10 Best Lawn Fertilizers – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Lawn Fertilizer + Reviews

 

Fertilizers help lawns thrive and have a vibrant green color, but finding the best lawn fertilizers can take up a lot of your time. In order to make things easier for you, we have analyzed what the top-rated products in this line have to offer, as well as many lawn fertilizer reviews, and we have concluded that Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3 is the lawn fertilizer you should consider buying. It’s a 2-in-1 product that feeds the roots of the grass while also eliminating weeds. Thanks to the WeedGrip Technology and twice as strong formula, it effectively keeps dandelion and clover under control, as well as other common weeds. One bag is enough to cover up to 5,000 square feet, and it’s compatible with most types of grass. In case this product might be currently unavailable, a great alternative would be Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Lawn Fertilizers (Updated Reviews) in 2024

 

 

Finding the best lawn fertilizer and trying to go through every lawn fertilizer review can be overwhelming since there are so many products available in this range. That is why we have selected the top lawn fertilizers, based on their benefits. Check out our selection, along with an analysis for each one.

 

 

1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3

 

If you are looking for something that can help your lawn look lush and green, while also getting rid of weeds, this product is worth considering. This product is an improved version of the classic Scotts formula, which is two times more powerful. Thanks to the WeedGrip Technology, it gets rid of dandelion, clover, and other common weeds, even ones that are hard to notice.

The Weed and Feed 3 not only makes room for grass to grow by eliminating weeds, but it also acts as a fertilizer in order to keep your lawn green and thick. It comes in a big pack, that is enough to treat a surface of 5,000 square feet. It works for most types of grass, including Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda, and Bahiagrass.

Make sure that the product is compatible with your type of grass and follow the instructions in order to prevent burning the grass.

 

Pros

This is a 2-in-1 product that thickens the lawn and keeps it green by eliminating weeds and making more room for the grass, while also acting as a fertilizer for the roots of the grass.

The WeedGrip Technology is designed to specifically keep dandelion and clover under control, but it also gets rid of most typical weeds, even the ones that are not noticeable.

Scotts is a renowned brand, and this product is a version that is twice as strong as their previous formula for clearing out weeds and fertilizing the lawn.

The large package is big enough to treat a surface of up to 5,000 square feet, and the product is adequate for most types of grass, including Bermuda and Kentucky Bluegrass.

 

Cons

It’s preferable to keep kids and pets away from the treated area for 24 hours so that the product can properly adhere to the weed leaves.

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2. Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK

 

Whether you have a new lawn or a lawn that suffers from nutrient deficiencies and that needs to be repaired, this liquid fertilizer helps grass regain its strength and vivid color. A healthy lawn needs to get all the essential macronutrients, and this liquid fertilizer contains NPK, or Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash, in the optimal 16-4-8 ratio.

Plus, the seaweed and fish provide even more nutrients in order to ensure a balanced variety of nutrients for your lawn. The 32-ounce container is enough to treat up to 3,200 square feet, and it comes with a convenient sprayer that makes it easy to apply and more efficient by distributing the fertilizer evenly.

It’s compatible with all grass types, including St. Augustine, Bahia, and Florida Palmetto. In order for the nutrients to be well absorbed into the soil, keep in mind that you also need to water your lawn properly.

 

Pros

Thanks to the perfect balance of NPK nutrients, which are Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium, this product offers the perfect ratio of macronutrients that a lawn needs.

It is also enriched with seaweed and fish, which add minerals and other nutrients to the soil.

It’s easy to apply effectively because it comes in a liquid form, and the container has a sprayer that allows an even application.

No matter what type of grass you have, this liquid fertilizer is great for it, and it’s enough to treat a 3,200 sq ft surface.

Due to its premium balanced formula, this fertilizer gives fast results for lawns that need a boost, as well as for new lawns, and it works even in high temperatures if the grass is properly watered.

 

Cons

For best results, make sure to allow enough time for the nutrients to be absorbed into the soil and water the grass.

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3. Unco Industries Worm Castings Organic Fertilizer

 

The product is a great alternative for those who are looking for a natural, organic option when it comes to fertilizing the soil. The advantage of an organic fertilizer is not only that it is easily absorbed by plants, unlike synthetic nutrients, but that it also balances soil microbiology, which promotes healthy plant growth and vitality.

