The Risks of Fertilizing Your Lawn During a Heatwave

18July 2025

When summer heat hits Bergen County, your lawn is already under stress. The last thing it needs is a dose of high-nitrogen fertilizer that could do more harm than good. At QuietCare Landscaping, we help homeowners in Midland Park, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, and Glen Rock understand when to fertilize—and when to hold off.

What Happens When You Fertilize in the Heat?

Fertilizer encourages growth—but during a heatwave, it can backfire. Here’s why:

Grass stops growing naturally during extreme heat to conserve energy. Fertilizing forces it to grow when it shouldn’t.
High nitrogen levels can cause leaf burn, leaving brown spots or damaged blades.
Fertilizer requires water to activate, and watering during heatwaves is already tricky.
Over-fertilized lawns are more prone to disease and pests.

✅ Safe Summer Fertilizing Alternatives

If your lawn needs a boost during the summer months, use these heat-friendly lawn care tips instead:

1. Use Organic, Slow-Release Fertilizers
These release nutrients gradually and are less likely to burn your lawn. Look for natural blends that support root strength without aggressive top growth.

2. Apply in the Early Morning or Late Evening
This helps reduce burn risk by avoiding the hottest hours of the day.

3. Water Thoroughly After Application
Always irrigate deeply to help fertilizer absorb properly—just don’t water during peak sun.

4. Focus on Soil Health
Compost topdressing and mulched grass clippings (see our mulching guide) can naturally feed the soil without synthetic chemicals.

5. Wait Until Fall for Major Lawn Feeding
Fall is the ideal time to fertilize cool-season grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass—common in our area.

QuietCare Pro Tip

If your lawn looks yellow or tired during a heatwave, resist the urge to fertilize. It may simply be heat dormancy, not a sign of nutrient deficiency. The turf will bounce back when cooler weather returns.

Local Tip for Bergen County Lawns

Summer in North Jersey often brings high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms—a risky mix when paired with fertilizer. Plan your treatments around extended dry periods and monitor soil moisture before applying anything.

Smart Lawn Care, Powered by QuietCare

At QuietCare Landscaping, we help you avoid costly mistakes like summer over-fertilizing. Our team uses quiet, battery-powered lawn equipment and sustainable practices to support turf health—without harsh chemicals or disruptive noise.

Learn more about our eco-conscious mowing and maintenance services

Need Expert Lawn Care Advice?

Avoid fertilizer damage this summer—let our local experts help. We’ll assess your lawn, recommend the right products (if needed), and provide quiet, reliable care from May through October.

Contact us today for a free quote:

Business Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Service Area: Midland Park, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock & Bergen County, NJ