Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make with Lawn Fertilization

Avoid These Common Errors to Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy All Season Long

Fertilizing your lawn might seem straightforward—just apply the product and watch your grass grow. But there’s more science (and timing) involved than many homeowners realize. At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we’ve seen plenty of well-intentioned fertilizing go wrong, leading to patchy growth, burned grass, or wasted effort.

Here are the top 5 lawn fertilization mistakes we see in Western Chicago—and how to avoid them.

1. Over-Fertilizing the Lawn

More isn’t always better. One of the most common errors is applying too much fertilizer, thinking it will make the grass grow faster or greener. Unfortunately, over-fertilization can "burn" the grass, causing discoloration or even killing parts of your lawn. It can also contribute to runoff, polluting local waterways.

Tip: Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label precisely. For most lawns, applying fertilizer 2 to 4 times per year is enough—any more can do more harm than good.

2. Fertilizing at the Wrong Time

Timing matters. Applying fertilizer during the wrong season or during extreme heat can cause stress to your lawn rather than strengthening it.

In Western Chicago, the best times to fertilize cool-season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue) are:

• Early spring – to wake up the lawn after winter.

• Late spring or early summer – to fuel strong growth.

• Early fall – to help the lawn recover from summer stress and prepare for winter.

Tip: Avoid fertilizing in the peak of summer heat. The grass is often semi-dormant, and fertilizing during dormancy can waste product and harm your lawn.

3. Using the Wrong Type of Fertilizer

All fertilizers are not created equal. Different types of lawns—and even different times of the year—call for different formulations. Some fertilizers are slow-release, while others are quick-acting. Some are designed specifically for spring growth, while others are better for fall prep.

Tip: Choose a fertilizer based on your grass type, soil condition, and season. If you're unsure, a soil test can guide you in selecting a product with the right balance of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

4. Not Watering Properly After Fertilizing

Applying fertilizer without watering it in can lead to uneven distribution—or worse, waste. Water activates the fertilizer and helps it soak into the soil where the roots can absorb it. Without watering, the granules may sit on top of the soil and be blown away or washed off later.

Tip: Water your lawn within 24 hours of applying granular fertilizer—ideally right after application. But don’t overdo it: a light watering is usually enough.

5. Ignoring Weeds Before Fertilizing

Applying fertilizer to a lawn full of weeds can backfire. Why? Because weeds will benefit just as much—if not more—than your grass from the added nutrients. You might end up with stronger, faster-growing weeds instead of the lush lawn you envisioned.

Tip: Address major weed issues before applying fertilizer. Consider a pre-emergent weed control product in early spring or spot-treatment throughout the growing season.

Final Thoughts

Fertilizing your lawn the right way can make all the difference between a dull yard and a vibrant, healthy landscape. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can save time, money, and frustration—and get the green lawn you’ve been aiming for.

Need help creating a custom fertilization plan or want a professional team to handle it for you? Skyline Exteriors Landscaping offers full-service lawn care for homeowners in the Western Chicago area. Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s grow something great together.