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Fertilising your lawn is quite a simple task, but there is a bit more to it than simply chucking it out or spraying it on.
Fertilising the right way can help improve your lawn’s appearance and keep it happy and healthy.
Why Should You Fertilise Your Lawn?
We need to fertilise our lawn because there is usually a lack of the required nutrients it needs within the soil. We need to supplement the existing nutrient levels, so we can achieve a balance of all the nutrients our lawn needs to stay in top shape.
When to Fertilise Your Lawn to Get the Best Results?
Looking after your lawn by maintaining a regular fertilising schedule will contribute to the lush greenery of a healthy and well-established lawn. But fertilising your lawn at the wrong time could have a negative effect. So, when is the best time to fertilise your lawn?
Seasonal Lawn Fertilising Looks After Your Lawn
Your lawn experiences periods of active growth from spring through autumn. These are the best seasons to boost the essential nutrients in the soil so your turf can grow vibrant and establish stronger roots. We recommend applying fertiliser early in the morning or in the evening to avoid peak heat times.
Fertilising at the start of spring, once the cold winter weather shifts, will prepare your lawn for the onset of the growing season. Fertilising your lawn again in autumn adds additional nutrients that will be stored in the soil during winter. Most grass types are dormant during winter but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a food supply. Keeping some nutrients in reserve will help your lawn fight off disease stress and other pressures during periods of slower growth.
One thing to keep in mind is that fertilising on extremely hot or cold days is counterproductive. In some cases, extreme heat can cause the lawn to burn where it’s been treated and can significantly impact growth rates well into the next season.
Is It Best to Fertilise Before or After Rain?
Water is essential for healthy lawn growth. However, timing is key when you’re ready to apply nutrient-filled fertiliser to your lawn. It’s best to apply fertiliser after you’ve had two rain-free days.
Adding fertiliser during heavy rainfall will prevent the nutrients from penetrating deep into the soil. Rain will simply wash all your hard work away before it’s had sufficient time to make an impact on your lawn’s health.
Should You Mow the Grass Before Fertilising?
Wherever practical, it’s best to mow your lawn before applying fertiliser. Longer grass forms a mini-canopy over the soil - applying fertiliser before mowing prevents the nutrients from reaching their target. Should you then mow after applying fertiliser, most of the nutrients will end up in the compost heap.
On the other hand, if you mow and clean up the garden waste before applying fertiliser, more of the nutrients will reach the soil.
How to Fertilise Your Lawn for The Best Results?
Fertilising your lawn isn’t just a case of throwing down some nutrients and hoping for the best. To achieve a lush, green lawn that will have the neighbours talking, you should set up a regular fertilising schedule. Fertilising is just as important for your lawn as mowing and weeding. It delivers a dose of essential nutrients to be absorbed by the blades of grass and roots, helping to keep your lawn looking picture-perfect all year.
Lawn fertiliser is either liquid or granular and can be applied with tools such as a rotary spreader or even a simple watering can. Some grass types are fast-growing and require a more regular fertiliser schedule than other, slower-growing, types. There are also many different blends available that are expertly combined for a particular grass variety, while others are versatile enough to support the health and resilience of your entire lawn.
Choosing The Right Fertiliser
There are 2 main types of fertilisers on the market, granular and liquid. At Coolabah Turf, we recommend using organic or slow-release fertilisers for sustained nourishment and minimal environmental impact. Fertilisers, such as Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser, contain both fast and slow-release ingredients to give your lawn a quick boost, as well as ongoing support.
Granular Fertilisers
Granular fertilisers are a popular and easy-to-use option for lawn care, offering a slow-release mechanism that provides nutrients over an extended period. Some products, like Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser, combine fast-acting and slow-acting granules to deliver an immediate nutrient boost while ensuring a steady supply over time.
Before applying granular fertiliser, measure your lawn area to determine the correct application rate. Most granular fertilisers have specific label instructions for application rates and safety, so be sure to follow these guidelines carefully. For best results, use a fertiliser spreader to distribute the granules evenly or spread them by hand using a smooth, consistent motion. To achieve optimal coverage, apply the fertiliser in two passes: first walking up and back, then across in the opposite direction. Be mindful of overlapping to avoid over-application in certain areas. To make applying granular fertilisers easier, especially for larger lawns, consider using a Landscaper Pro Hand-Held Spreader.
Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser, specifically, is a professional-grade blend of slow and fast-release granules containing all the essential nutrients and trace elements for all lawn types. It is designed for application at a rate of 20 to 25 grams per square metre. To calculate the required amount, multiply your lawn area (in square metres) by the recommended rate (20-25g).
Liquid Fertilisers
Liquid fertilisers work faster than granules because the liquid doesn’t need to break down in the soil. Instead, they are absorbed quickly through the roots and leaves, providing an immediate nutrient boost. Typically sold as concentrates, such as Exceed Liquid Fertiliser Concentrate, these products must be diluted in the correct ratio of fertiliser to water before application. It’s 100% concentrated and domestic animal safe – so you won’t have to keep your pets away from the treated areas. Always follow the product label instructions carefully to ensure proper dilution and avoid over-fertilising, which can harm your lawn.
Before applying liquid fertiliser, measure your lawn area to determine the correct application rate. For even distribution, spray the fertiliser in an organised pattern, walking systematically to ensure all areas are covered. Monitor the width of your sprayer to avoid overlapping or doubling up on application in certain areas.
Exceed Liquid Fertiliser is a premium, professional-grade foliar fertiliser designed to enhance the health and appearance of any lawn. It can be applied using a knapsack sprayer, watering can, or 2L hose-on sprayer. For knapsack applications, dilute 200-400ml of Exceed in 7-10 litres of water to cover 100m².
Fertilising For Maximum Impact
Lawns need nutrients at 2 key times: at the start of spring and toward the end of summer. Avoiding heavy rainfall and harsh heat will give the nutrients the best chance of absorbing into the soil without loss or damage to the grass.
Great lawn maintenance means setting up a schedule that boosts vibrancy and health - but it doesn’t have to take a lot of work. Fertilise after mowing and clearing up any debris and make a note of when you’ve added fertiliser to prevent overdosing the soil with salts that can cause damage when added in excess.
Getting The Application Just Right
Over-fertilising can cause problems such as yellowing, wilting, or even leaf burn. To avoid this, we recommend ensuring an even and consistent application across the surface of the lawn. Working methodically will allow you to keep track of which sections have been completed, and which sections have not. This is especially important in large gardens, as any patches left without fertiliser will grow noticeably different, as well as leaving it vulnerable to pests and disease.
Applicator tools can help. You can use a rotary spreader for a medium-sized area, to distribute the fertiliser evenly with some precision and control. Or you can use a watering can for small gardens so you can direct the flow of liquid specifically to the right areas.
For large yards and fields, a broadcast spreader will efficiently distribute the fertiliser with consistency and speed, but with less precision than other methods.
Using the right tool for the job helps conserve resources to prevent waste, prevents over-fertilising, and reduces the amount of nutrient run-off and leaching that can harm nearby plants incompatible with the fertiliser blend.
Add Water at The End
Lightly watering your lawn after applying fertiliser helps the roots and foliage to absorb the nutrients. If the environment is too dry, granules don’t begin to break down, and liquids will evaporate before reaching deep enough into the soil to be effective.
To water your fertiliser, we recommend a light spray of water from a hose and sprinkler or timing your application just before rain. Be sure to avoid heavy downpours, as too much rain can wash the fertiliser out of your lawn and may even lead to environmental pollution if it spreads further than intended. Ideally, aim for around 5–10mm of rain for the best results.
Not all products require watering in at the end - but many do. If you’re unsure, please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on the label for clarification.
How Often Should You Fertilise Your Lawn?
Whether you have a new or established lawn, regular applications of fertiliser will help your lawn flourish into an outdoor wonderland that brings joy to the whole family. A well-kept lawn is great for the environment and can help cool the air around your home – so you can reduce your bills while improving your quality of life.
But beware of the dangers that come with over-fertilising. Too much, and you’ll see your lawn wilt, turn yellow, and in extreme cases, even burn. That’s why it’s a good idea to get to know when and how often you should be fertilising your lawn.
