Skip to Content

The Best Lawn Fertilizers to Maintain Lush, Green Grass

Choose the right product for your yard.

By
best lawn fertilizers
ronstik//Getty Images

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It’s often said that the grass isn't always greener on the other side—but with the right care, it certainly can be. Imagine a lush, envy-inducing lawn that could give the pastures of Drummond Ranch a run for their money. (Okay., maybe not quite that iconic—but close!) The secret? It all starts with the right fertilizer. Here's the catch: not all lawns are created equal and neither are fertilizers. To simplify your search, shop from this list of the best grass fertilizers, all of which are perfect for preparing any lawn for the seasons ahead.

Lawn fertilizers can be found in both granular and liquid formulas and contain three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K). These are responsible for making your grass green, promoting root development, and keeping it strong no matter the conditions. Synthetic options work quickly but may be harsher on your lawn while the natural ingredients in organic fertilizers offer slow and steady release and won’t burn your lawn.

As for liquid or granular fertilizers, liquid has a quick-release formula that is sprayed across the lawn and granular comes as dry pellets with slow-release qualities, typically over a six to eight-week period. You can also find formulas for different seasons or all-season options. Once you find the formula that's right for your lawn, only fertilize when necessary to avoid leaf burn. Then, water thoroughly to ensure the nutrients soaks in. Once you've got a well-fed and healthy yard, consider landscaping ideas to really bring your lawn to life!

Check out even more helpful lawn care tips:

This popular pick delivers impressive greening power at an accessible price point. Its slow-release formula provides a steady, long-lasting supply of nutrients—nourishing the lawn gradually over ten weeks. Enriched with essential micronutrients such as iron and nitrogen, it promotes dense, vibrant growth without encouraging excessive top growth. The extended-release design may also help reduce watering needs and minimize mowing frequency. It's also non-toxic, making it safe for both pets and people.

NPK Ratio: 6-4-0
Release Rate:Slow-release
Application Type: Granular
Feed Duration: Up to 10 weeks
Coverage:2,500 square feet
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
Now 11% Off
Credit: Walmart

As a staple in lawn care, Scotts has earned its reputation for reliability and performance. This particular formula is especially well-suited for homeowners who prefer a fuss-free approach—it works across all grass types and in any season, making it a convenient choice for a wide range of lawns. With 32% nitrogen, it encourages lush, vibrant growth by reinforcing root strength and boosting nutrient and water uptake. It's also formulated with safety in mind, so it can be used confidently around children and pets. However, users should take care when applying, as overuse can lead to lawn burn despite its ability to repair damaged areas.

NPK Ratio: 32-0-4
Release Rate:Combination
Application Type: Granular
Feed Duration: 6-8 weeks
Coverage:5,000 square feet
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Andersons PGF Complete Lawn Fertilizer
Credit: Amazon

According to the manufacturer, a year of researching and testing lent itself to this fertilizer which combines other top products plus all the needed plant nutrients into a single all-in-one formula. It's a professional grade fertilizer made available to the average homeowner for high grade growing and greening results on all grass throughout all seasons. Additional ingredients like humid acid will enrich soil, quicken greening, and increase turf quality. Slow release nitrogen provides uniform growth and extended feeding for up to eight weeks.

NPK Ratio: 16-4-8
Release Rate:Combination
Application Type: Granular
Feed Duration: Up to 8 weeks
Coverage:5,000 square feet

If you're looking for a liquid fertilizer, this complete nitrogen, phosphate, and potash formula will provide green results and promote lush growth for all grass types—all in a ready-to-use sprayer. Those high-quality ingredients will improve root vigor and support essential plant functions, too. And to enhance the formula even further, this fertilizer also contains both seaweed and fish (which work as a burn-free nitrogen) to provide your lawn with additional nutrients. Just make sure your lawn is watered sufficiently to ensure proper nutrient absorption and let it dry before sending the dogs or kids out.

NPK Ratio: 16-4-8
Release Rate:Quick-release
Application Type: Liquid
Feed Duration: 4-6 weeks
Coverage:3,200 square feet
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Here's another all natural and organic formula that won’t pollute the environment or harm pets and children—but this one is specifically built to repair and revitalize thin grass to leave you with healthy and thick turf. Nitrogen will give you a greener lawn in just three to five days, while other naturally derived plant food ingredients won't deprive the soil of nutrients or burn your lawn as it works to increase soil biological activity, nourish grass, and strengthen root systems. It will also help the grass withstand outside stresses.

NPK Ratio: 9-0-2
Release Rate:Slow-release
Application Type: Granular
Feed Duration: Up to 8 weeks
Coverage:5,000 square feet

When starting a new lawn, finding the right nutrients for your soil is essential. That's where this formula comes into play! It's said to grow all new grass (including seeds, sod, and plugs) 70% thicker and 35% quicker versus unfed grass. The nutrients makeup helps establish roots and healthy blades, plus it works quickly to deliver the needed ingredients during the lawn’s six-week germination period. Better yet, it's a kid and pet-friendly formula. But be sure to use it correctly to prevent any runoff pollution.

NPK Ratio: 24-25-4
Release Rate:Slow-release
Application Type: Granular
Feed Duration: Up to 8 weeks
Coverage:5,000 square feet
Headshot of Macie Reynolds
Macie Reynolds
Assistant Editor

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

Watch Next 
Video poster
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below