This organic fertilizer is entirely composed of worm castings, also known as ‘super humus’. The natural waste of earthworms is high in nutrients, which are easy to absorb and also beneficial for the soil.

Whether you have a lawn, flowers, vegetables, or houseplants, this product works just as well outdoors and indoors. Plus, you don’t need to worry about unpleasant smells because it is basically odorless. You only need to use a small amount for long-term results, which makes this product a cost-effective option as well.

 

Pros

The nutrients in an organic fertilizer are much easier to absorb than synthetic ones, which is why they are more effective and also good for keeping the microbial balance of the soil.

Earthworm castings are not only a fertile organic matter but the nutrients they contain act immediately as well as long term, providing fast results and also sustaining the plants.

Due to its safe and natural composition, this organic fertilizer is also versatile and can be used for the lawn, flowers, vegetables, and even houseplants.

It is odorless, which makes it easy and convenient for indoor use; you don’t need to use a lot of it, in order to get great results, which means it’s a cost-effective option.

 

Cons

Unlike synthetic alternatives, this organic fertilizer doesn’t contain nutrients in a precise ratio, which means that in some cases, it might be necessary to add other sources of NPK.

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4. Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food

 

Fall is a particularly important season for the wellbeing of your lawn because this is when the damage caused by the summer heat and drought is visible, and also when it needs to be prepared for the upcoming winter. The Scotts WinterGuard lawn food is specifically designed to revitalize the grass after summer while strengthening its roots so that it can resist during the winter.

The grass receives the necessary nutrients so that the damage caused by heat can be repaired, and its water-absorbing capacity increases, compared to lawns who did not receive this food.

The Scotts Turf Builder can be applied to any type of grass, preferably one time at the beginning of fall and another time in late fall. Be sure to also keep the lawn watered, for good results. The 12.5 ounces package is enough to treat a medium-sized lawn of up to 5,000 square feet.

 

Pros

Because fall is such an important season, this fertilizer is specifically designed to provide the necessary nutrients after the warm season and to prepare the grass for the wintertime.

Lawns are oftentimes affected by heat, and the Scotts Turf Builder helps them recover by providing nutrients that strengthen roots and by increasing their ability to absorb moisture.

The product is easy to apply and sufficient for a surface of up to 5,000 square feet, which is the equivalent of a medium-sized lawn; it is compatible with any type of grass.

 

Cons

Since this fertilizer is meant to repair damage and strengthen roots for the wintertime, it should only be used in the fall because grass has different needs every season.

It can be applied any time during fall, but for best results, it’s advisable to feed your lawn at the beginning of fall and again, eight weeks later.

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5. Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action

 

This turf builder combines the qualities of a weed killer and a fertilizer with a strong preventive action for extra efficiency all season long. It quickly eliminates most common weeds, including dandelion, clover, and chickweed, while also providing important nutrients that help grass become lush and green.

Additionally, it helps prevent the growth of crabgrass for a period of up to four months. Its preventive action is also effective against many other weeds, such as annual bluegrass, fall panicum, corn speedwell, purslane, oxalis, knotweed, and chickweed. Feed your lawn with this fertilizer in the spring, and it will help maintain a weed-free, thick lawn all throughout the season.

This product is compatible with Northern Lawns, such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass, and it’s enough to treat up to 4,000 square feet. Be sure to calculate the size of your lawn in order to determine how much to use.

 

Pros

A powerful product with triple action, the Scotts Turf Builder gets rid fast of persistent weeds, feeds the lawn with nutrients so that it can grow thick and lush, and also prevents other weeds.

If you are dealing with dandelions, clover, or chickweed, this product helps eliminate them and even prevent crabgrass and many other weeds for a period of up to four months.

For those who have Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, or Perennial Ryegrass, this fertilizer is specifically designed for these types of Northern lawns.

This triple-action fertilizer can treat a surface of approximately 4,000 square feet.

 

Cons

Because the particles of this product have a fine texture, it’s best to apply it on calm days with no wind so that they can properly adhere to the weeds.

This type of product that kills weeds and also feeds the lawn is best applied during the spring season.

