It’s April in New England—time for blooming daffodils, warming temps… and surprise snowstorms? If you’re wondering whether your lawn needs fertilizer when snow is still falling, you’re not alone. At Design Works Landscaping, we get this question every spring: Should I fertilize my lawn now, or wait for the snow to stop?

Here’s what you need to know about April fertilization, New England weather patterns, and giving your lawn the best possible start—snow and all.

Why Fertilize in Early Spring?

Early spring is a key window for lawn care. After months of dormancy, your grass is waking up hungry. Fertilizer provides essential nutrients like:

• Nitrogen – fuels green growth

• Phosphorus – supports strong root development

• Potassium – builds overall lawn resilience

Applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring helps your lawn recover from winter stress, green up faster, and get a strong, healthy start before summer heat kicks in.

But What About the Snow?

Here’s the good news: a little April snow won’t hurt your fertilizer efforts. In fact, if the ground isn’t frozen, a spring snow can actually help by gently watering in the nutrients.

Here’s why:

• Moisture is crucial for fertilizer to be absorbed into the soil.

• Cool soil temps slow down microbial activity, which helps slow-release fertilizers last longer.

• Snowmelt acts like a natural irrigation system, distributing nutrients evenly across your lawn.

So if your fertilizer was applied just before a light snow, your lawn is in great shape.

When Not to Fertilize

Timing still matters. Here’s when to hold off:

• If the ground is still frozen solid—fertilizer won’t soak in and may just wash away.

• If heavy snow is followed by heavy rain—you risk runoff, which wastes product and can harm waterways.

• If you’re using weed-and-feed products, wait until soil temps consistently reach 55°F so the pre-emergent works properly.

A Smart Fertilizer Strategy for April in NH

At Design Works Landscaping, we recommend a balanced spring fertilization plan that adapts to New England’s unpredictable weather:

✅ Use slow-release nutrients – For long-lasting, steady feeding
✅ Avoid over-fertilizing – Too much can burn your grass or run off
✅ Time it right – Wait until the ground is thawed and the grass starts to green

Bonus Tip: Feed Your Soil, Not Just Your Grass

A truly healthy lawn starts with healthy soil. That’s why we focus on eco-conscious fertilizer programs that feed soil biology, not just the blades. This approach:

• Improves root development

• Increases water retention

• Reduces dependency on synthetic inputs over time

Still Seeing Snow? Don’t Stress.

Spring in New England doesn’t follow the rules—but with the right fertilization strategy, your lawn can thrive anyway. Snow in April doesn’t mean it’s too early to care for your grass—it just means we need to be smart and flexible.

Want a lawn that bounces back stronger than ever this season?
Let Design Works Landscaping create a customized fertilization plan that works with the weather—not against it.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your spring lawn care visit!