When your lawn starts looking tired in the middle of summer, it’s easy to assume it just needs more water. Sometimes that’s true—but often, it’s asking for nutrients.
Walk through any garden center and you’ll see fertilizer bags covered in numbers like 16-16-16 or 24-0-6. Those numbers aren’t random. They tell you exactly what nutrients you’re putting into your lawn and can make a big difference in how your grass performs throughout the season.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
Every fertilizer label lists three numbers representing the percentage of three primary nutrients:
Nitrogen (N)
The first number promotes green growth and leaf development. Nitrogen is what gives your lawn that lush, healthy color most homeowners are after.
Phosphorus (P)
The second number supports root growth and helps new lawns become established. It’s especially important when laying new sod or seeding.
Potassium (K)
The third number strengthens the plant overall, improving drought tolerance, disease resistance, and the lawn’s ability to handle stress. Together, these nutrients help create a stronger, healthier lawn—but balance is key.
Summer Feeding Looks Different
Northern Nevada’s hot, dry summers put lawns under stress.
While grass still needs nutrients during the summer months, heavy fertilization during extreme heat can encourage excessive growth when the plant is already working hard just to survive.
Instead, summer applications should focus on maintaining health rather than pushing rapid growth.
Depending on your lawn and the fertilizer you’re using, lighter applications may be more appropriate than heavy seasonal feedings.
Don't Forget the Soil
Healthy grass starts below the surface. If your lawn struggles year after year despite regular watering and fertilizing, the issue may actually be your soil.
A simple soil test can help identify nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalances, making it much easier to choose the right fertilizer instead of guessing.
More Isn't Better
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is applying too much fertilizer.
Overfeeding can:
- Burn grass blades
- Encourage excessive top growth
- Increase water requirements
- Waste product
- Lead to unnecessary runoff
Always follow the application rates listed on the product label and water appropriately afterward if recommended.
Feeding New Sod vs. Established Lawns
New sod and established lawns have different needs.
Freshly installed sod benefits from nutrients that encourage strong root development as it establishes itself. Mature lawns typically require maintenance fertilizers that help sustain healthy color and overall vigor throughout the growing season.
Choosing the right product for your lawn’s stage of growth helps produce better long-term results.
Questions? We're Here to Help.
Choosing fertilizer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
At Western Turf & Hardscapes, our team can help you understand fertilizer labels, recommend products for Northern Nevada’s growing conditions, and answer questions about caring for both new and established lawns.
A little knowledge—and the right nutrients—can go a long way toward keeping your lawn healthy all season.