Top Lawn Fertilising Tips For Seasonal Application
At the start of spring, your lawn enters a growth phase. This is the perfect time to load up on nutrients to ensure your lawn gets all the nourishment it needs to stay vibrant and healthy. It’s also a good idea to give your lawn fertiliser in autumn before the cold weather sets in. This will fortify the soil, allowing your lawn to use what it needs when natural nourishment is low.
Lawns go through some stresses, particularly at the change of seasons, and the right fertiliser can help ward off disease all year round. During the height of summer, evaporation occurs rapidly and can leave your lawn parched. So in addition to your water schedule, an extra application of fertiliser can boost your turf’s health during these hot months.
How to Safely Apply Fertiliser in The Heat Of Summer
If you do choose to do a mid-summer application, here are some tips to ensure it all goes smoothly:
- Apply the fertiliser in the morning or evening - avoiding the midday sun as much as possible. Direct sunlight on freshly applied fertiliser can evaporate the liquid content too quickly, leaving salt residues on the blades of grass. Once heated, these can leave burn or singe marks. Your lawn’s growth will be stunted, wilt, or turn yellow.
- Mow before you use the fertiliser, clear up the cuttings and remove other garden waste/debris too. This allows the maximum amount of fertiliser to reach the soil below.
- Apply the fertiliser first, then water your lawn immediately afterwards to ensure proper absorption and to prevent fertiliser from sticking to the leaves, which can cause burn.
- Granular fertiliser can be applied before minor rain events, but avoid applying if heavy rainfall is expected, as large volumes of rain can wash the fertiliser away.
Fertilising New Lawns vs Fertilising Established Lawns
New turf lawns require more care as they establish their roots, while established lawns need less intervention due to their mature root systems that can extract nutrients directly from the soil. For new instant turf, applying a starter fertiliser before laying is highly recommended to prepare the base and kickstart growth. This helps the turf adapt to its new environment and establish strong roots. Additionally, apply an all-purpose fertiliser 5-6 weeks after installation to support continued growth.
For established lawns, fertilising encourages vibrant growth, strengthens resilience against pests and diseases, and promotes overall lawn health. To maintain your lawn in the long term, follow a fertilisation schedule tailored to the age and variety of your grass. Regular fertilising ensures your lawn remains lush, healthy, and well-nourished throughout the year.
Can You Over-Fertilise Your Lawn?
Yes, it is possible to over-fertilise your lawn, and doing so can cause more harm than good. Over-fertilising leads to excessive leaf and thatch growth, but the roots fail to grow at the same pace. This imbalance prevents the roots from supplying the water and nutrients your grass needs, leading to dehydration and discolouration. Additionally, excessive fertiliser causes salts to build up in the soil, making it difficult for water to be absorbed. This can dry out your grass, turning it yellow or brown, and in severe cases, may even result in plant death.
If you’ve over-fertilised your lawn, the best course of action is to water it regularly to dilute and leach excess salts from the soil. Aerating and lightly top-dressing your lawn can also improve soil composition and aid recovery. During the growing season, most lawns can recover quickly if the damage isn’t too severe. To avoid over-fertilisation, stick to a proven fertilising schedule tailored to your lawn’s needs, ensuring your turf remains healthy and vibrant.
Step-by-Step Guide to Post-Fertilising Care
After applying your fertilisers, give any hard surfaces a sweep or blow to remove any fertiliser that may have been applied before irrigation. This will help avoid stains on your hard surfaces.
After clearing your hard surfaces, it’s time for the final step, watering in your fertiliser. This is an important step to help avoid burning on your lawn. Not all fertilisers need to be watered in, but the majority do. If you’re unsure, read your product’s label or check with the product manufacturer. To water in your fertiliser, you can use a hose and sprinkler or time your application just before rain. If you’re applying just before rain, be careful that you’re not going to get a big downpour, as too much rain can wash the fertiliser straight out of the lawn. Around 5-10ml of rain is perfect.
By following these simple fertilising steps, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of a healthy lawn in no time.
For more information on fertilising your lawn, check out our seasonal fertilising guide here and use our variety.
