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7 Best Summer Lawn Care Fertilizers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Green Max Lawn FoodFL, Lawn Fertilizer Plus Iron Supplement for Greener Grass, 10,000 sq. ft., 30.30 lbs.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,460
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release
Application Method

Most important from
8612 reviews

Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release
Expect very green grass in a very short period of time.
Application Method
After following the instructions and watering the lawn post-application, patches of light-colored grass turned green, and the lawn appeared much better.

Scotts Green Max Lawn FoodFL is a well-regarded summer lawn care fertilizer that stands out for its dual-action formula combining fertilizer and iron supplement. An impressive feature is its ability to feed the lawn for up to 3 months while providing visible greening in just 3 days, thanks to Scotts All-in-One Particles technology, which ensures a balanced distribution of nutrients in each particle. This makes it convenient for homeowners who want quick results and long-lasting care without frequent applications.

Additionally, it's suitable for all grass types, enhancing its versatility. The product covers a substantial area of 10,000 sq. ft., making it ideal for medium to large lawns. Its slow-release nature helps maintain nutrient availability over time, reducing the need for constant reapplication.

However, it's important to note that Scotts Green Max Lawn FoodFL is only available in Florida, which limits its accessibility to residents in other regions. Also, while the granule form is easy to apply, users must water their lawn post-application to activate the formula, adding an extra step to the process. The N-P-K ratio of 33:0:2 is highly nitrogen-focused, which is excellent for promoting grass growth but may lack balanced support for root development.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,460
Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release
Application Method

Most important from
8612 reviews

Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release
Expect very green grass in a very short period of time.
Application Method
After following the instructions and watering the lawn post-application, patches of light-colored grass turned green, and the lawn appeared much better.
#2

Scotts Turf Builder Southern Summer and Spring All-In-One Particle Heat and Drought Protection Lawn Food Granules for 15,000 Square Feet

Rating
9.4
Weed and Pest Control

Most important from
3461 reviews

Weed and Pest Control
I use the weed and feed for early spring, and then switch to this turf builder for the summer. It works better at building the lawn and choking out thin unwanted grass.

The Scotts Turf Builder Southern Summer and Spring All-In-One Particle is a solid choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lawn in Southern climates. One of its strengths is its tailored formulation for Southern lawns, making it effective for grass types like Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia. This fertilizer is designed to be applied in both Spring and Summer, which provides flexibility in your lawn care routine.

Covering up to 15,000 square feet, it is suitable for large lawns, and the granules ensure consistent distribution of nutrients, promoting even growth and color. The product also enhances root strength, improving resilience against heat and drought, which are common in Southern regions. Additionally, its formulation aids in better water and nutrient absorption, contributing to a healthier lawn.

One of the major conveniences is that you can re-enter the lawn immediately after application, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without interruption. Despite these minor shortcomings, it is a reliable product for enhancing lawn health in Southern climates.

Rating
9.4
Weed and Pest Control

Most important from
3461 reviews

Weed and Pest Control
I use the weed and feed for early spring, and then switch to this turf builder for the summer. It works better at building the lawn and choking out thin unwanted grass.
#3

Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control, 13.35 lbs., 5,000 sq. ft.

Rating
9.2
Application Method
Weed and Pest Control

Most important from
7780 reviews

Application Method
Easy to apply and noticeable difference in the lawn in just a couple of weeks.
Weed and Pest Control
An absolute winner for maintaining a vibrant, healthy lawn while tackling pesky insects.

Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control is a comprehensive summer lawn care solution designed to feed your lawn while also protecting it against various pests. This product stands out due to its dual functionality—providing both nutrients and insect control. The fertilizer comes in a granulated form, making it easy to apply to a dry lawn, and it covers up to 5,000 square feet, making it suitable for medium to large lawns. Additionally, it works on all grass types, which adds to its versatility.

One key strength is its balanced N-P-K ratio tailored for summer conditions, designed to help lawns withstand heat and drought. It also includes slow-release elements which help maintain lawn health over a longer period. On the downside, the primary drawback is that it is synthetic, which may not appeal to those looking for organic lawn care options. Another potential issue is the need to apply it when insect activity is observed, which requires the user to monitor their lawn more closely.

The Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard is ideal for homeowners looking for an easy-to-apply, dual-purpose lawn care product to maintain a healthy and pest-free lawn during the summer months.

Rating
9.2
Application Method
Weed and Pest Control

Most important from
7780 reviews

Application Method
Easy to apply and noticeable difference in the lawn in just a couple of weeks.
Weed and Pest Control
An absolute winner for maintaining a vibrant, healthy lawn while tackling pesky insects.

Buying Guide for the Best Summer Lawn Care Fertilizers

Choosing the right summer lawn care fertilizer is essential for maintaining a healthy, green lawn during the hot months. Fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients that grass needs to grow strong and resist stress from heat and drought. When selecting a fertilizer, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your lawn's needs. This guide will help you navigate through the important factors to consider so you can make an informed decision and keep your lawn looking its best all summer long.
N-P-K RatioThe N-P-K ratio represents the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes lush, green growth; phosphorus supports root development; and potassium enhances overall plant health and stress resistance. For summer lawn care, a balanced or slightly higher nitrogen ratio is often recommended to maintain green color and growth. Ratios like 20-5-10 or 15-0-15 are common. Choose a ratio based on your lawn's specific needs: higher nitrogen for green growth, more phosphorus for root development, and potassium for stress resistance.
Slow-Release vs. Quick-ReleaseSlow-release fertilizers gradually release nutrients over time, providing a steady supply to the grass and reducing the risk of burning. Quick-release fertilizers deliver nutrients rapidly, which can be beneficial for a quick green-up but may require more frequent applications. For summer, slow-release fertilizers are generally preferred as they provide consistent nutrition and reduce the risk of burning the grass in hot weather. However, if your lawn needs an immediate boost, a quick-release option might be suitable for short-term use.
Organic vs. SyntheticOrganic fertilizers are made from natural materials and release nutrients slowly as they break down, improving soil health over time. Synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured and provide nutrients more quickly. Organic options are great for long-term soil health and sustainability, while synthetic fertilizers can offer more immediate results. Consider your lawn care philosophy and long-term goals when choosing between organic and synthetic fertilizers. If you prefer a natural approach and are patient with results, organic is the way to go. For faster, more controlled outcomes, synthetic fertilizers might be more appropriate.
Application MethodFertilizers can be applied in various forms, including granular, liquid, and spike. Granular fertilizers are easy to spread and provide a slow, steady release of nutrients. Liquid fertilizers are absorbed quickly and can be applied with a hose-end sprayer for even coverage. Spikes are convenient for targeted feeding but may not provide even distribution. Choose the application method that best fits your lawn size and your preference for ease of use. Granular is often preferred for larger lawns, while liquid can be great for quick absorption and smaller areas.
Weed and Pest ControlSome fertilizers come with added weed and pest control ingredients, which can save time and effort by combining feeding and protection in one step. These products can help prevent common summer weeds and pests from damaging your lawn. If your lawn is prone to weeds or pests, consider a fertilizer with these added benefits. However, if you prefer to handle weed and pest control separately or have specific issues that need targeted treatments, a plain fertilizer might be a better choice.

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