Why Your Lawn Needs One Last Feed Before Winter—and the Best Fertilizers to Use

Click here to read the original article featuring Landscape Barn.

By  Casey Clark

Updated Sep 16, 2025 at 7:07 AM EDT

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Winter is right around the corner, and if you have green grass in your yard, you know what that means—it’s time to start preparing your lawn for winter, which includes giving it one last feed. Perhaps you already do this, but if it’s a step you’ve bypassed before, then you’ll want to think twice this year as it can make a big difference in the winter, spring and beyond.

“While grass growth slows above ground as temperatures drop, the roots remain active and benefit greatly from a nutrient boost,” says Chris Taylor, professional gardener and owner of Chris Taylor Gardening. “Feeding at this time strengthens the roots, helps the grass store nutrients, and prepares it to withstand frost and snow.”

We spoke with lawn experts about the importance of giving your lawn one last feed ahead of winter. IN this article, you’ll find out why you need to fertilize before winter and which fertilizers you can consider using to make this process easier.

Why Your Lawn Needs One Last Feed Before Winter

Most people think that grass doesn’t grow in the winter, but that’s inaccurate. According to Alex Frezza of TGW Landscaping, lawns don’t grow as fast during these months as during spring and summer, but grass roots remain active during the winter. “By treating your grass before the winter, you’re ensuring there are proper nutrients at the root over the winter months and prepping for spring,” Frezza says.

Additionally, giving your lawn one last feed at this point will give the grass strength, ensuring that, come spring, it will be thicker and greener. “I would plan on doing this mid to late fall, typically a couple of weeks before the first freeze,” says Dawn DeFeo, head of landscaping and gardening at Landscape Barn.

However, it’s important to get the window between summer and winter just right. According to Lucie Bradley, an expert gardener at Easy Garden Irrigation, you’ll want to wait until daytime temperatures are consistently below 50°F. Then you’ll know the growth of your grass has slowed down or is just about to stop.

How to Give Your Lawn One Last Feed

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It’s not that difficult to give your lawn one last feed if you know what you’re doing and have the right fertilizer.

First, pick a time when it won’t rain for at least 48 hours after you plan on fertilizing. Then, to figure out how much fertilizer you need, measure your lawn. “You’ll need your total square footage and then divide that number by 1000,” says Frezza. For every 1000, you’ll need one pound of feed, according to Frezza.

“Make sure the grass is cut in advance and any branches or leaves are blown away,” Frezza explains. “Then, using a spreader, you want to apply the feed in two different phases. The first phase should spread half the seed north and south, and the second phase should spread the other half east and west. You’ll want to water it right after or at least within 24 hours.”

The Best Fertilizers for Lawns

When it comes to giving your lawn one last feed, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the best possible fertilizer.

According to Frezza, most fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. “Potassium is the best for winter feeds because it helps prevent stress on the grass in the cold and ice weather,” she tells DenGarden.

Taylor adds that the best lawn fertilizers for winter are those labeled as “fall lawn food” or “winterizer.” “These are specially formulated with lower nitrogen levels and higher potassium, which is exactly what lawns need going into winter,” he says.

According to Bradley, it’s best to have nitrogen included in a fertilizer as a slow-release version as this ensures that your lawn will receive a steady supply over the coming months, rather than a boost after feeding which could cause rapid growth at the wrong time of year.

Best Lawn Fertilizers You Can Buy

Our lawn experts have some fertilizer recommendations you’ll want to consider for your winter feed.

DeFeo recommends organic options such as Espoma Lawn Food or Milorganite since these can help improve soil health and prevent burning the grass during the process.

Some other fertilizers that are high in potassium and nitrogen are Scott’s Turf Builder Lawn Food and Expert Gardener Lawn Fertilizer that is designed to feed for up to three months.

At the end of the day, it’s important to care for your lawn year-round—your lawn grass may be about to go dormant, but it’s very much alive and needs those nutrients.

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