A Greener Lawn This Winter

As a Lawn Mowing Contractor, I've been asked many times over many years, "Can Lawns Be Fertilised In Winter?". Let's have a look...

The Simple Answer

Yes, lawns can be fertilised over Winter, however a different type of fertiliser must be used in our lawn care at this time of year. Winter fertilisers are different to other lawn fertilisers in that they contain high levels of Iron which help strengthen and green up lawns over the colder months. The other major differences between these two types of lawn fertilisers, is that the Winter variety usually contain no other trace elements, and can often not have Phosphate in the mix of nutrients. These differences are formulated specifically for the Winter requirements of all lawns.

Applying Winter Lawn Fertiliser

Winter fertilisers should be applied the same as any other type of lawn fertiliser, following the manufacturers directions first.

Aim to have the first Winter fertiliser applied BEFORE Winter arrives, generally this will be in May. This prepares a lawn for Winter by increasing it's Iron levels and general health. If this is not done, a lawn will enter the cold season in a weakened condition, and there is no other second opportunity to regain this lawn care health.

The second application should be 8 weeks later, which follows general fertilising guidelines. In this case we are looking at a July application, which will feed the lawn with Iron and nutrients to help sustain it for the rest of the cold months.

Expecting Miracles

Depending on the coldness of the Winter, and the actual temperature of the soil, results can vary from fertilising in Winter. While the nutrients are important to the lawn, and will improve the appearance of the lawn in most cases, sudden growths are not expected. If a lawn is in poor health, and an application of Winter fertiliser is applied, it generally will not turn the problem around. Winter lawn fertilising should be included inside of a proper year round fertilising and lawn care regime.

Lawn Fertilising After Winter

Winter fertilising is now taken care of, once in May before Winter, and once in July during Winter. It's as easy as that.

The next fertilising in our lawn care is due in September, at the beginning of Spring, using a standard lawn fertiliser.

Lawn Care Tip

Being high in Iron, the Winter fertilisers we use for our lawn care also have the ability to stain pathways and driveways with drips of rust. This occurs when the fertiliser isn't applied carefully to the lawn, and over spreads onto surrounding areas. When the water arrives, the Iron is released from the fertiliser, resulting in rust stains. Prevent this by careful application or blowing paths clean after fertilising, and before watering.