Maryland’s unique climate and soil make lawn care tricky, but with the right grass, proper maintenance, and seasonal care, your lawn can thrive year-round. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Takeaways:

• Best Grass: Tall fescue handles Maryland’s heat, drought, and shade best.
• Seasonal Tasks:
  • Spring: Rake debris, test soil, and apply pre-emergent herbicides.
  • Summer: Mow higher, water deeply, and skip fertilizing during heat.
  • Fall: Aerate, overseed, and fertilize before November 15.
  • Winter: Avoid walking on frozen grass and prep equipment.
• Soil Care: Test soil every 3 years; aim for a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Fertilizer Rules: Apply between March 1–November 15, with limits on nitrogen and phosphorus.

Quick Tip:

Choose the right grass for your region. Tall fescue works statewide, while Zoysiagrass thrives in sunny, coastal areas. Keep mowing heights at 3–4 inches and water 1–1.5 inches weekly for best results.

Want month-by-month guidance? Read on for a detailed plan to keep your Maryland lawn in top shape all year.

Maryland’s Growing Conditions

Local Weather Patterns

Maryland experiences winter temperatures ranging from 32°F to 36°F, while summer highs typically fall between 77°F and 79°F. The state receives an average of 47.2 inches of precipitation annually, with monthly rainfall varying from 2.83 to 4.69 inches. Humidity levels generally range from 62% to 71%. Maryland’s climate is divided into three zones: Humid subtropical (Cfa), Hot humid continental (Dfa), and Warm humid continental (Dfb).

Soil Types and Testing

While visual inspections can give a rough idea of soil conditions, professional soil testing is essential for accurate results, such as pH balance and nutrient levels. Experts recommend testing soil every three years.

"Soil testing helps avoid over-fertilizing, protecting Maryland’s water."

Basic soil tests cost between $11 and $30, covering factors like pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg).

Best Grass Types for Maryland

Maryland’s climate supports both cool-season and warm-season grasses, making grass selection dependent on factors like local conditions, maintenance preferences, and lawn use.

Tall fescue is particularly well-suited for Maryland’s conditions, thanks to its ability to handle heat, drought, and shade. For lawns with heavy foot traffic, mixing tall fescue with perennial ryegrass is a smart choice. Cool-season grasses perform best when temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F, while warm-season grasses thrive at 80°F–95°F. However, warm-season grasses go dormant when temperatures drop below 50°F, and cool-season varieties may struggle during extreme summer heat. These factors provide a clear framework for developing a lawn care plan tailored to Maryland’s specific growing conditions.

MDA – HOW TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN

Month-by-Month Lawn Care

Maryland’s climate and soil conditions call for a well-planned lawn care routine that adjusts to the changing seasons. Below is a month-by-month guide to keep your lawn in top shape.

Spring Tasks (March–May)

Spring marks the start of lawn care as winter fades. Here’s how to prepare your lawn for the growing season:

March

• Rake up dead grass and winter debris to clear the lawn.
• Test soil pH (aim for 6.0–7.0).
• Use pre-emergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass.
• Seed bare spots unless you’ve applied a pre-emergent.

April–May

• Mow cool-season grasses to a height of 2.5–4 inches.
• Apply post-emergent herbicides to tackle broadleaf weeds.
• Water only when grass starts wilting.
• Watch for insect activity and treat as needed.

Summer Tasks (June–August)

With summer heat in full swing, your lawn needs extra attention to stay healthy:

Managing Heat Stress

• Raise your mowing height by 0.5–1 inch during hot, dry periods.
• Let grass clippings decompose on the lawn to recycle nutrients.
• Water deeply, providing 1 to 1.5 inches per week during active growth.
• Avoid fertilizing during summer to prevent stress on the grass.

For tall fescue lawns, allow natural dormancy during extreme heat instead of forcing growth with heavy irrigation. The lawn will recover naturally when temperatures drop and rainfall increases.

Fall Tasks (September–November)

Fall is the time to repair and prepare your lawn for the next growing season:

Winter Tasks (December–February)

Winter is about protecting your lawn and prepping for spring:

December–February

• Avoid walking on frozen grass to prevent damage.
• Clear debris and branches from the lawn.
• Sharpen mower blades and tune up lawn equipment.
• If soil pH is below 6.0, apply lime when the ground isn’t frozen.

Avoid using deicing products with nitrogen or urea near your lawn, as they can harm grass roots and impact spring growth.

Staying on top of these seasonal tasks will help your lawn thrive year-round. Adjust the schedule as needed for specific weather conditions to keep your grass healthy and vibrant.

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Grass Selection and Care

This section provides guidance on selecting and maintaining the best grass types for Maryland’s unique growing conditions.

Choosing Between Grass Types

Maryland’s location in the transition zone makes grass selection tricky. The state’s varied climate means that no single grass type thrives everywhere. That said, turf-type tall fescue stands out for its ability to handle heat, drought, and shade.

Cool-season grasses grow best during cooler months, while warm-season grasses thrive in summer heat.

Once you’ve chosen the right grass, proper care is essential to keep your lawn healthy.

Mowing and Watering Guide

Keep your grass at a mowing height of 3–4 inches. This promotes strong root growth and better drought resistance.

