If you handle the lawn maintenance for your home, you need to know when it’s time to put down your step 4 fertilizer.  We’re here to help with some quick tips.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are referral links, which means that if you make a purchase, there is no extra cost to you, but Running A Household will receive a commission.  Thank you for supporting our website.

Benefits of Step 4 Fertilizer

Step 4 offers fertilizer for your grass.  It thickens the grass, and will make your lawn greener in the Spring.  In addition, it will strengthen the grass roots before winter.

Scotts Lawn Pro Step 4 Lawn Fertlizer 32-0-12 5000 Sq. Ft. Granules

When to Apply Step 4 Fertilizer

In New England, we typically apply Step 4 around Labor Day.  According to the manufacturer, you can apply Step 4 in the Fall, August through November.  Be sure to wait 4-6 weeks since you applied your Step 3 fertilizer.

How to Apply Step 4 Fertilizer

You can apply Step 4 fertilizer to dry grass, or grass that is wet.

While it is not necessary to water in Step 4, we prefer to water it in.  It makes the grass greener just a little bit faster.

We found the Scotts broadcast spreader easy to use for this project.  Just set the spreader to the settings listed on the bag of fertilizer.

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader

Or for smaller lawns, consider the Scotts Hand-Held Spreader which can you can use to apply fertilizer, grass seed, granular products like Preen weed-and-feed, or even ice melt in the winter.

Be sure to apply when the temperature is below 85 degrees, otherwise the fertilizer may burn your grass.  The manufacturer indicates that if the temperature will be above 85 degrees, you can apply it to dry grass and water it in.

Planning to reseed your lawn?  No problem.  Step 4 does not contain any weed preventative.  So according to the manufacturer, you can seed your lawn before or after applying this product.

Resources

For more details from the manufacturer, see:  Scotts Website – Step 4

Additional articles you may enjoy:

Three Lawn Care Tips to Follow

Silver Maple Trees: It’s a Love-Hate Relationship

It’s Time to Put Down Your Step 3 Fertilizer

Want to keep your home running smoothly?

Sign up to receive PRIORITIES, our free weekly publication with:

• time management articles
• maintenance reminders and tips
• free printable forms and checklists
• discount coupons

To sign up to receive PRIORITIES, please Click here