Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Fertilizer

madwire • August 17, 2020

Share this article

Everyone has that one house in their neighborhood that always boasts an idyllic, lush green lawn. You know, that yard that makes everyone else’s look bad? You may not be comfortable asking your neighbor what their secret is, but we can assure you that proper fertilization is a big part of it.

In today’s post, we are going to provide answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about lawn fertilizer to help you level up your knowledge and begin your journey to a healthier and more attractive lawn. Want to skip the journey and become THAT house in your neighborhood? Get in touch with the experts at Personal Lawn Care to schedule an estimate!

Why Do I Need To Fertilize My Lawn?

Let’s start with the basics. To put it simply, your lawn is like the human body. You can give it all the water that it needs, but that alone is not enough to survive — and it certainly isn’t enough to have the body of an Olympian. Like your body, your lawn needs a healthy intake of food, and lawn fertilizer is packed with all of the nutrients that grass needs to survive, grow, and thrive.

What Does Lawn Fertilizer Do?

Fertilizing your lawn encourages healthy grass growth and provides that lush green color that everyone is after. It also helps the roots of your grass grow strong and resilient so they can fight off diseases, withstand high temperatures, and handle heavy foot-traffic. So if you’re a fan of tossing the pigskin, playing fetch with your dog, or hosting large gatherings, lawn fertilizer doesn’t only give you green grass to play on, it also fortifies your grass so that it can withstand all of the action you throw at it.

How Do I Pick the Right Lawn Fertilizer?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right lawn fertilizer. First, you will need to determine the kind of grass on your lawn. Then, you need to consider the specific needs of your lawn, from weed control to insect and pest treatments. After that, you need to make sure that you choose a lawn fertilizer that is appropriate for the season, as grass has different needs depending on the time of year that you fertilize it. Sound complicated? It can be. If you want a simple solution, get in touch with the experts at Personal Lawn Care to have a treatment plan built around the specific needs of your lawn.

What Is the Best Time of Day To Apply Lawn Fertilizer?

Let’s start with when you shouldn’t fertilize your lawn. You should never fertilize with a scorching hot sun beating down on your grass. Generally, this means that using lawn fertilizer in the late afternoon or early evening is your best bet. Of course, this varies by the lawn. If you have shade or tree-cover your fertilizing time can be more flexible.

Is There Anything I Should Do Before I Fertilize My Lawn?

Mowing and raking are always recommended before using lawn fertilizer. If you want to go all-the-way, aerate your lawn before fertilizing. Mowing and raking help get excess debris out of the way so that fertilizer can easily reach the soil. Aerating your lawn creates a direct channel to the soil and roots of your grass, maximizing the effect of your fertilizer.

There are many things to consider when it comes to fertilizing your lawn, and there’s a reason why residents in Memphis turn to Personal Lawn Care for their fertilization services. Want premium and affordable lawn care for your home or business? Get in touch with us today to schedule an estimate!

