Transitioning Your Lawn from Summer to Fall: Fertilizer Planning Tips

As summer winds down, your lawn is gearing up for one of the most critical transitions of the year. How you feed your turf in the final stretch of summer can determine how well it handles cooler temperatures, resists disease, and bounces back in spring.

This guide offers key fertilizer strategies to help you shift your lawn care routine from high summer maintenance to early fall preparation—complete with product recommendations from Supply Solutions LLC to get the timing and nutrients just right.

Why Late Summer Fertilization Matters

The end of summer may seem like a winding-down period, but your lawn is still actively growing below the surface:

• Root systems strengthen in late summer to prepare for winter
• Lawns stressed by heat or drought need replenishment
• A well-fed lawn recovers more quickly in spring

Proper fertilization at this stage focuses on root health, energy storage, and turf density—not just top growth.

Key Nutrients to Prioritize

• Nitrogen (N): Still essential, but should taper off toward fall
• Phosphorus (P): Crucial for root development
• Potassium (K): Enhances hardiness, water regulation, and disease resistance

Best Fertilizer Products for the Transition Period

1. 10-10-10 Liquid Fertilizer with Micronutrients

• Balanced formula supports steady nutrient absorption
• Promotes both root and leaf health
• Ideal for late-summer turf and ornamentals

2. Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0-24S

• Boosts nitrogen and sulfur for stressed summer lawns
• Helps turf regain color and density
• Use at reduced rates to avoid overgrowth

3. Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0

• Strengthens cell walls and improves drought resistance
• Supports post-summer root recovery

Application Timeline for Late Summer to Early Fall

Month	Application Type	Recommended Product
August	Light feeding post-heat	10-10-10 Liquid, Calcium Nitrate
September	Root development boost	Ammonium Sulfate, 10-10-10
October	Final prep before dormancy	Balanced granular or slow-release

Tips for Effective Transition Fertilization

• Water well before and after application to aid nutrient absorption
• Mow slightly higher to reduce stress and shade the soil
• Aerate compacted soil before fall feeding to improve uptake
• Avoid heavy nitrogen in late fall to prevent excessive top growth

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the late-summer feed: This can leave turf depleted entering fall
• Overapplying nitrogen: Promotes blade growth over root strength
• Neglecting potassium: Weakens cold and drought resistance
• Using high-salt granulars on dry turf: Risk of burn

Signs Your Lawn Is Ready for Fall Fertilization

• Fading green color or patchy growth
• Slow recovery from mowing or foot traffic
• Recent drought or heat stress
• Soil test shows nutrient depletion

Final Thoughts

Late summer is your window of opportunity to give your lawn a nutritional head start for fall and winter. A well-planned fertilizer program—using products like 10-10-10 Liquid, Ammonium Sulfate, and Calcium Nitrate—ensures that your turf has the strength to endure and the reserves to regrow.

Need help choosing the best fertilizer strategy for your region and turf type?

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Let Supply Solutions LLC help you transition your lawn from summer stress to fall success.