Q.  I already fertilized my lawn in the spring. Should I do it again in the fall?

A.  Late summer or early fall is an important time to apply fertilizer to lawns. The summer heat and fluctuations in precipitation have stressed lawns. A cool-season fertilizer gives the turf time recuperate and prepare for the upcoming winter. Moderate amounts of water-soluble nitrogen sources can be applied now. A late-season application, which should be applied approximately one week after the final mowing of the season when vertical shoot growth has stopped, can enhance winter color, enhance turf root growth, and supply next spring’s lawn with nitrogen early in the season. As a general rule, never apply more than one pound of quick-release nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet during any single application.