Unexpected Benefits of Lawn Fertilizing You Didn't Know

So, you already know that fertilizing your lawn keeps it looking green and lush. But what if we told you it could do a lot more than that?

Get ready to be surprised (and maybe even a little impressed) by these unexpected benefits of feeding your grass!

1. Increases Biodiversity

When you think of a biodiverse ecosystem, your lawn probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Surprise, surprise… Your lawn is a miniature ecosystem that supports beneficial insects, microorganisms, and even pollinators that keep nature in balance.

Here’s how fertilization boosts biodiversity:

• Stronger Root Systems: A fertilized lawn develops deeper, healthier roots, improving soil structure and promoting beneficial microbes that naturally aerate the soil and break down organic matter.
• Thriving Microbial Life: The right nutrients create an environment where essential microorganisms flourish, helping to convert nutrients into plant-usable forms while suppressing harmful pathogens.
• Supports Beneficial Insects: A healthy, dense lawn creates the perfect habitat for ladybugs, earthworms, and predatory beetles that help control pests naturally.
• Encourages Pollinators: When paired with native flowers, shrubs, and clover, a well-fertilized lawn attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting cross-pollination and boosting local plant health.

2. Controls Erosion

We bet you never thought of your lawn as the armour protecting your soil. It acts as a barrier against erosion, preventing rain, wind, and foot traffic from stripping away topsoil. Without strong grass cover, soil can easily wash away, leading to patchy landscapes, poor drainage, and even sediment pollution in storm drains.

Deep roots could strengthen soil stability, and fertilization encourages deep root growth, which helps anchor soil particles in place. The stronger the roots, the better they can hold onto the earth beneath them, especially on sloped properties prone to runoff.

A well-fertilized lawn acts like a sponge, absorbing rainfall and reducing surface runoff. This prevents water from carrying sediment and other pollutants into storm drains and nearby waterways. By preventing excessive runoff, fertilized lawns also help keep local rivers and lakes cleaner, reducing the impact of soil erosion and pollution.

3. Improved Air Quality

Your lawn might not seem like much compared to a forest or a park, but it’s a powerful air-purifying machine that helps improve local air quality in ways you might not expect. Here are a few:

• Grass acts as a natural air filter. Fertilized grass captures dust, pollen, and airborne pollutants before they have a chance to circulate, reducing the amount of allergens floating around.
• Oxygen production and CO₂ absorption. Just like trees, grass absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releases oxygen, making it an important part of your neighbourhood’s natural air purification system.
• Fighting urban air pollution. Green spaces like lawns and parks help mitigate the effects of air pollution, especially in cities. Grass absorbs pollutants like ozone, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to poor air quality and respiratory issues.
• Absorbing and breaking down toxins. Healthy grass and soil contain microorganisms that help break down pollutants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons, preventing them from entering the air and water supply.
• Cooling the air and reducing airborne dust. Unlike pavement or bare soil, grass traps and stabilizes dust particles, preventing them from becoming airborne. It also reduces ground-level temperatures, which helps minimize the formation of smog and improves overall air quality.

4. Temperature Regulation

If you’ve ever stepped barefoot on hot pavement in the summer and then onto cool grass, you’ve already experienced grass’s temperature regulation ability. Studies have shown that grass-covered areas can be up to 15 degrees cooler than bare soil or pavement, meaning homes with healthy lawns stay cooler naturally. This reduces energy costs by lowering the need for air conditioning in the summer.

A well-fertilized lawn does even more, keeping outdoor spaces cooler and more comfortable—especially in urban areas where heat-reflecting surfaces like asphalt and concrete create heat islands.

Unlike pavement, which absorbs and radiates heat, grass cools the environment by trapping moisture and reflecting less heat. This is especially important in cities, where temperatures can be 10–15 degrees higher due to heat-absorbing materials.

5. Reduced Water Waste

A properly fertilized lawn isn’t just healthier—it’s also more efficient at using water, making it more drought-resistant and less reliant on constant irrigation. By promoting deep root growth and better soil retention, fertilization can actually reduce water waste over time.

• Stronger roots mean less watering. Fertilization helps grass develop deep, well-established roots, allowing it to access moisture stored deeper in the soil. This reduces the need for frequent, shallow watering, which often evaporates before reaching the roots.
• Lawns lacking nutrients need more irrigation. When grass is nutrient-deficient, it struggles to grow deep roots, making it more dependent on constant watering to survive. Proper fertilization ensures grass can withstand dry spells more effectively.
• Better moisture retention. Healthy, fertilized lawns hold onto water better, reducing runoff and water loss after rainfall or irrigation. This means more water stays in the soil, where it benefits the lawn instead of running off into storm drains.

6. Natural Weed Suppression

Weeds are opportunistic invaders, thriving in thin, weak lawns where they can take over open spaces. But did you know that proper fertilization can naturally suppress weeds? A thick, well-fed lawn outcompetes weeds, blocking sunlight and limiting space for them to grow.

Fertilization strengthens turfgrass, making it more resilient against weed invasions. Weak grass has a harder time recovering from heat, foot traffic, and pests, which can create bare patches that weeds love.

Get the Most Out of Lawn Fertilizer with Green Drop

Fertilizing your lawn isn’t just about making it look nice—it’s about creating a healthier, more resilient outdoor space that benefits your home and the environment. So, whether you’re looking for a stronger lawn, fewer weeds, or a yard that’s easier to maintain, regular fertilization is a simple step that makes a big difference.

At Green Drop, we provide custom-blended fertilization services designed for Western Canada. Our science-backed formulas, expert application techniques, and seasonal fertilization programs ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs—when it needs them.

Book your lawn care package, and let us help you achieve a lush, healthy, and gorgeous lawn—without the hassle.