If you dream of a lush, green lawn but are frustrated by patchy grass, stubborn weeds, or dull, tired turf, the problem might not be your lawn. It might be your fertilizer schedule—especially if you’re unsure how often should you fertilize your lawn.
Many Colorado homeowners ask, How often should you fertilize your lawn? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the wrong timing can do more harm than good. If you have too little fertilizer, your grass may struggle to thrive. If you have too much, you risk burning it out entirely.
That’s where Westside Grounds comes in. We’ve been helping homeowners across Colorado get the timing, technique, and treatments since 1999. With over two decades of local experience, we know exactly what your lawn needs and when it needs it. This guide walks you through everything from seasonal schedules to choosing the right fertilizer for your grass type.
Let’s dig into how to nourish your lawn the smart way.
How Often to Fertilize a Lawn: General Guidelines
When it comes to how often to fertilize your lawn, there is no universal answer. Fertilization frequency depends on multiple factors.
Grass Type
Different grass species have different nutritional needs and growth cycles. Knowing the species in your lawn is the first step to understanding how often to fertilize. If you’re unsure what kind of grass you have, the team at Westside Grounds can help you identify it and recommend the best fertilizer schedule.
Soil Conditions Influence Nutrient Uptake
Even the healthiest grass won’t thrive without good soil. Lawns with poor or compacted soil may need fertilization more frequently to supply nutrients that aren’t readily available. A soil test can reveal whether your lawn lacks nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or other vital elements. Once we understand your lawn’s nutrient profile, we can craft a fertilization plan that avoids underfeeding and overapplication.
Climate and Weather
Colorado’s variable climate plays a significant role in lawn care. Spring and fall are typically the most critical times for fertilization. However, frequent drought conditions, heavy summer sun, or sudden cold snaps can alter how your lawn absorbs nutrients.
For example, if drought conditions persist, you may need to skip or reduce summer lawn fertilization to prevent burning or stressing the grass. On the other hand, after a particularly cold or wet winter, your lawn might benefit from an early-spring feeding to recover quickly.
Lawn Usage and Maintenance Habits
If your yard sees a lot of foot traffic, kids playing, or frequent mowing, your lawn will burn through nutrients more quickly. Fertilizing more often can help offset this added stress and promote recovery. Similarly, if you mow frequently and return clippings to the lawn, you may need less frequent fertilization because clippings provide some natural nitrogen.
Lawn Fertilizer and Weed Control
When weed control is part of your lawn care plan, your fertilization schedule may need to be adjusted. For example, applying pre-emergent herbicides in early spring can limit when and how you fertilize, especially if you’re trying to overseed simultaneously. Similarly, some weed treatments can temporarily impact nutrient uptake, which may shift your next fertilizer application.
To avoid overlap or reduced effectiveness, it’s best to work with a lawn care professional like Westside Grounds. They can create a schedule that balances lawn fertilizer and weed control for optimal results.
The Ideal Fertilizer Schedule
There’s no one-size-fits-all lawn fertilization schedule. Every lawn in Colorado has its own set of needs. Some plants and grasses are heavy feeders and need more nutrients throughout the year, while others thrive with minimal input.
That said, there are still ideal times throughout the year when applying fertilizer can deliver the best results. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown to guide your approach.
Early Spring (March to April)
Fertilizing in early spring gives your lawn a jump-start after winter dormancy. As temperatures rise and grass begins to grow again, it needs nitrogen and other nutrients to develop healthy blades and strong roots.
Apply a slow-release fertilizer during this window to support gradual, sustained growth. This fertilizer also helps thicken your lawn early, giving it a better chance to crowd out emerging weeds.
Late Spring (May to Early June)
By late spring, your lawn is actively growing and burning through nutrients quickly. Fertilizing during this period helps maintain vigor, especially as foot traffic increases and temperatures rise.
This time is good for balanced fertilizers with a steady nitrogen level to support continued leaf and root development.
Adjust application amounts based on how your lawn responded to its early spring feeding.
Summer (July to Early August)
Colorado summers can be hot and dry, stressing turfgrass. While it’s possible to fertilize during summer, it’s essential to do so cautiously. Over-fertilizing in high heat can burn grass or encourage shallow root systems.
If your lawn shows signs of stress or thinning, a light application of slow-release fertilizer or organic compost can help replenish nutrients.
Early Fall (September to Mid-October)
This time of year is often considered the most crucial in Colorado. Fertilizing in early fall supports root regeneration after the summer heat and helps the lawn store nutrients for winter dormancy.
Choose a fertilizer high in potassium to enhance root strength and cold resistance. Fall feeding promotes earlier spring green-up and creates a healthier, denser lawn heading into the following year.
Late Fall (Optional: Late October to Early November)
For some properties, a final light feeding just before winter can be beneficial. This application helps roots remain active below the surface, even after top growth has stopped.
Westside Grounds Is Here to Help with Your Lawn Fertilization
Fertilizing your lawn at the proper intervals is essential to keeping it healthy and resilient. Understanding how often you should fertilize your lawn will require familiarity with factors, including your grass type, soil condition, and whether you’re also applying weed control. Getting it right takes more than guesswork—it takes local expertise.
At Westside Grounds, our team knows how to time lawn fertilization and weed control for maximum impact, giving your grass the nutrients it needs at just the right moments. If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of lawn care, let us create a customized fertilization plan that works for your yard and your schedule.
Contact Westside Grounds today to schedule your fertilization service or request a free estimate.