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.