"<![CDATA[Don’t Make These 5 Common Lawn Fertilizing Mistakes — They Could Ruin Your Yard, a Pro Warns]]>#

Keeping a lush, green lawn takes more than occasional watering and a passing fertilizer treatment. Over-application, poor timing, and using the wrong product are all common mistakes that can cause patchy growth, burned grass, and long-term soil imbalances. Below is a practical guide that explains five frequent lawn-fertilizing errors and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1 — Overfertilizing: too much of a good thing

Overfertilizing is the top cause of burned or scorched grass. Applying excessive nitrogen causes rapid top growth with shallow roots, leaving the lawn stressed and more susceptible to drought and disease. Instead:

• Test your soil first to learn nutrient levels and pH.
• Follow label rates closely; less is usually safer.
• Use slow‑release fertilizers to feed gradually and reduce burn risk.

Mistake 2 — Fertilizing at the wrong time

Different grass types have different growing seasons. Fertilizing cool‑season grasses in late fall or early spring is ideal; warm‑season grasses respond better when actively growing in late spring and summer. General rules:

• Identify your grass type (fescue, bluegrass, bermudagrass, etc.).
• Time applications for peak growth periods to maximize uptake.
• Avoid fertilizing just before a heat wave or predictable drought.

Mistake 3 — Choosing the wrong fertilizer formula

Not every lawn needs the same balance of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Applying a formula mismatched to soil needs wastes product and can harm the environment.

• Use a soil test to determine N-P-K needs.
• Be cautious with high‑phosphorus mixes unless the test shows deficiency.
• Consider a slow‑release nitrogen source for steady, even growth.

Mistake 4 — Poor application technique

Uneven spreaders, overlapping passes, or leaving fertilizer on hard surfaces leads to streaks, runoff, and pollution.

• Calibrate spreaders and walk at a consistent pace.
• Sweep fertilizer from patios and driveways back onto the lawn immediately.
• Water lightly after application only when a product’s instructions call for it.

Mistake 5 — Ignoring lawn health basics

Fertilizer can’t fix compacted soil, poor drainage, or pest damage.

• Aerate compacted lawns and address drainage problems.
• Mow at the recommended height for your grass type to promote strong roots.
• Address pests and weeds before or alongside fertilization for best results.

Quick seasonal calendar

• Early spring (cool‑season lawns): light application as growth begins.
• Late spring/early summer (warm‑season lawns): main feeding once active growth is underway.
• Fall (cool‑season lawns): final slow‑release feeding to strengthen roots for winter.

Final tips

• When in doubt, test your soil — it’s the most cost‑effective way to avoid mistakes.
• Record application dates and products so you can refine your schedule over time.
• If you need an intensive recovery, staged treatments over several weeks are safer than one heavy application.

This article is an original, editorial guide created to help homeowners avoid common lawn‑fertilizing errors. Review and tailor these recommendations to your local climate and lawn type before applying.