Why Some Lawns Green Up Faster in Spring
Another very important aspect or benefit of the fall (or late summer) fertilization actually has more to do with next spring than anything you will see right now in your Midlothian or Prosper lawn.
You probably notice every spring that some yards green up and pop out of dormancy very quickly, and others take much longer. This is more than likely the result of some lawns being well fed in the fall, and others not.
How Fall Fertilization Affects Spring Performance
A lawn that is well fed in the fall is going to store nutrients (particularly nitrogen) during dormancy. Once spring rolls around, these nutrients will give your lawn the jolt it needs to pop out of dormancy and green up quickly.
What happens with fall fertilization:
- Grass stores nitrogen in roots and crowns
- Nutrients remain available during winter dormancy
- Stored energy fuels rapid spring growth
- Lawn greens up weeks earlier than unfed turf
- Thicker, healthier spring emergence
- Better resistance to early spring stress
What Happens Without Fall Fertilization
Lawns that skip fall feeding:
- Lack stored nutrients for spring growth
- Green up slowly and unevenly
- Stay brown longer in spring
- Start the growing season weak and thin
- Require more inputs to catch up
- Are more vulnerable to weeds and stress
The Science Behind Nutrient Storage
During fall, grass plants prepare for dormancy by:
- Shifting resources from top growth to roots
- Storing carbohydrates and nitrogen
- Building energy reserves for winter survival
- Strengthening root systems
- Preparing for rapid spring growth
Fall fertilization provides the raw materials your turf needs to maximize this natural storage process.
Critical Application Details
Timing: Between now and mid to late September
Fertilizer type: Use a SLOW RELEASE fertilizer!
Why slow release matters:
- Provides extended nutrient availability
- Allows grass time to store nutrients properly
- Reduces risk of burning during warm weather
- Ensures nutrients last through dormancy period
- Maximizes spring green-up benefits
Visible Benefits You'll See Now
While spring green-up is the main benefit, fall fertilization also provides immediate advantages:
- Improved fall color and density
- Faster recovery from summer stress
- Better drought resistance
- Stronger turf going into winter
- Enhanced disease resistance
Don't Skip This Application!
Remember, this application needs to be done between now and mid to late September—using a SLOW RELEASE fertilizer! Missing this window means:
- Slower spring green-up next year
- Watching neighbors' lawns green up while yours stays brown
- Starting spring behind instead of ahead
- Requiring extra applications to catch up
Don't skip it!
Professional Fertilization Programs
At Vista Lawn and Pest, our comprehensive fertilization and weed control programs in Midlothian and Prosper include this critical fall application using professional-grade slow release fertilizers. We ensure proper timing, correct rates, and optimal formulations so your lawn greens up fast and beautiful every spring.
Watch the video below to learn why fall fertilization is the secret to rapid spring green-up in North Texas lawns.
For professional fertilization and weed control services in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