Mowing Tips:

• Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
• Mow regularly during peak growth seasons.
• Reduce mowing frequency during slower summer growth.
• Ensure mower blades are sharp for clean cuts.

Watering Tips:

• Only water tall fescue when necessary.
• Provide about 1.5 inches of water per week during active growth.
• Water deeply but less often to encourage strong roots.
• Avoid shallow, frequent watering.

Proper maintenance, combined with selecting the right seed for your region, ensures a thriving lawn.

Seed Types by Region

Western Maryland (Appalachian Region)

• Recommended grass: Cool-season blends.
• Suggested mix: 90% tall fescue, 10% Kentucky bluegrass.
• Best planting window: Late August to early October.

Central Maryland (Piedmont Region)

• Recommended grass: Tall fescue.
• Alternative: Zoysiagrass for sunny areas.
• Tip: Overseed in the fall to maintain a thick lawn.

Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland

• Recommended grass: Zoysiagrass or tall fescue.
• Alternative: Bermudagrass for areas with full sun.
• Note: Warm-season grasses turn brown when temperatures drop below 50°F.

While a year-round green lawn isn’t possible in Maryland’s climate, selecting resilient grass types suited to your region will help you achieve a durable and attractive lawn.

Weed and Pest Management

Once you’ve established a solid lawn care routine, it’s important to tackle weeds and pests to keep your lawn healthy. Maryland’s climate brings specific challenges, with certain weeds and pests posing risks to your turf.

Local Weeds and Pests

Maryland’s weather supports the growth of various weeds, which can be grouped by season:

• Winter Weeds: Chickweed, Deadnettle, Hairy Bittercress, Annual Bluegrass
• Summer Weeds: Crabgrass, Goosegrass, Japanese Stiltgrass, Prostrate Spurge
• Year-round Perennial Weeds: Dandelion, Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie), White Clover, Yellow Nutsedge

Identifying the weeds correctly is essential for selecting the right treatments.

Prevention Methods

The University of Maryland Extension advises against relying on herbicides as a primary solution, stating: "Herbicides should be used as a last resort and not a substitute for good lawn care". Instead, focus on these preventive strategies:

A thick, well-maintained lawn blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, naturally suppressing weeds like crabgrass. If these methods don’t fully address the problem, targeted treatments may be necessary.

Treatment Options

When prevention isn’t enough, consider these treatment options:

• Organic Solutions:
  • Hand-pull isolated weeds
  • Use vinegar-based herbicides on young weeds
  • Apply potassium salts of fatty acids for selective control
• Chemical Options:
  • Use ready-to-use (RTU) spot treatments
  • Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring
  • Target perennial weeds in late summer or fall
  • Select herbicides based on the specific weed type

"Our goal is for all stewards of the land to learn and practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and select the least toxic solutions." – University of Maryland Extension

Always read and follow product labels carefully. Avoid using herbicides during drought conditions or when temperatures exceed 85°F, as this can harm your lawn.

Fertilizing Your Lawn

Maryland Fertilizer Rules

Under Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law (2013), fertilizers can only be applied between March 1 and November 15. Additionally, fertilizers sold in Maryland must contain zero phosphorus and at least 20% slow-release nitrogen. Before applying any fertilizer, it’s important to conduct a soil test to develop a plan tailored to your lawn’s needs.

Soil Testing Guide

A soil test will help you understand your lawn’s nutrient needs. Here’s a breakdown of what to check and how to respond:

For more details, refer to the "Soil Types and Testing" section.

When to Fertilize

Timing is key to ensuring your lawn absorbs nutrients effectively while reducing environmental risks. Maryland’s guidelines provide clear recommendations based on grass type.

Cool-Season Grasses (e.g., Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass):

• Best time: Late summer through fall
• Annual nitrogen limit: 2.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet
• Avoid fertilizing during summer

Warm-Season Grasses (e.g., Zoysiagrass):

• Best time: Late spring through summer
• Annual nitrogen limit: 1.8 pounds per 1,000 square feet

For mature lawns (10+ years), one nitrogen application per year is sufficient. Newer lawns (less than 2 years old) may require the maximum nitrogen allowance.

"Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can provide up to 25% of the lawn’s yearly nutrient needs" – University of Maryland Extension

Recommended Fertilization Schedule:

Summary

Keeping a Maryland lawn healthy requires understanding local conditions and following seasonal care routines. Plan major tasks like fertilizing and renovating carefully – cool-season grasses (like tall fescue) thrive with late summer to early fall care, while warm-season grasses benefit from attention in late spring through summer.

Testing your soil regularly ensures proper nutrient balance, with an ideal pH range of 6 to 7. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can supply up to 25% of its annual nitrogen needs.

These steps form the foundation for maintaining a strong, healthy lawn year-round.

"A thick, dense lawn is the best defense against weeds"

Adjust mowing heights and frequency based on the season – mow more often during active growth and less during dormancy.

"Mowing high helps to keep weeds out of lawns and promotes healthier grass." – University of Maryland Extension

Follow Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law by avoiding fertilizer applications between November 15 and March 1. This protects waterways and ensures nutrients are used effectively. Established tall fescue lawns typically need little watering. When irrigation is necessary, water deeply but less often – aim for 1–1.5 inches weekly (including rainfall). This encourages deep roots and better drought tolerance.

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