It depends on what kind of grass you have. If it is a warm season grass such as zoysia or bermuda grass, then you can fertilize it once it starts spring growth and turns green again. These grasses are a uniform tan color over winter and need a little warm weather to come out of dormancy.

If it is a fescue lawn (not truly tan over winter) then you should give it a little more time to get over the winter stress and it should be fine with no fertilizer in spring. These lawns need to be fed in late summer/early fall, following the SON program with one third the total amount applied in September, October, and November.

A soil test is essential to see what nutrients the lawn actually needs and whether or not it needs lime to adjust the pH. Your local county office of Virginia Cooperative Extension can tell you how to get a soil test done as well as supply you with lots more information on growing a good lawn in your area. You can find the contact information for your county office at the link below.

Virginia Cooperative Extension offices

Sandy