10 Best Fall Lawn Fertilizers 2025 in the United States

The Jonathan Green Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer is designed specifically for seeding and sodding, making it a great option for those looking to establish new grass in their lawns. The 12-18-8 N-P-K ratio indicates a high phosphorus content, which is essential for developing strong roots in new grass seedlings. This makes it particularly effective for those starting a lawn from seed or laying down sod, as it promotes deep and dense root growth.

Another advantage is the inclusion of humates, which enhance nutrient availability and help the grass absorb these nutrients more efficiently, feeding your lawn for up to 2 months. The fertilizer is easy to apply with various spreaders, and a single 45 lb bag can cover a sizable area of up to 15,000 sq. ft., making it cost-effective for larger lawns.

A consideration is that it is a granular fertilizer, so it should be applied carefully to ensure even coverage and to avoid over-fertilizing any one spot. The product's large bag size (45 pounds) can be heavy and cumbersome to handle for some users. The Jonathan Green Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer is well-suited for homeowners looking to establish a new lawn in the fall or spring, but those with smaller lawns may want to look elsewhere.

The Scotts Turf Builder Plan for Small Northern Lawns is a comprehensive four-part system designed to simplify lawn care throughout the year. This plan includes specific products for each season: Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food for spring, Weed & Feed for summer, SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control for mid-summer, and WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food for fall. Each product targets different lawn care needs, ensuring a healthy, green lawn year-round.

It’s suitable for various grass types including Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Bahiagrass, and covers an area of up to 5,000 sq. ft., making it ideal for small yards in Northern climates. The granule form allows for easy application, though users need to be consistent with the schedule for best results. Its N-P-K ratios are tailored to address seasonal lawn requirements, promoting growth, weed prevention, and insect control.

The plan is synthetic, which ensures quick results but may deter those interested in organic options. The slow-release nature of some components ensures prolonged feeding. Some users might find the 52.4-pound weight of the package to be cumbersome. If you're looking for a straightforward, year-round lawn care solution, this product could be a strong candidate, especially if you prefer synthetic fertilizers and have a small yard.

The Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 is designed to help you achieve a healthier lawn by next spring. It's a combination of weed killer and fertilizer specifically for fall use. One of its main strengths is its dual action - it not only feeds your grass but also targets over 50 types of common lawn weeds like clover and dandelion. This makes it a convenient option for those looking to tackle both tasks at once. With a coverage of up to 5,000 square feet, it's suitable for medium to large lawns.

The product is in granular form, which makes it easier to spread evenly across your lawn. However, it requires application when the lawn is wet and weeds are actively growing, ideally between 60°F and 90°F, which might limit its use depending on your local climate conditions. A notable drawback is that it is not suitable for certain grass types, including St. Augustinegrass and Bentgrass, which might limit its usage for some homeowners. Weighing 14.29 pounds, it's relatively easy to handle and apply.

It's a strong option for fall lawn care if it matches your grass type and local weather conditions, but make sure to follow the specific application guidelines for optimal results.