Comparison of Lawn Fertilizers

Chemical Fertilizers

• Chemical fertilizers usually contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Chemical fertilizers cost less than organic fertilizers. Quick-release chemical fertilizers may burn grass and cause pollution, but slow-release chemical fertilizers usually don't damage lawns.

Organic Fertilizers

• Organic fertilizers contain the same chemicals as chemical fertilizer, but they're produced from natural sources, such as bone meal and bat guano. Organic fertilizers use fewer fossil fuels in production and damage the environment less than quick-release chemical fertilizers. However, they're also more expensive.

Weed and Feed

• Weed-and-feed formulations of fertilizer include both a fertilizer and a herbicide. In theory, these products save time because you can apply fertilizer and herbicides at the same time. However, only use weed-and-feed products if you have weed problems on your entire lawn, according to the University of Florida.