Can Fertilizer Prevent Weeds From Growing In Your Lawn?

Keeping your lawn weed-free can be an ongoing battle, and if those unwanted plants take root and spread, removing them can be a pretty big job. Not only do weeds create an unsightly landscape, but they compete with your grass for nutrients. As with many things in life, prevention is the best way to minimize the chance of weeds taking over your landscape. While nothing is 100%, providing the right fertilizer for your lawn is a great step toward weed prevention.

Increasing the quality of your soil will promote healthy grass growth and discourage weeds from taking hold because some of these invaders can thrive on soil that lacks nutrients. Many weeds particularly dislike nitrogen, which PennState Extension notes is one of the primary nutrients for turfgrasses, alongside phosphorus and potassium. The university extension also shares a tip about cutting your nitrogen fertilizer use by up to a third by returning your lawn clippings to your yard. Check your soil using a kit, like the Luster Leaf Soil Kit, or send a sample to your local university's extension office to see if any of these primary nutrients are low. Then, adjust your soil as needed to promote healthy grass growth and discourage weeds.

While increasing the nutritional composition of your soil using fertilizer can make your lawn an inhospitable place for unwanted weeds, it also boosts the quality of your grass. A healthy lawn will quickly grow, creating a blanket of healthy plants that will not allow weeds to move in. For best results, apply your fertilizer in the fall to allow your lawn to absorb all of the nutrients in the off-season and reapply in the spring. Be sure to aerate the soil before fertilizing to help it better penetrate the ground, and lay your fertilizer all over the lawn on a dry day, but right before a steady rain — if you can. Mother Nature will help the product seep into the soil for free.

Despite your efforts, you might see a weed or two pop up in your lawn. But don't worry! Quickly identify the offender by snapping a photo and comparing it to a site outlining common weeds in your area, or use an app like Seek by iNaturalist that can identify it right away. Once you know what you're dealing with, take care of it before it spreads. A couple of ways to get rid of weeds in your garden and lawn is by pulling them up or applying an appropriate herbicide, depending on what type of weed you find. Once your lawn is in the clear again, continue prioritizing your grass's health and regular maintenance. Applying nutrient-dense fertilizer, cutting your grass on a schedule, getting the most out of each mow, and nipping any problems you find in the bud will help keep your outdoor space green, healthy, and beautiful.