The Best Fertilizers for Grass

Fescue

• Fescue is a cool-season grass that prefers cooler temperatures and tends to decline in summer heat. It is a tall grass with a clumping habit and coarse texture, though some newer varieties have finer blades. Clemson University recommends fertilizing with a complete fertilizer, such as 16-4-8 or 12-4-8 in February, September and November. Do not fertilize during the hot, summer months. Apply ½ lb. of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet.

Ryegrass

• Ryegrass is a cool-season grass often found in grass mixtures. It is also used for overseeding dormant warm season grasses like bermudagrass. Ryegrass becomes stressed and dies in the hot temperatures of summer. The University of California Davis recommends a high nitrogen fertilizers in the spring and fall.

Bluegrass

• Bluegrass is a cool-season grass that is used in combination with ryegrass and fescue grass mixtures for northern areas of the United States. Bluegrass gives good color and fine texture to lawn grass. The University of Missouri recommends fertilizing bluegrass lawns with 20-5-10 fertilizer at a rate of 1 lb. of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.

St. Augustine Grass

• St. Augustine is a warm-season grass frequently used in Florida and the deep South. It produces a high-quality grass that is drought-tolerant. It is not cold-tolerant, however, and has a number of pest problems. The Alabama Cooperative Extension recommends a 4-1-2 or 3-1-2 fertilizer to supply ½ lb. of the nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to avoid burning the grass plants. This should be applied during the months of May, June, July and August.

Bahiagrass

• Bahiagrass is warm-season grass that produces a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant lawn. Though not as dense and green as other types of grass, bahiagrass forms an extensive root system that does not require a lot of fertilizer. It also has few disease and insect problems. The University of Florida recommends a 16-4-8 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb. of slow-release nitrogen to every 1,000 square feet.

Bermudagrass

• Bermudagrass is another warm-season grass that prized for its durable turf and drought resistance in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Bermudagrass requires a lot of sunlight and will turn brown when temperatures fall below 50 degrees. It has relatively low fertilizers needs. Texas A&M University recommends adding 1 1/2 lbs. of nitrogen for every 1,000 feet applied monthly. Additional potassium is needed to encourage root growth.