How Often Should I Fertilise My Lawn?
Not sure how often to feed your lawn? Learn the factors that decide fertiliser frequency — soil, grass type, fertiliser type, and lawn use — and build a simple annual plan.
Diagnose the Problem
There's no single answer — it depends on your soil, grass, fertiliser type, and how much you use the lawn. But most UK lawns need 2 feeds a year, and hardworking lawns need 4–5.
Soil type
Sandy soils leach nutrients fast and need more frequent feeding. Clay soils hold nutrients longer.
Grass species
Ryegrass and fescue need less feeding. Bentgrass (golf-style) needs frequent, precise nitrogen.
Fertiliser type
Slow-release feeds last 8–12 weeks (2 feeds a year). Quick-release feeds last 4–6 weeks (more frequent, lower doses).
Lawn use
Family lawns with heavy footfall need more feeding than low-use ornamental lawns.
Clippings
If you collect clippings, you remove nutrients and need to feed more. Mulching clippings returns nutrients.
The Solution
For most UK lawns, a simple two-feed plan works. For a show-quality or high-use lawn, use four feeds. Here's the plan:
Spring feed (March–April)
Apply a high-nitrogen spring/summer fertiliser (e.g. 9-7-7) at 35g per m². This drives the strong green growth your lawn needs after winter.
Summer top-up (June–July, optional)
For high-use lawns, a light balanced feed with magnesium maintains colour and stress resistance. Skip if there's a drought.
Autumn feed (September–October)
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium autumn fertiliser (e.g. 3-12-12). This builds root strength and disease resistance for winter.
Winter moss treatment (November–February, if needed)
If moss is a problem, apply a high-iron product. This greens without soft growth and blackens moss for spring removal.
Use the Fertiliser Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of fertiliser per application based on your lawn size and the product's application rate.
Recommended Products
Shop spring, summer, autumn and winter fertilisers — plus slow-release and high-iron options for a full annual plan.
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