What it is
A 50-pound bag of 21-7-14 NPK balanced lawn fertilizer. 21% nitrogen, 7% phosphorus, 14% potassium — the standard ratio for warm-season turf in DFW soils. Granular, slow-release formulation that won't burn the lawn at recommended rates.
What it's for
The everyday turf food for Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine in North Texas. Two applications a year (spring and fall) cover the basic nutrition cycle and keep the lawn dense and green.
The numbers explained:
- 21% nitrogen — drives top growth and color. Higher in spring for green-up, lower in fall.
- 7% phosphorus — root development. DFW soils are usually phosphorus-rich, which is why the middle number is low. Don't over-apply phosphorus here.
- 14% potassium — stress tolerance. Heat, cold, drought — potassium is what helps turf survive Texas summers and winters.
When to apply (North Texas calendar)
| Window | Application |
|---|---|
| Mar 15 - Apr 1 | First app — coincides with Bermuda green-up |
| Jun 1 - Jun 15 | Optional summer feed for heavy-use lawns |
| Oct 1 - Oct 15 | Fall app — builds carbohydrate reserves for winter |
Don't fertilize in mid-summer heat (mid-June through August). Pushing growth in 100° heat stresses the lawn and burns more easily.
How much do I need
A 50-pound bag covers approximately 5,000 sq ft at the recommended 1 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft application rate.
| Lawn size | Bags per application |
|---|---|
| 2,000 sq ft | 1 (covers easily) |
| 5,000 sq ft | 1 |
| 10,000 sq ft | 2 |
| 1/2 acre | 4-5 |
How to apply it
- Use a broadcast spreader. Set to the rate on the bag (varies by spreader brand — common settings are on the bag back).
- Apply when the lawn is dry, then water in within 24 hours. Watering activates the granules.
- Don't apply right before a heavy rain — runoff wastes product and pollutes storm drains.
- Don't apply to wet grass — granules stick to blades and burn.
Trade-offs
For a color shot without pushing growth, use Iron Plus instead — it greens up Bermuda and Zoysia without the mowing penalty of more nitrogen. For weed prevention, use Weed-Stop Pre-Emergent — fertilizer doesn't prevent weeds.
Buying tips
- Store in the bag, sealed. Granules absorb humidity if left open.
- A second bag of fall fertilizer often gets skipped — don't skip it. Fall app drives the carbohydrate reserves the lawn lives on through winter.
- St. Augustine wants slightly less nitrogen than Bermuda — use a lighter setting on the spreader.
Plan the whole job
How much do I need? Rates are set per square foot of lawn, so start with your lawn's area. The satellite measure tool traces it on an aerial map, and how to measure sod for your lawn shows the by-hand method.