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6. Scotts Green Max Lawn Food Plus Iron Supplement

 

Because of the pH, certain types of soil can have an iron deficiency with a negative impact on lawns. That is why, besides the N-P-K, it is also important to provide enough iron for healthy and lush grass. The Green Max formula is created with over 5% iron, which adds extra nutrition to the soil, and the result is vivid green grass in only three days.

This lawn fertilizer can be applied in spring, summer, or fall, and it covers a large surface of up to 10,000 square feet. It provides 100% nutrition, without fillers, and it also acts as an iron supplement.

Plus, you don’t need to worry that it might stain your driveway or other concrete surfaces, and you don’t have to avoid the lawn after application in order to let the product sit. As long as you follow directions, this fertilizer will help thicken your lawn.

 

Pros

Due to its 5.17% iron content, the Green Max fertilizer acts as an iron supplement and fixes the problem of soils that may be iron deficient because of an increased pH.

Other than iron, it also contains pure nutrients and no fillers, for complete nutrition that gives fast results.

The green color and fullness of the lawn are revived very fast, in about three days, if you follow the instructions and water the lawn properly.

It doesn’t stain concrete surfaces, and you don’t need to let it sit before re-entering the lawn.

Any type of grass can benefit from this fertilizer, and a surface of up to 10,000 square feet can be covered with one pack.

 

Cons

Keep in mind that although this product acts as a fertilizer and iron supplement, it cannot do too much for a lawn that’s already too damaged, and it also doesn’t eliminate weeds.

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7. The Andersons Super Juice Soluble Supplement Lawn Fertilizer

 

Unlike granular fertilizers that only stay at the surface of the soil, Super Juice acts as a fine mist that is easily absorbed into the soil, where it can start working right away. All you have to do is add water to the dry mix and then apply it to your lawn. In only a couple of hours, the grass will already start to absorb the nutrients directly.

This fertilizer contains all the necessary nutrients in adequate amounts. Plus, the new formula also provides 4% iron. You can use one bag for either one acre, at the full concentration rate, or for two acres, at half of the concentration.

You can also apply it at full strength during spring and fall and reduce the concentration for summer. Super Juice can be used as the main fertilizer for golf courses, but for lawns, it’s recommended as a supplement.

 

Pros

When it is mixed with water, this dry mix becomes a liquid fertilizer with a fine texture that is immediately absorbed by the grass, and that acts deep inside the soil, not just at the surface.

It provides balanced nutrition, due to its 14-2-4 nutrients ratio, plus the 4% iron content.

One bag is enough to feed one acre at full concentration rate, or two acres at half strength, and you can also apply it in different concentrations depending on the season.

The Super Juice liquid lawn food can be used as the main fertilizer for golf courses or as a supplement, together with a regular fertilizing program, for lawns.

 

Cons

Because this product has a dry texture and needs to be mixed with water, there can be residue left if it’s not completely dissolved, and therefore some of the product is wasted.

Compared to other fertilizers, this product falls a bit on the expensive side.

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8. Simple Lawn Solutions Pure Organic Micronutrient Booster

 

If you want your lawn to regain a healthy shade of green, providing it with all the essential nutrients, including iron, is the answer. The Micro Booster is an organic mix of chelated micronutrients, such as Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Sulfur, and Manganese. This mix is not only useful for correcting any mineral deficiencies, but it also strengthens the grass’s immune system.

Due to its versatility and balanced composition, this fertilizer works not only for lawns, but also for many vegetables, fruits, including citruses, flowers, and potted plants. It comes in a liquid form, and the 32-ounce container is big enough to cover a surface up to 3,200 square feet.

Also, keep in mind that if you apply it with a sprayer, you can actually cover a wider area of up to 4,000 square feet. If applied correctly, it produces fast results for the lawn thickness and color.

 

Pros

Micro Booster is a liquid fertilizer that contains only organic chelated micronutrients, including Iron, which is important for chlorophyll, Zinc, Magnesium, Sulfur, and Manganese.

Whether you want to use it for your lawn, for your garden or indoors, this product works great for vegetables, fruits, citruses, potted plants, and turf.

The powerful mix of micronutrients helps to correct any mineral deficiencies in the soil, and it also makes plants grow stronger by boosting their immune system.

