Like any plant, lawn needs fertilizer to be dense and healthy. The question is what fertilizer, how much per unit area, and when to apply it. Lawn clippings contain nutrients that return to lawn after decomposition if they are not collected. If you do not collect lawn clippings, it does not mean that your lawn no longer needs fertilizer additions. Given the losses, all nutrients contained in the clippings will not be recycled to the lawn. Adequate fertilizer that the lawn needs and its rate depends on soil chemical analysis, whereas the timing of fertilizer application can be made several times per growing season.. In general, lawn nutritional dosage depends on soil, weather, and lawn conditions. There are mineral, organic and natural fertilizers one can use.