What Fertilizer Should I Use on My New Lawn?

Using fertilizer normally improves the health of your lawn, but new lawns can be damaged from the nitrogen that fertilizers contain. On your new lawn, begin by using a fertilizer with low nitrogen content and high phosphorus content. As your lawn grows, transition to a fertilizer with more nitrogen and less phosphorus.

When you first plant your new lawn, it will be extremely susceptible to nitrogen burns. A new lawn can begin to grow without fertilizer, so in order to avoid damaging the lawn do not fertilize it for the first month and a half after seeding. After the first month and a half have passed, you can begin fertilizing your new lawn, but you must still avoid exposing your lawn to too much nitrogen. There are two types of fertilizer: fast release and controlled release. Fast release will spread all the nutrients in the fertilizer to your lawn at the time the fertilizer is applied. Controlled release will slowly spread nutrients over one to two weeks. Use a controlled-release fertilizer to ensure that your lawn is not damaged by nitrogen. In addition to selecting a controlled-release fertilizer, check the amount of nitrogen contained in the fertilizer. This will be listed on the packaging of the fertilizer. New lawns should only receive half a pound of fertilizer for every 1,000 square feet, which is half as much nitrogen as established lawns need. While excessive nitrogen will damage a new lawn, high levels of phosphorus will promote its growth. Fertilize your new lawn with approximately 1/4 lb. of phosphorus for every 1,000 square feet, twice the amount of phosphorus used in established lawns. Your local gardening supply store or nursery may sell fertilizer designed for use with new lawns. These will be labeled "new lawn fertilizer" or "starter fertilizer." These fertilizers will contain appropriate proportions of nitrogen and phosphorus, but check the package weight to avoid using too much of the fertilizer per square foot of lawn. After the first fertilization of your new lawn, wait at least three months before you fertilize again. If your new lawn has grown well during this time, you can begin using lawn fertilizer with a standard nitrogen content at 1 lb. for every 1,000 square feet. If your lawn has not grown at least 3 inches, continue using a fertilizer with low nitrogen and high phosphorus content. To help your new lawn grow quickly, avoid walking on it or mowing it.