June 23, 2025

Summer may be the season for backyard barbecues and barefoot strolls, but it’s also the toughest time of year for your lawn. Scorching heat, minimal rainfall, and heavy foot traffic can leave even the healthiest turf looking tired, dry, and patchy. If your grass is showing signs of stress, you’re not alone—and the solution starts with smart summer feeding. So, does your lawn need fertilizer in the summer? Absolutely. Summer fertilizing isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s essential for helping your grass stay strong, green, and resilient through harsh conditions. The right nutrients can make the difference between a dry, dull yard and a lush oasis you’ll love all season long. In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to choose the best lawn fertilizer for summer based on your grass type, climate, and goals. We’ll break down the science of summer fertilization, review top product picks, share expert application tips, and even cover common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a seasoned lawn care pro or a weekend warrior, this guide will help you keep your grass thriving in the heat. Why Your Lawn Needs Summer Fertilizer Summer might be the season for sunshine and outdoor fun, but for your lawn, it’s also a time of serious stress. With soaring temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and constant foot traffic from pets, kids, and backyard activities, your grass can quickly lose its healthy color and vitality. Add in the fact that much of the nutrients from spring feeding have already been used up, and it’s easy to see why lawns start to struggle mid-season. That’s exactly where the best lawn fertilizer for summer comes in. A high-quality summer fertilizer replenishes your lawn’s depleted nutrient supply and gives it the strength it needs to endure extreme conditions. One of the top summer lawn fertilizer benefits is improved heat resistance, thanks to ingredients like potassium, which helps regulate water movement within the plant and keeps cells strong under stress. Fertilizing in summer also supports deeper root growth, allowing your grass to draw moisture from further down in the soil, especially helpful during droughts. These stronger roots lead to healthier, more drought-tolerant turf. And let’s not forget aesthetics—summer fertilizers promote greener blades, giving your lawn that lush, vibrant look even when your neighbor’s grass is turning yellow. If you’re serious about lawn care in hot weather, applying the best lawn fertilizer for summer is one of the smartest things you can do. It’s a small step with a big payoff: a greener, stronger, more resilient lawn all season long. Top 5 Best Lawn Fertilizers for Summer Choosing the best lawn fertilizer for summer can be the difference between a lush, green oasis and a dry, patchy mess. To help you find the right product for your lawn’s needs, we’ve rounded up five top-rated summer fertilizers that homeowners (and their grass) swear by. 1. Scotts® Turf Builder® SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control Scotts® Turf Builder® SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control is a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the health of their lawn while protecting it from pests. Here’s a detailed look at this product: Key Features: Dual Action Formula: Fertilizes Your Lawn: The lawn food helps to promote strong roots and healthy grass, ensuring a thick, green lawn throughout the summer. Insect Control: The formula includes insect control to protect your lawn from common pests like ants, fleas, ticks, and grubs, which can damage your grass. Slow-Release Nitrogen: Provides a steady supply of nutrients to your lawn, ensuring long-lasting green color without the risk of burning. Protection Against Pests: Kills & Repels: Targets pests that could harm your lawn, such as surface-feeding insects and grubs. It provides up to 3 months of insect control, making it ideal for the summer when pests tend to be more active. Ideal for Summer: Helps protect your lawn against summer stress by providing essential nutrients that encourage heat and drought resistance. Easy to Use: Comes in a granular form that can be easily spread using a broadcast spreader. Designed to be applied during the summer months when your lawn is actively growing. Best For: Drought-prone lawns, insect protection This is a fantastic summer fertilizer for cool-season grass, especially if your lawn sees heavy use and heat exposure. 2. Milorganite® Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer Milorganite® Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer is a trusted choice for homeowners and gardeners looking for an eco-friendly way to nourish their lawns. Here’s an overview of this product: Key Features: Organic and Safe: 100% Organic: Made from heat-dried microbes, Milorganite is a natural, sustainable fertilizer that’s safe for both people and pets once applied. Non-toxic: There are no harmful chemicals, making it a great option for those seeking a more natural way to maintain their lawn. Slow-Release Nitrogen: The slow-release formula feeds your lawn over time, reducing the risk of burning and promoting healthier, more consistent growth. Nitrogen, which is essential for green growth, is slowly made available to the grass for up to 8-10 weeks, providing nutrients in a controlled manner. Improves Soil Health: Helps improve the soil structure by encouraging microbial activity, which boosts overall soil health. Over time, Milorganite contributes to the long-term fertility of your lawn and garden, promoting stronger root systems. Promotes Deep Green Color: Milorganite helps your lawn develop a deep, rich green color without the risk of “burning” the grass like some high-nitrogen chemical fertilizers. The product also works well on various types of grass, making it versatile. No Stinky Smell: Unlike other organic fertilizers, Milorganite has a relatively mild smell, which makes it easy to use without creating an unpleasant odor in your yard. Environmentally Friendly: As an organic fertilizer, it doesn’t contribute to waterway pollution, which is often a concern with synthetic fertilizers that run off into local water systems. Best For: Eco-conscious homeowners, safe for kids and pets Milorganite is one of the best lawn fertilizers for summer if you’re going organic. Plus, it’s great for year-round feeding. 3. Pennington Ultragreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4 Pennington Ultragreen