Is soil warm enough to apply fertilizer - Ask Extension
When can lawn food be applied ?
Grass is greening and beginning to grow, but temps still in 40s often
Knowledgebase
Is soil warm enough to apply fertilizer #927409
Asked April 03, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT
When can lawn food be applied ?
Grass is greening and beginning to grow, but temps still in 40s often
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
A turfgrass fertilization guide from Pennsylvania State University states that high rates of nitrogen on the turf in early spring encourages excessive foliar growth, which uses up carbohydrate reserves meant for root development and disease resistance. Michigan State University Extension’s Lawn Care Tip Sheet advises avoiding fertilization until May. This may be counter to the advertisements we hear on the television promoting combination products that fertilize the lawn early in spring and are also meant to control crabgrass.
See attached for more information.
When should I fertilize my lawn during spring? - Gardening in Michigan
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
A turfgrass fertilization guide from Pennsylvania State University states that high rates of nitrogen on the turf in early spring encourages excessive foliar growth, which uses up carbohydrate reserves meant for root development and disease resistance. Michigan State University Extension’s Lawn Care Tip Sheet advises avoiding fertilization until May. This may be counter to the advertisements we hear on the television promoting combination products that fertilize the lawn early in spring and are also meant to control crabgrass.
See attached for more information.
When should I fertilize my lawn during spring? - Gardening in Michigan
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
