Lawns must be fertilized regularly if they are to remain healthy and weed-free. Always obtain a soil test to determine fertilizer requirements. This provides the best basis for proper fertilization. Before installation incorporate a starter fertilizer in the soil. On a newly sodded lawn you will need to fertilizer 4 to 6 weeks after installation. On an established lawn use a complete fertilizer with a 4-1-2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer with a 20-5-10 analysis has this ratio. Spread the fertilizer at the bag-recommended rate and be careful not to miss areas. For the most even coverage, use a broadcast spreader. How many times a year to fertilize depends on the type of care you want to give your lawn. Normally, 2 applications in the Spring and 2 applications in the Fall are adequate. Fertilizer should be applied at rates to supply about 4 pounds of nitrogen per thousand square feet per season. If only one fertilizer application is made annually, apply it in the fall.

Late fall fertilizer is a very important application. A slow release fertilizer is recommended going into the winter in order to feed your lawn throughout the winter season. You can purchase it at any of your local garden centers.

Lime helps a lawn by raising the PH level of the soil, making it less acidic. The soil test for fertilizer requirements will give you liming recommendations. If you do not perform a soil test, the normal application should be 50 to 100 pounds of lime per thousand square feet every 2 years. A fall application is preferred as rain, snow, and freezing and thawing of the soil during the winter aid in working the limestone into the soil. Pelletized lime is easier to spread and the same broadcast spreader you use to fertilize can be used to apply lime. As with fertilizer, follow the bag-recommended rate.