It comes in a 32-ounce container that can treat up to 4,000 square feet if the fertilizer is applied with a sprayer.

 

Cons

This product works very fast for changing the color of the grass into a vivid green, but it takes more time to improve the growth rate of a damaged lawn.

Remember to apply it according to instructions and make sure that the lawn also gets sufficient water for the best results.

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9. GreenView 2756714 Turf Nurture Natural Base Lawn Fertilizer

 

There are a lot of factors that can cause lawn stress, including excessive heat, cold, or drought. Instead of pulling it out and making the effort to start all over, you can try feeding it with revitalizing lawn food. In order to bring the lawn back to life and restore its vivid color, this fertilizer provides the optimal nutrients ratio.

It contains 70% nitrogen that is released slowly so that it provides long-term support for the grass by strengthening its roots. Don’t forget to water your lawn after applying the product, and in approximately four weeks, the results will start to be visible. You can apply it in spring, summer, or fall, on any type of grass.

Another important benefit is that it is safe for kids and pets, and it represents a natural alternative to harsh chemicals. One bag is enough to treat up to 2,500 square feet.

 

Pros

If your lawn is showing signs of stress because of drought, heat, or cold, the GreenView lawn fertilizer can help revive it and bring back its beautiful green color.

A natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, this product contains organic micronutrients, and you don’t need to worry about the safety of your children and pets.

Due to the fact that it contains 70% slow-release nitrogen, it provides immediate results, but it also supports the grass lastingly.

This natural fertilizer is compatible with any type of grass, it can be applied in spring, summer, or fall, and the 8.33-pound bag is big enough to treat surfaces of up to 2,500 square feet.

 

Cons

Due to its natural composition, this product has a strong odor that can be unpleasant for some users.

Even though it can be applied in spring or fall, avoid using it when the soil risks freezing.

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10. GreenView 2129269 Fairway Formula Lawn Fertilizer

 

The Fairway Formula fertilizer is specifically designed to revitalize the green color of the grass for a long time to help it grow and reduce the clippings. It strengthens the roots, and it thickens the lawn, without causing any excess growth and without burning the grass.

The 27-0-5 nutrient ratio is meant to properly feed the lawn without any phosphate that can be detrimental to waterways. It contains immediate release nutrients and also 63% slow-release nitrogen that continues to be released gradually, for long-term results. It’s advisable to feed your lawn when the grass is actively growing.

This fertilizer gives good results that last for up to 12 weeks, and it works on any type of grass. The 16.5-pound pack is enough to treat up to 5,000 square feet, and it doesn’t have the unpleasant odor that other fertilizers have.

 

Pros

If you are interested in deepening the color of your lawn, helping it grow faster, but you also want fewer clippings, the Fairway Formula lawn fertilizer is a good choice.

The 27-0-5 nutrient ratio means that it doesn’t contain any phosphate, which makes it safer for waterways, while still providing all the essential nutrients for your lawn.

Thanks to the combination of immediate-release nutrients and 63% slow-release nitrogen, it gives fast results, and it also offers long-term support.

Although it helps grass become lush and thick, it prevents any unwanted growth, and it also doesn’t burn the grass.

You can cover up to 5,000 square feet with one bag, and the results will last for about 12 weeks.

 

Cons

This fertilizer is specifically meant to be used during the times when the grass is actively growing, such as early spring, otherwise, you might not get the best results.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Just like any other type of plant, grass needs nutrients in order to grow and thrive. If you want to enjoy a beautiful lawn, providing the grass with essential nutrition is a must. The best fertilizer for grass and lawns is the one that can provide excellent nutrition, fortify the immune system in order to prevent disease, and make roots stronger and more adaptable.

There are a lot of fertilizers on the market, and it can be difficult to know whether you should choose a cheap lawn fertilizer or a pricier grass fertilizer. Here are some of the most important things you should know before purchasing a fertilizer for your lawn.

Nutrients and ratios in fertilizers

The letters on a fertilizer bag correspond to the three main nutrients that are essential for healthy plants. Nitrogen (N) is responsible for leafy growth, and it’s what keeps the lawn green and lush. Phosphorus (P) fortifies the roots, while Potassium (K), also known as potash, increases overall resistance to negative factors such as drought or disease.