Recent Posts

April 3, 2026
Spring in Memphis brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and much-needed rain—but it also signals the start of weed season. As lawns begin to wake up from winter dormancy, weeds are already active below the surface, ready to take advantage of changing conditions. Early prevention and control are key to keeping your yard healthy, thick, and weed-free throughout the growing season. Why Spring Weed Control Matters in Memphis Memphis lawns face a unique combination of mild winters, early warm spells, and spring rainfall. These conditions create the perfect environment for weeds like crabgrass, henbit, chickweed, and clover to thrive. Many of these weeds germinate before homeowners even notice them, competing with grass for nutrients, sunlight, and water. Once weeds become established, they’re much harder—and more expensive—to eliminate later in the season. That’s why spring is the most critical time to focus on proactive weed management. The Role of Pre-Emergent Weed Control One of the most effective tools for spring weed prevention is pre-emergent weed control . Pre-emergents work by stopping weed seeds from germinating in the first place, creating a protective barrier in the soil before weeds ever break the surface. Timing is everything. In Memphis, pre-emergent applications are most effective as soil temperatures begin to rise consistently—often late winter to early spring. Applying too late allows weeds to take hold, while applying too early can reduce effectiveness. Early Post-Emergent Treatments: Stopping Weeds in Their Tracks  Even with pre-emergent treatments, some weeds may still appear due to weather fluctuations or existing seed pressure. That’s where early post-emergent weed control comes in. Targeting young, actively growing weeds in early spring prevents them from spreading and producing seeds that can cause problems later in the year. Professional treatments ensure weeds are addressed without harming your turf, especially important for common Memphis grasses like Bermuda and fescue. Healthy Lawns Naturally Resist Weeds A thick, well-maintained lawn is one of the best defenses against weeds. Proper fertilization, mowing at the correct height, and consistent lawn care practices help grass grow dense enough to crowd out unwanted growth. Spring lawn care sets the foundation for strong root development and long-term weed resistance. Why Professional Weed Control Makes a Difference Spring weed control requires precise timing, product selection, and local expertise. At Personal Lawn Care , we understand Memphis lawns and the seasonal challenges they face. Our tailored weed control programs focus on prevention first, early intervention second, and long-term lawn health always. By starting weed control early in the spring, you’re protecting your lawn for the entire growing season—and saving yourself frustration down the road. Get Ahead of Weeds This Spring If you want a greener, healthier lawn without the constant battle against weeds, now is the time to act. Contact Personal Lawn Care today to learn more about our spring weed prevention and early control services designed specifically for Memphis yards.
Yellow lightbulb illuminated, representing an idea or solution.
By czarina October 27, 2025
As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, your lawn in Memphis begins its quiet transition into dormancy. But don’t be fooled—autumn isn’t the time to neglect your grass. In fact, fall is one of the most important seasons to care for your lawn if you want it to… The post Fall Lawn Care in Memphis: Best Practices for a Healthy, Beautiful Yard appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Lush, bright green lawn filling the frame.
By Kimberly Smith May 28, 2025
If you’re living in Memphis and dreaming of a lush, green lawn that survives the Southern heat and thrives throughout the seasons, the good news is—you’re in the right climate for some fantastic grass options. But not all grass types are created equal. With Memphis’ hot, humid summers and typically mild winters, choosing the right… The post Best Lawn Grass Types for Memphis and Year-Round Care Tips appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By Kimberly Smith February 10, 2025
Spring might feel far away, but it’s never too early to dream of a lush, green lawn. By tackling a few simple tasks now, you’ll set the stage for a thriving yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Here are some practical tips to get you started: 1. Start with Scalping  Start with Scalping (Warm… The post Lawn Care Tips to Prepare for Spring appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By Kimberly Smith July 17, 2023
Many people in the Memphis area will have freeze damage to their landscaping over the winter. When that happens, it raises many questions. We found a great video about rejuvenation pruning and how it’s saving landscapes in the Memphis area after a brutal winter freeze! Dale Skaggs, the director of horticulture at the Dixon Gallery… The post Rejuvenation Pruning After Freeze Damage appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By madwire July 8, 2021
You may not be too concerned about how you’re mowing your lawn — all that really matters is that it looks lush and lively. After all, is there a wrong way to mow? According to most lawn care professionals, there absolutely is a right and wrong way to go about mowing your lawn. Proper lawn… The post 7 Tips for a Lush Lawn appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By madwire May 26, 2021
Weed control services are essential for proper lawn maintenance. You spend too much time and money keeping your yard well-groomed to have it ruined by pesky weeds. We know all too well that that’s easier said than done. Weed removal is an ongoing process during the spring and summer months. At Personal Lawn Care, we… The post The Problems Weeds Pose to Your Lawn appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
By madwire May 26, 2021
Did you remember to get a flu shot… for your lawn? Protect Zoysia now or resod later. Thick Zoysia turf can be an envy of the neighborhood. This versatile durable grass grows well from full sun to partial shade. It’s durable, but not indestructible. During the spring & fall Zoysia can quickly come under attack-seemingly… The post Flu Shot for Your Lawn appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Lawn fertilizer services in Memphis, with fresh grass growing in soil, and a button
By madwire March 10, 2021
If you haven’t read part one of this series, be sure to catch up on our first three lawn care tips to prepare your yard for spring. If you live in Memphis and the surrounding areas, don’t let the warm days and backyard parties sneak up on you — get in touch with Personal Lawn… The post Six Lawn Care Tips To Prepare for Spring – Part Two appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Lush green grass with text overlay
By madwire February 26, 2021
They say: “spring is in the air…”  Well, almost. As we round out the month of February, most of us are looking forward to putting the cold, winter days behind us. While it’s not quite time to plant a garden or pull out the picnic basket, it’s high-time you start preparing your lawn for the… The post Six Lawn Care Tips To Prepare for Spring – Part One appeared first on Personal Lawn Care, Inc..
Show More