Feed Me, Seymour! The Smart Way to Fertilize Your Lawn This Summer
By Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control
Your lawn called. It’s hungry.
And just like Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors, it’s saying, “Feed me!” Only instead of human blood (thankfully), it wants nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and a little love.
Summer is peak growing season for many warm-season grasses here in Florida and other sun-drenched states. That makes it the perfect time to get serious about fertilizing. But before you go scattering green granules like confetti, let’s talk about the how, when, and what of proper summer fertilization.
Timing is Everything
If spring is the season for waking up, summer is when your lawn hits the gym. It’s actively growing, photosynthesizing like a champ, and fighting off everything from foot traffic to fungal invasions. Feeding your lawn in early to mid-summer gives it the nutrients it needs to thrive not just survive.
So when exactly should you fertilize?
Warm-season grasses (like St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bermuda) should be fertilized in early summer (June) and again in mid- to late summer (August), depending on weather conditions and the type of fertilizer.
Cool-season grasses (like fescue and bluegrass) take a break during intense summer heat. So skip summer fertilizing for these unless you live in a cooler climate.
Pro tip: Avoid fertilizing right before a rainstorm (hello runoff!) or during a drought unless you’re planning to irrigate. Timing it right ensures the nutrients stay where they belong, feeding your grass, not the storm drain.
Choose the Right Fertilizer
Not all fertilizers are created equal. For summer, slow-release nitrogen is your best friend. It feeds your lawn gradually over time, preventing rapid growth spurts that can stress your grass and your mower.
Look for a balanced N-P-K ratio like 16-4-8 or a product designed specifically for summer lawn health. Want to go the extra mile? Consider fertilizers that include micronutrients like iron or magnesium, these can help boost color without overstimulating growth.
At Westfall’s, we also offer professional-grade, eco-friendly blends that are tailored to our local soils and climate. We’re not just throwing nutrients at the problem. We’re giving your lawn a targeted nutrition plan.
How to Apply (Without Messing It Up)
You wouldn’t take your multivitamin with soda and expect it to work. Same goes for lawn fertilizer, it’s all about the application method.
1. Use a spreader
Broadcast spreaders are great for even coverage. Make sure your spreader is calibrated correctly, too much and you risk burning the lawn, too little and it’s a waste.
2. Water it in
Water activates the fertilizer and helps it reach the roots. Lightly water the lawn after application unless you’re using a liquid formula or the label says otherwise.
3. Mind the edges
Don’t fertilize your driveway. Use a drop spreader or edge guard to avoid waste and pollution.
Want to skip the DIY drama? That’s what we’re here for. Westfall’s offers seasonal fertilization programs that take the guesswork out of lawn care. You get consistent, professional applications with zero hassle and your lawn gets exactly what it needs.
Bonus Tips for Summer Lawn Health
Mow high: Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and promotes deeper roots. Stick to the “one-third rule” (never remove more than a third of the grass blade at once).
Water wisely: Deep and infrequent is better than frequent and shallow. Early morning is the best time to water—less evaporation, less disease.
Watch for pests: A healthy, fertilized lawn is more resistant to chinch bugs, grubs, and other troublemakers. But if they show up, Westfall’s pest control team is always on standby.
In Conclusion: Feed Smart, Not Hard
Your summer lawn isn’t just scenery, it’s your outdoor carpet, your kids’ playground, your Saturday picnic zone. Give it the nutrients it craves, and it will repay you with thick, green, barefoot-worthy beauty.
Need help getting started? Contact Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control today for a customized summer fertilization plan. We bring the expertise, the gear, and the grass-whispering know-how, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view.