Your lawn needs these macronutrients in large quantities because they are not available in soil or air, such as the secondary nutrients. Fertilizer numbers represent the NPK value or the percentage of macronutrients by weight. For example, the Simple Lawn Solutions fertilizer has a 16-4-8 NPK value, which means that it contains 16% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 8% potassium.

All synthetic fertilizers, whether they are cheap lawn fertilizers or expensive ones, will have this NPK value on the package, always in this particular order, but the percentage can vary. If you test your soil, you will know exactly what is the best ratio for your lawn.

 

Formula and action

When it comes to formulations, there are two main types of lawn fertilizers, granular and liquid. Granular ones can be fast-release or slow-release fertilizers. Quick-release fertilizers give fast results and help grass become green in a short amount of time. These are some of the most affordable lawn fertilizers, but they need to be reapplied constantly for maintaining the results.

Slow-release fertilizers are pricier and take longer to give results, but they produce a growth that’s uniform. Plus, they are compatible with all types of grass. Liquid fertilizers are easier to use, and they also act very fast, because they are easily absorbed through leaves. However, a liquid lawn fertilizer also requires a frequent application.

Synthetic or natural

Lawn fertilizers contain macronutrients and a base that makes the nutrients easily absorbable. For the synthetic ones, like Scotts fertilizer, the nutrients were produced in a lab, while natural lawn fertilizers are made from organic ingredients. The main advantage of synthetic lawn fertilizers is that they contain a precise amount of macronutrients, which helps them act fast.

On the other hand, because of their high concentration, they can “burn” the grass. They can also cause environmental damage if they reach the local water supply. Using an organic lawn fertilizer is safer for the environment and compatible with all grass types, but it works slower, and it’s harder to control the NPK value.

If you are dealing with a lot of weeds, the best option is a “weed and feed”, like the Scotts lawn fertilizer. This is a type of synthetic fertilizer that effectively eliminates weeds while also feeding the grass.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

Q: How to fertilize lawn?

If you are starting a new lawn, you should use a starter fertilizer that will make the grass grow fast and have a beautiful color. New grass needs more phosphorus in order to develop strong roots. Also, don’t use weed and feed fertilizers for a new lawn. If you already have a lawn, and you want it to stay vibrant and green the entire year, you need to apply fertilizers seasonally.

Before fertilizing your lawn, mow it a couple of days before and make sure you have a spreader. Always follow the instructions on your fertilizer package for the best results.

If you are using a granular fertilizer, keep kids and pets away from the area after applying it, otherwise, it can disperse into the air, especially if it has a very fine texture. Try to apply it on days that are not windy and remember to also water your lawn.

Q: Do organic lawn fertilizers work?

Natural alternatives, such as the Greenview lawn fertilizers, are a great option for your lawn. Lawn food can come from various organic sources such as seaweed, compost, or bone meal.

Some people might think that organic lawn fertilizers don’t work because their results are not as fast as when using synthetic fertilizers. Organic lawn fertilizers take time to work and are not a quick fix.

Organic fertilizers need to decompose, which takes somewhere between two to six weeks. Their main advantage is that they release nutrients and also upgrade the structure of the soil. They have a long-term positive effect on the soil’s ability to retain nutrients. Therefore, even if your lawn won’t be immediately greener, the roots will become stronger and healthier over time.

If you need to quickly repair a damaged lawn, a fast-release fertilizer would be the best option, but organic lawn fertilizers are better in the long term.

 

Q: When to fertilize lawn?

Most lawn fertilizers are meant to be applied in spring in order to help the grass grow faster. Winterizer fertilizers, on the other hand, are meant to be applied in late fall, and they prepare the lawn for winter. The best lawn fertilizers for spring are the weed and feed types because now is the best time to prevent weed from growing roots.

If you want to know how often to fertilize lawn, you have to consider the climate, type of grass, and type of fertilizer you use. Slow-release fertilizers can be applied once or twice a year, when the grass is growing and when you are preparing your lawn for winter. A quick-release option is a more affordable lawn fertilizer, but it needs to be applied more often.

Fall fertilizers lawn formulas should be applied six to eight weeks before the first frost. The grass is now slowing down, and it needs a boost of nutrients.