich lawn fertilizer to support shoot growth and maintain uniform, green grass. NutriPod’s 17-1-10 NPK formula is designed to accelerate growth by up to two times, making it an excellent option for grass plugs.

Type of Fertilizer: Slow-release granular fertilizer provides gradual-release nutrients, reducing the risk of fertilizer burn and delivering long-lasting results. NutriPod's slow-release technology supplies essential nutrients evenly for up to 45 days, extending the time before the subsequent application of regular fertilizer is needed. Meanwhile, liquid fertilizer delivers a boost of nutrients but may require more frequent applications to maintain nutrient levels.

Soil Conditions: Poor soil requires more preparation, including adding organic matter and applying starter fertilizer.

Seasonal Growth Patterns: Fertilizing schedules should align with the growing season of your grass type to maximize nutrient absorption and reduce the risks of excess fertilizer leaching.

Final Thoughts

Fertilizing is key to the success of new and existing lawns, but understanding their unique needs is important. New lawns benefit from starter fertilizers rich in phosphorus to establish strong roots while existing lawns benefit from balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizers to maintain vibrant, green grass.

Remember that fertilizing alone isn’t enough. A comprehensive lawn care routine—including proper soil preparation, watering, and mowing—is essential for long-term success. For new lawns, ensure the soil is well-prepped through raking to remove dead grass and weeds, aerating, and adding organic matter to improve water and nutrient absorption. For all lawns, stick to consistent watering schedules and avoid cutting the grass too short during mowing to prevent stress.

As a fertilizer for grass, NutriPod simplifies fertilization with its slow-release, nutrient-rich formula, making it a reliable choice for new grass plugs. For hassle-free, effective fertilization that supports strong, healthy growth, try NutriPod today.