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:

1. 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.

2. Slow-Release Nitrogen:

   • Provides a steady supply of nutrients to your lawn, ensuring long-lasting green color without the risk of burning.

3. 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.

4. Ideal for Summer:

   • Helps protect your lawn against summer stress by providing essential nutrients that encourage heat and drought resistance.

5. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4 is a high-performance fertilizer designed to provide your lawn with the essential nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.

Here’s a breakdown of this product:

Key Features:

1. High Nitrogen Content (30-0-4):

   • 30% Nitrogen: The high nitrogen content in this fertilizer encourages rapid green-up and healthy grass growth, making it perfect for those who want a deep, rich green lawn.

   • 0% Phosphorus: Ideal for lawns where phosphorus is already present in sufficient amounts, helping to prevent overuse of this nutrient.

   • 4% Potassium: Potassium supports root development and helps the grass endure stress from heat and drought.

2. Promotes Deep Green Color:

   • The high nitrogen content works effectively to give your lawn a vibrant, lush green color, ideal for homeowners looking to make their lawn stand out.

3. Quick and Long-Lasting Results:

   • Pennington Ultragreen provides fast greening in as little as 3-5 days, while its slow-release formula ensures that the benefits last longer, reducing the need for frequent applications.

4. Improves Lawn Health:

   • Helps build thicker, stronger grass that can better resist stress, pests, and diseases. The balance of nitrogen and potassium helps improve root development, which is essential for a healthy lawn.

5. Easy to Apply:

   • Available in granular form, Pennington Ultragreen Lawn Fertilizer is easy to apply using a broadcast spreader. The granular formula allows for even distribution, ensuring consistent coverage across your lawn.

6. Ideal for All Grass Types:

   • Whether you have cool-season or warm-season grasses, Pennington Ultragreen is versatile and works well for most types of grass.

Best For: Fast green-up and extended feeding

This high-nitrogen option is ideal for established lawns that need a strong color boost and endurance through summer.

4. Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore (Organic)

Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore (Organic) is an organic lawn fertilizer designed to improve soil health and promote lush, green grass. It’s an excellent option for homeowners who prefer eco-friendly products and want a natural way to nourish their lawn.

Here’s a breakdown of this product:

Key Features:

1. 100% Organic Formula:

   • Made from natural ingredients, Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore is a safe and eco-friendly option for those looking to avoid chemicals in their lawn care routine.

   • It’s certified organic, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners, as it won’t harm pets, children, or beneficial insects like bees and earthworms.

2. Improves Soil Health:

   • The fertilizer works to improve overall soil quality by encouraging microbial activity. A healthy soil environment ensures that your grass gets the nutrients it needs for strong growth and resilience.

   • The formula enhances the soil’s ability to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

3. Balanced NPK Ratio (10-0-7):

   • 10% Nitrogen: Provides slow-release nitrogen to promote steady, long-term growth.

   • 0% Phosphorus: Helps in root development and promotes the overall health of your grass.

   • 7% Potassium: Supports stress resistance, helping your lawn better tolerate heat and drought conditions.

4. Safe for Pets and Children:

   • Because it’s organic, there’s no need to worry about harmful chemicals. Once applied, it’s safe for family members, including pets, to enjoy the lawn.

5. No Chemical Burn:

   • Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore is designed to feed your lawn slowly, ensuring that nutrients are released at a steady pace, so there’s no risk of burning your grass.

6. Resistant to Stress:

   • It helps lawns build a strong root system that allows them to better withstand environmental stress such as drought, heat, and foot traffic.

Best For: Organic care, family- and pet-safe lawns

If you’re looking for a summer fertilizer for cool-season grass that’s natural and safe, Ringer is a top-tier choice.

5. GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Food for Summer

GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Food for Summer is a specially designed fertilizer to help maintain a healthy, lush, and vibrant lawn during the hot summer months.

Here’s a detailed look at the product:

Key Features:

1. Balanced NPK Formula (27-0-5):

   • 27% Nitrogen: The high nitrogen content promotes a deep, green lawn, encouraging lush growth.

   • 0% Phosphorus: Phosphorus is not needed in most established lawns, so this fertilizer focuses on what’s necessary for the grass.

   • 5% Potassium: Potassium supports grass’ stress resistance, especially important during the heat of summer.

2. Slow-Release Nitrogen:

   • Provides steady nourishment for your lawn over an extended period, ensuring long-lasting green-up without the risk of burning.

   • Helps your lawn stay green even under stress from high temperatures and drought conditions.

3. Summer Lawn Focus:

   • Designed specifically for summer, this fertilizer nourishes grass while helping it withstand the rigors of high heat, foot traffic, and dry conditions.

   • Helps maintain thick, healthy turf that can endure summer stress and stay vibrant throughout the season.

4. Greens Up Your Lawn Quickly:

   • Delivers fast greening results, so you don’t have to wait long to see a visible improvement in your lawn’s appearance.

   • The quick-release nitrogen works to boost the lawn’s appearance almost immediately.

5. Easy to Apply:

   • GreenView Fairway Formula Lawn Food comes in granular form, making it easy to apply using a broadcast spreader for even coverage.

   • It’s designed for use in summer and works efficiently on all types of grass, including cool- and warm-season varieties.

6. No Burn Formula:

   • The slow-release nitrogen formula minimizes the risk of burning your grass, even in the heat of summer.

Best For: Professional-grade results for DIYers

GreenView delivers premium performance, making it a top contender for anyone seeking the best lawn fertilizer for summer with a long-lasting impact.

