Liquid vs Granular Fertiliser: What’s Best for Aussie Lawns?

Fertilising your lawn is one of the most important things you can do to keep it healthy, green, and resilient. But with so many products on the market, one question comes up again and again: should you use liquid fertiliser or granular fertiliser?

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both options, explore which one suits different lawn types and conditions, and help you choose the right fertiliser strategy for your Australian lawn.

Before we dive into types, it’s worth understanding what fertiliser is and why it matters. Fertiliser provides essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) that your lawn needs to grow thick, green, and healthy. Without regular fertiliser, your lawn will struggle to compete with weeds, cope with stress, or bounce back from wear and tear.

The main goal of any fertiliser is to support healthy leaf growth, strong root systems, and overall plant resilience.

Liquid fertiliser is a nutrient solution that you apply with a sprayer. It delivers nutrients directly to the leaf and is absorbed quickly, making it ideal for fast results or targeted applications.

Advantages:

• Fast absorption: Great for a quick green-up or correcting deficiencies.

• Even application: Covers the lawn more uniformly, reducing the risk of stripes or patchiness.

• Easy to mix: You can combine it with other liquids like seaweed, iron, or wetting agents.

• Frequent feeding: Suitable for light, regular applications throughout the growing season.

Disadvantages:

• Needs more frequent application

• Can wash away faster in heavy rain

• Requires a sprayer or hose-on bottle

Liquid fertilisers are often preferred by professional turf managers and lawn lovers who want precision and quick visual results.

Granular fertiliser comes in small pellets or granules that you spread across the lawn using a spreader. It delivers nutrients more slowly as it breaks down over time, making it ideal for longer-lasting feeding.

Advantages:

• Slow release: Feeds your lawn for 10–12 weeks or more

• Less frequent application: Fewer applications over the season

• Great for base feeding: Establishes strong root systems

Disadvantages:

• Can cause burn if over-applied or not watered in

• Uneven spreading can cause stripes or patchiness

• Not absorbed as quickly as liquid fertiliser

Granular fertilisers are a solid option for homeowners looking for a lower-maintenance feeding schedule.

Australian lawns face a range of challenges depending on your location — from the hot, dry summers of WA to the cool winters of Victoria. Here's how to match your fertiliser strategy to local conditions:

• In hot climates (QLD, WA, NT): Liquids are great for quick uptake without stressing the grass

• In cooler areas (VIC, TAS, ACT): Use a combination — granular for base feeding and liquid for colour and top-ups

• During drought or water restrictions: Use liquids combined with wetting agents to maximise water use

• High-traffic lawns: Liquids can be more flexible for frequent light feeding during recovery

The best fertiliser strategy is often a combination of both. Granular sets the foundation, while liquid fine-tunes growth, colour, and health.

Example Lawn Program:

• Start of season: Apply a granular base fertiliser like Dominate. Nitrogen can help push and kick start growth

• End of season: Apply a granular-based fertiliser like Proliferate. Potassium can help strengthen roots and the plant for the winter weather.

• Every 3–4 weeks: Apply the Pure Lawn Tips liquid range (e.g. Pure Balance, Pure Seaweed+, Pure Iron+)

• Winter: Use Pure Colour pigment to maintain appearance without growth

• Spot fixes: Apply liquid fertiliser to stressed or uneven patches as needed

This approach gives you long-term coverage with the flexibility to address short-term needs.

When it comes to liquid vs granular, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Each has its benefits, and using them together can give you the best of both worlds. Liquid is great for fast green-up, precision, and flexibility, while granular offers long-lasting nutrition and fewer applications.

For Aussie lawns, especially those dealing with seasonal stress, drought, or heavy use, a smart combination of both types of fertiliser will keep your grass healthy, vibrant, and ready to impress.