Knowing when to fertilize your lawn in Georgia is the single most important factor for achieving a thick, green, and healthy yard. Getting the timing right ensures your grass gets the nutrients it needs exactly when it can use them most effectively, saving you time and money.
Georgia’s unique climate, with its hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, means our lawn care schedule is different from other parts of the country. If you fertilize at the wrong time, you can actually harm your grass, encouraging weeds or making it more susceptible to drought and disease. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for both warm-season and cool-season grasses found across the state.
When to Fertilize Lawn in Georgia
The best time to fertilize your Georgia lawn depends almost entirely on what type of grass you have. The state is split between the warm-season grasses of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain and the cool-season grasses found in the higher elevations of North Georgia.
For Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine):
These grasses thrive in the heat and grow most vigorously from late spring through summer. They go dormant and turn brown after the first hard frost.
* Primary Feeding Window: Late spring through summer.
* First Application: Apply fertilizer when the grass has fully “greened up” and is actively growing. This is usually when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F, which is typically late April or early May. Don’t fertilize while it’s still dormant.
* Main Applications: Follow up with applications every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Last Application: This is crucial. Your final fertilization should be done about 6-8 weeks before your area’s average first frost date. For most of Georgia, this means your last feeding should be completed by mid-September. Fertilizing too late forces tender new growth that will be killed by frost.
For Cool-Season Grasses (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass):
These grasses stay green in winter but struggle in Georgia’s summer heat. Their main growth spurts are in the cooler fall and spring months.
* Primary Feeding Window: Fall is the most important time.
* First Application (Fall): Apply fertilizer in early to mid-September as temperatures begin to cool. This helps the grass recover from summer stress and develop a strong root system.
* Second Application (Fall): Follow up with another feeding in late October to early November.
* Spring Application: Apply a light feeding in late February to early March, after the last hard freeze but before summer heat arrives. Avoid heavy spring fertilization, as it promotes top growth at the expense of roots just before the stressful summer.
Understanding Georgia’s Growing Zones
Georgia spans USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6b through 9a. This affects your exact timing.
* North Georgia (Zones 6b-7b): Frost dates are earlier. Warm-season grasses should be fertilized from May to early September. Cool-season grasses are more common here.
* Central & South Georgia (Zones 8a-9a): The growing season is longer. Warm-season grasses can be fertilized from late April to late September, but the “don’t fertilize after September” rule still applies to protect against early cold snaps.
Always base your schedule on your grass’s growth, not just the calendar. If spring is late, delay your first application.
A Seasonal Fertilization Schedule
Here’s a simple, seasonal breakdown to keep you on track.
Early Spring (March – April):
* Warm-season: Wait. Let the grass green up naturally. Focus on weed control if needed.
* Cool-season: Apply a light fertilizer in late March to support spring growth.
Late Spring (May):
* Warm-season: Apply first fertilizer of the year. This is a key feeding.
* Cool-season: Stop fertilizing. Let it prepare for summer stress.
Summer (June – August):
* Warm-season: Apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks. Water deeply after applying.
* Cool-season: Do not fertilize. This can damage heat-stressed grass.
Early Fall (September):
* Warm-season: Apply final fertilizer by mid-September.
* Cool-season: Apply your most important fertilizer of the year in early September.
Late Fall (October – November):
* Warm-season: No fertilizer. Grass is going dormant.
* Cool-season: Apply a second fall fertilizer in late October to strengthen roots for winter.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
The three numbers on a fertilizer bag (e.g., 16-4-8) represent the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
* Nitrogen (N): Promotes green, leafy growth. This is the most important nutrient for lawns. Warm-season grasses need more nitrogen than cool-season.
* Phosphorus (P): Supports root development. Most Georgia soils have adequate phosphorus, so a lower middle number is often fine unless a soil test shows a deficiency.
* Potassium (K): Aids in overall plant health, drought tolerance, and disease resistance. Important for surviving Georgia’s summer stress.
A soil test from the University of Georgia Extension is the best way to know exactly what your lawn needs. It’s an inexpensive service that tells you your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, taking the guesswork out of fertilization.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Fertilizer Correctly
Doing it right makes all the difference.
1. Mow: Mow your lawn a day or two before you plan to fertilize.
2. Calibrate: Ensure your spreader is calibrated correctly. This prevents over- or under-application.
3. Fill: Fill the spreader on a driveway or sidewalk, not on the grass, to avoid spills.
4. Apply: Walk at a steady pace, using a consistent pattern. Overlap slightly to avoid streaks.
5. Water In: Lightly water the lawn after application to wash the fertilizer granules off the grass blades and into the soil. This prevents burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make these errors.
* Fertilizing a Dormant Lawn: You’re just feeding weeds.
* Over-fertilizing: More is not better. It burns grass, pollutes waterways, and wastes money.
* Ignoring Soil pH: If your soil is too acidic, grass can’t absorb nutrients. Lime may be needed.
* Using the Wrong Spreader Setting: Always follow the bag’s rate instructions.
* Forgetting to Water After Application: This is a key step to prevent burning.
FAQ: Your Georgia Lawn Fertilization Questions
Q: Can I fertilize my Georgia lawn in the winter?
A: No. Grass is dormant and will not use the nutrients. It’s a waste and can harm the environment.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Bermuda grass in Georgia?
A: Bermuda grass, being a high-maintenance warm-season grass, typically benefits from 3-4 applications per season: late spring, early summer, late summer, and a final feeding by early September.
Q: Is it too late to fertilize in October?
A: For warm-season grasses, yes, it is definitly too late. For cool-season tall fescue, a late October feeding is perfect for root growth.
Q: Should I fertilize before or after rain?
A: Avoid applying right before a heavy downpour, as it can wash away. Light rain is fine. Ideally, apply to dry grass and then water it in yourself.
Q: What’s the best fertilizer for centipede grass?
A: Centipede grass requires less nitrogen than other warm-season grasses. Use a specific centipede fertilizer or a general lawn fertilizer with a lower first number (like 15-0-15). Never apply high-nitrogen feeds, as they can cause iron chlorosis (yellowing).
Q: Can I use weed and feed products?
A: Use them with caution. The timing for fertilizing and applying pre-emergent weed control often don’t align perfectly. For best results, many gardeners treat weeds and fertilization as separate tasks.
By following this Georgia-specific schedule and tips, you give your lawn the precise care it needs. Remember, a healthy lawn starts with the right nutrition at the right time. Paying attention to your grass type and the signals from your yard will lead to better results than any rigid calender. With a little planning, you can have a lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood all season long.