Each of these products addresses different summer lawn needs—from drought defense and insect protection to organic lawn care. No matter your goal, there’s a fertilizer here that will help your grass thrive all summer long.

When and How to Apply Summer Fertilizer (Step-by-Step)

Knowing when to apply summer fertilizer is just as important as choosing the right product. Apply it incorrectly, and you risk burning your lawn—or wasting those precious nutrients altogether. Here’s how to get it right from the start.

Best Time of Day

The ideal time to fertilize is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Midday heat can evaporate moisture too quickly and may stress the grass.

Ideal Weather Conditions

Choose a day that’s mild and overcast, or just before light rain is expected. Avoid fertilizing during heat waves or when the soil is bone dry.

Lawn Prep

Before applying the best lawn fertilizer for summer, mow your grass to a moderate height and clear away clippings. A day before fertilizing, lightly water your lawn—this helps reduce stress and aids nutrient absorption.

Spreaders: Drop vs Broadcast

• Use a broadcast spreader for wide, even coverage on large lawns.

• Use a drop spreader for smaller or tight areas where precision is key.
  

How Often to Apply

Most summer fertilizers last 6–8 weeks. However, always check your product’s label for exact timing. Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good.

If you’re wondering how to fertilize a lawn in summer without damaging it, just follow these simple steps. Paired with the best lawn fertilizer for summer, proper timing and technique will keep your grass green, strong, and stress-resistant.

Organic and DIY Summer Fertilizer Options

If you’re looking for a greener, more sustainable way to care for your lawn, organic summer lawn fertilizer options are a fantastic alternative. Whether you’re concerned about kids, pets, or simply prefer a chemical-free approach, natural fertilizers offer plenty of benefits, especially during the heat of summer.

Simple DIY options include:

• Compost: Packed with nutrients and beneficial microbes that improve soil structure.

• Grass clippings: Let them decompose naturally to return nitrogen to the soil.

• Coffee grounds: Rich in nitrogen and organic matter.

• Bone meal: Provides phosphorus and calcium, ideal for strong root growth.

These natural lawn care for summer methods feed your grass gently without the risk of burning or overfeeding—something that’s especially helpful in hot, dry conditions. Organic fertilizers also support long-term soil health, encouraging stronger roots and better moisture retention over time.

While store-bought products are more convenient, DIY solutions can still be part of your strategy. In fact, alternating between organic and conventional products often gives the best results. So if you’re looking for the best lawn fertilizer for summer that’s both safe and effective, consider blending in some of these organic options—it’s lawn care with a conscience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Summer Fertilizing

Even when using the best lawn fertilizer for summer, simple missteps can sabotage your results—or worse, harm your grass. Avoiding these common summer fertilizing mistakes will help ensure your lawn stays healthy, green, and stress-free.

Over-Fertilizing

Too much of a good thing can be damaging. Over-fertilizing in summer can lead to chemical burns, especially when the soil is dry or the weather is hot. Always follow the product’s application rate and timing instructions.

Fertilizing During a Heatwave

Applying fertilizer when temperatures are soaring above 85°F can stress your lawn further. Wait for a cooler stretch of weather or apply early in the morning when it’s cooler.

Using the Wrong NPK Ratio

High-nitrogen fertilizers may cause rapid, weak top growth that wilts in the sun. Choose the best lawn fertilizer for summer with a balanced or potassium-rich formula that supports root strength and stress tolerance.

Not Watering After Application

Failing to water in the fertilizer can leave nutrients sitting on the blades, increasing the risk of burn and reducing absorption. Always water your lawn after applying any fertilizer unless the label says otherwise.

Avoid these pitfalls, and your summer lawn will stay healthier, greener, and more resilient.

FAQs About Summer Lawn Fertilization

Still have questions about how to manage your lawn during the summer heat? You’re not alone! Here are answers to some of the most common concerns about summer fertilizing, because getting it right makes all the difference.

1. Can I fertilize during a drought?

It’s not ideal. During severe drought, grass goes dormant and won’t absorb nutrients effectively. Wait until after a light rain or water deeply a day before applying the best lawn fertilizer for summer to avoid waste and stress.

2. Is it safe to mow after fertilizing?

Yes, but timing matters. Mow before fertilizing for better absorption. After application, wait until the fertilizer has been watered in and dried before mowing again—usually about 24–48 hours.

3. How soon will I see results?

With fast-release formulas, you may see greener blades in 3–7 days. Slow-release fertilizers take longer but offer steady results over weeks—ideal for consistent summer color.

4. Can I fertilize newly seeded lawns in summer?

It’s tricky. Young grass is sensitive, so use a starter fertilizer designed for new seed or wait until fall. Avoid high-nitrogen blends that can burn tender seedlings.

5. Should I fertilize if I have an irrigation system?

Absolutely. In fact, regular watering can enhance nutrient uptake. Just be sure not to overwater immediately after applying the best lawn fertilizer for summer.

Conclusion

Summer lawn care can be challenging, but the right fertilizer makes all the difference. By using the best lawn fertilizer for summer, you’re giving your grass the nutrients it needs to stay green, resilient, and healthy—even under heat and stress.

Need help picking the right one? Here are our top recommendations:

• 💸 Budget-friendly: Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer – affordable, long-lasting, and safe.

• 🌿 Organic option: Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore – all-natural and pet-safe.

• ⚡ Fastest results: Pennington Ultragreen 30-0-4 – quick green-up and extended feeding.

Whether your goal is lush appearance or long-term lawn health, choosing the right fertilizer is key. Don’t let summer heat win—feed your lawn smart.