Is it bad to fertilize before it rains? (2024)

FAQs

Is it bad to fertilize before it rains? ›

Too much rain could wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to soak into the soil, so plan to fertilize several days before a heavy rain arrives or several days later.

It's least effective to apply fertilizer to your yard just prior to a heavy rain. Why? Because heavy rain waters lead to run-off and will more or less wash out your fertilizer before it has a chance to break down and be absorbed.

The answer not very cut and dry, but here is the bottom line: The vast majority of the time, rain after a fertilizer application is not a problem at all. In fact, it is usually a good thing. Keep in mind (I have said this before), your lawn needs about 1/2" of water after you fertilizer.

At Master Lawn, we typically say to wait 24 hours before watering your lawn after fertilizing. But it is important to make sure that it does receive a good watering session soon after that 24 hour waiting period. Watering helps the fertilizer to activate and to break down and begin feeding nutrients to the lawn.

Although some fertilizers benefit from slightly moist grass, if your lawn is too wet, it will fail to properly absorb the nutrients.

Nutrient Leaching: When dry fertilizers get wet, some of the nutrients may start to dissolve and leach out. This means that the fertilizer's effectiveness can be reduced, as it may not deliver the same quantity of nutrients as it was designed to.

Before applying fertilizer to the lawn, it's important to mow it first to clear away any thatch. This allows the fertilizer to make better contact with the soil. When the spring fertilizer makes better contact with the soil, it will be absorbed more easily by the roots of your grass.

Why Water After Fertilizing? Watering after fertilizing washes the fertilizer off of the grass blades and into the soil, where it can get to work nourishing your lawn. It's also important because if fertilizer sits too long without being watered in, it can burn the grass.

A common rule of thumb is that most plants need the equivalent of one inch of rainfall a week, on average—enough to soak into the soil about six inches. However, in hot weather, plants may need more. Some areas of your yard may be dryer than others, because trees, roof overhangs, and buildings can intercept rainfall.

When not to use fertilizer? ›

In general, fertilize plants when you start to see new growth - leaves, buds, roots, etc. - and when planting transplants. Don't fertilize when plants are very dry or drought-stressed. Water the root area before fertilizing.

If you're going to spread fertilizer on your lawn then you really shouldn't do it without a spreader. There are two types of spreaders: broadcast and drop. Drop spreaders are for more targeted applications, while broadcast spreaders are good for covering a large area quickly.

Late afternoon or early evening (when there's still light, of course) is the best time of day to apply lawn fertilizer. Applying it in the heat of a scorching afternoon can cause the sun's rays to burn your grass—and when your goal is "lush and green," burned grass blades simply won't cut it.

When is the best time to fertilize a lawn – before or after a rain? Too much rain could wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to soak into the soil, so plan to fertilize several days before a heavy rain arrives or several days later.

Mild rain after you fertilize is nothing to worry about. But a downpour, or several days of consistent rain, can be a problem.

Ideally, you shouldn't fertilize the lawn until the ground is consistently at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Early morning is a good choice so you can take advantage of the morning dew, which will help the fertilizer soak into the soil.

Fertilizers are not accessible to plants in very dry soils. Water the soil before applying fertilizer, allowing water to soak into the ground. Water again immediately after fertilizing.

Always follow the manufacturers recommended rates and application methods. Fertilize outdoor plants in the coolest part of the day, such as early morning or late evening, especially in hot summer weather. Always water in fertilizers well to distribute nutrients throughout the soil profile and to prevent burning.

If farmers wait to apply fertilizer until it rains, a major part of the benefit will be lost. Early growth right after the first rain is the best. If growth starts at first rain, the grass will have a longer fall growing season.