As summer winds down, your lawn has likely endured some stress from heat or even patches of disease, causing unsightly brown spots. Fall is the perfect time to give your lawn the boost it needs to fill back in and prepare for the winter ahead. Fertilizing in the fall offers numerous benefits, ensuring your lawn not only survives the winter but thrives next spring.

The Benefits of Fall Fertilization

Fertilizing your lawn in the fall is essential for several reasons:

• Soil Health Improvement: Fall fertilization enhances the overall health of your soil, providing it with essential nutrients that are depleted during the summer months.
• Growth and Recovery: After a summer of stress, your lawn needs to recharge. Fall feeding promotes vigorous growth, helping your lawn fill back in as it begins to grow with the onset of cooler fall weather and more reliable rains.
• Winter Preparation: By fertilizing in the fall, you're preparing your lawn for the winter ahead. The nutrients provided help the grass store energy, which will be crucial for surviving the cold and bouncing back quickly in the spring.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Not all fertilizers are created equal, and using a high-quality product is key to reaping the benefits of fall fertilization. Many discounts fertilizers contain quick-release nutrients that can harm your lawn, causing it to grow too fast and become more susceptible to disease and damage. They also lack (or have very little) essential secondary nutrients needed for optimum soil health.

At Earl May, we take pride in offering only the best for your lawn. Our fertilizers are formulated with a time-release formula, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients over time. This means your lawn stays greener longer, even into the colder months. Specifically designed for Midwest lawns, our products include extra nutrients, including fast-acting iron and sulfur, that are vital for improving soil health and maintaining a lush, green lawn.

When to Apply Earl May Lawn Food

To maximize the benefits of fall fertilization, timing is everything:

• September: Start by applying Earl May Lawn Food to help your lawn recover from the summer stress and begin the process of filling in thin spots.
• Mid-October through November: Follow up with Earl May Fall Lawn Food around the time of your last mowing. This application helps winterize your lawn, storing essential nutrients that will fuel its growth in the spring.

By following this schedule, you ensure that your lawn is well-fed and prepared to face the winter, setting it up for success in the year ahead.

For more monthly lawn care tips, visit our Lawn & Garden Calendar. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, stop by your local Earl May Garden Center, where our experts are always ready to assist!