The Grass Doctor

When to use winterizer on the grass?

The weather is getting cold, and I am wondering how to take good care of my grass? I heard somebody talking about, putting winterizer on the grass, but I am not sure what it is. Someone please explain to me what winterizer is and when to use it on my lawn. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. There is a huge debate on what kind of fertilizer to apply for the winter. Some say high in nitrogen (top growth), and others say high in phosphorous (root growth). Although I am not an expert, I would lean towards the heavier root growth in the fall. This means looking for a fertilizer with the middle number higher than the first or last. Here is a description of the 3 numbers shown on fertilizer bags: Nitrogen is the first of the three numbers on the label, and it is the nutrient needed to make the lawn a dark, lush green color. Phosphorous is the second number, and it helps the growth of strong, deep roots. Potassium is the third number, and it gives the plant structure endurance for high traffic or extreme weather conditions. I live near a lake, so no one around here use fertilizers at all. We have the "natural look", (i.e. lots of weeds, lol ). But, if you are in an area where the appearance of your lawn is important to you, a fall application would be beneficial. I am not sure where you are located, but you need to do the fall application ASAP, even if you are down south. I am in the extreme northern section of the US, and it is too late here. An application of fertilizer right now in areas that have already had a freeze would not be extremely beneficial this fall, but some of chemicals may last until the spring, and help your lawn then. If you haven't had a freeze yet, I would suggest heading off to your nearest lawn and garden center, and putting down an application as soon as you can. GOOD LUCK :-)