Fertilize Your Yard In The Georgia Spring

Spring Fertilization: What Your Georgia Lawn Really Needs

Spring is here in Georgia, and your lawn is waking up. The grass is starting to green, the weather’s warming up, and it’s time to give your yard a little boost to help it thrive. Fertilizing in spring is one of the most important things you can do for a healthy, green lawn—but it’s not just about tossing down any old fertilizer and hoping for the best.

Let’s break down what your lawn actually needs this time of year, especially here in the Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair, GA areas.

Why Fertilize in Spring?

After winter, your lawn is hungry. Fertilizing in the spring gives it the nutrients it needs to green up faster, build a stronger root system, and prepare for the heat and stress of a Georgia summer. The right fertilizer now helps with:

• Faster spring green-up

• Healthier roots

• Better weed resistance

• Improved drought and disease tolerance

But timing and the right product make a big difference.

Know Your Grass Type

Not all grass is the same—and not all fertilizers are, either. In Georgia, you’re likely dealing with one of two categories:

Warm-Season Grasses

Common types: Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine

• These grasses thrive in Georgia’s hot climate.

• Wait until the lawn is fully green and actively growing—usually around late April or early May—before fertilizing.

• Look for a fertilizer with a good amount of nitrogen (the first number on the bag).

  
  

Cool-Season Grasses

Common type: Tall Fescue (mostly in North Georgia)

• These grasses prefer cooler temps and don’t love the summer heat.

• Fertilize lightly in early spring (late February to March), but save the heavier feeding for fall.

• Choose a balanced fertilizer to avoid stressing the lawn before summer.

  
  

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Every fertilizer bag shows three numbers—something like 16-4-8 or 29-0-10. These stand for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

Here’s what they do:

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes green growth

• Phosphorus (P): Helps with root development

• Potassium (K): Strengthens the lawn against stress and disease

For most warm-season lawns in Georgia, something like 16-4-8 or 29-0-10 is a solid choice. Go for one with slow-release nitrogen—it feeds your lawn gradually, which means fewer growth spurts and less mowing.

Do a Soil Test First

Before fertilizing, it’s a smart move to do a soil test. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers an affordable option that tells you exactly what your lawn needs—so you’re not just guessing.

A soil test checks:

• Nutrient levels

• Soil pH

• Any deficiencies that could be holding your lawn back

It’s one of the easiest ways to get better results from your lawn care.

Quick Tips for a Healthy Spring Lawn

• Wait until the lawn is fully green before fertilizing. Early fertilizing can stress warm-season grass or go to waste.

• Water your lawn after applying fertilizer. This helps it reach the roots where it’s needed.

• Mow regularly, but don’t cut it too short. Taller grass helps shade out weeds and builds stronger roots.

• Watch for weeds. If you didn’t apply a pre-emergent herbicide earlier in the season, spot-treat any weeds that pop up.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Spring fertilization is your lawn’s first real meal of the season, and it sets the tone for the months ahead. Whether you’re trying to get a golf-course-worthy lawn or just want something green and healthy to enjoy, taking the time to fertilize properly can make all the difference.

Start with a soil test, pick the right fertilizer for your grass type, and time it right—and you’ll be well on your way to a lawn that looks great all summer long. As a lawn specialist in the Morgan, Putnam, Greene and Baldwin Counties, I am happy to help you throughout the fertilizing process.