In Augusta, GA, fertilize warm‑season grasses in spring and early fall; for cool‑season types, target late spring and early autumn for the best results.
Here in Augusta, our warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede come out of dormancy in spring when soil temps hit about 55°F for a few days. That’s prime time to give them a good boost with fertilizer. If you’re not sure what kind of grass you’re working with, check out our guide on how to choose the right grass type for your soil.
Identify Your Grass Type First
Once you know whether you’re working with warm‑ or cool‑season grass, you can time your applications just right. Augusta’s climate makes a big difference, so plan accordingly. For tougher lawns or pet-friendly options, see our pet-friendly lawn care tips.
Warm‑Season Grasses (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, Centipede)
- Spring is the best time to fertilize—around green-up when grass starts growing actively.
- Use nitrogen-rich, slow-release fertilizer to feed roots slowly.
- Apply again late summer or early fall, about every 6–8 weeks if rainfall supports growth.
Cool‑Season Grasses
- Best fertilization is during late spring and again in early fall—when growth is still good but stress is low.
- Fall feeding helps your lawn store energy through cold spells and recover faster in spring.
How Often Should You Fertilize?
Most Augusta lawns benefit from at least one application each season. For lawns getting regular rainfall, plan for 2–3 treatments: spring, summer, and early fall. Too much fertilizer can actually burn grass or encourage disease, so pace it out. Regular lawn aeration in Augusta GA will also help fertilizer absorb more efficiently.
Fall Fertilizer Timing
In autumn, test the soil temperature—you want it around 57°F before applying. Use granules and aim for slow-release options to keep nutrients feeding through cooler weather and support root growth heading into winter. If your lawn is patchy or you need new turf, explore sod installation in Augusta.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Clear clippings if you’ve recently mowed before fertilizing so nutrients can reach the soil.
- Read fertilizer labels—slow-release fertilizers deliver nutrients over months, not weeks.
- Track your applications using a lawn care calendar or app.
- When choosing fertilizer, match N-P-K ratios to your soil test results and grass variety. For Augusta lawns, early spring feed with balanced N-P-K, fall feed higher in phosphorus to build strong roots. Need help with weed problems? Try these weed killer tips.
When to Skip Fertilizing
Avoid fertilizing during extreme Augusta heat or right before freezing. If using granular, you can mow afterward—but with liquid fertilizers, it’s best to wait a day or two.
Trying to feed dormant grass? Skip it. Nitrogen encourages growth—even if the soil is still cold—leading to waste or turf stress once warmth returns.
How to Apply Fertilizer the Smart Way
- Start around the lawn perimeter, then work inward in straight lines.
- Finish with a criss-cross pattern to ensure even coverage.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Base your selection on a recent soil test. Fertilizer bags labeled 16‑4‑8 reflect percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Many Augusta soils already have phosphorus and potassium, so fill in the gaps wisely.
Unsure if You Need to Fertilize?
If all you want is a green lawn, any balanced fertilizer will do. But if you also want weed or moss control, choose a product with the appropriate pre‑emergent herbicide.
Still Unsure? Local Insights Can Help
Green Lawn Augusta relies on soil testing to apply nitrogen only as needed. Opting for less with slow‑release formulas helps avoid thatch build‑up and overall stress to your lawn.
When deciding when to fertilize, aim for early spring as your first application—getting your lawn off to a strong start like our Evans lawn care team would recommend, and plan your follow‑ups every 6–8 weeks through summer and into early fall.
Want a helping hand keeping your lawn looking its best? Our Augusta lawn care service brings expert timing, local knowledge, and hassle‑free upkeep to your yard. For full fertilizer planning and care tips, see our main guide on when to fertilize your lawn in Augusta.