Fertilizers should be used on Long Island lawns heavily in the fall and lightly during the spring season. Doing this will ensure that your compost starts to produce results before the cold winter comes. During spring, ensure you properly schedule your fertilizer regimen to account for the hotter day of the summer. Make sure that you complete the fertilization process before summer. You can use either slow or quick-release fertilizer with one pound of Nitrogen per thousand square feet.