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Spring Awakening: The Best Fertilization Schedule for Maryland & Virginia Lawns
- On March 15 2025
As the chilly days of winter get further behind us, we can't wait to enjoy our spring lawns once again! Spring is the season of rejuvenation, and allowing your lawn these months to recuperate from a frigid East Coast winter will prepare it to face a sweltering summer. But what exactly does your lawn need to bounce back?
Now, more than ever, your lawn needs a fertilizer boost to grow and flourish. We've developed a complete spring fertilization schedule for Maryland and Virginia homeowners to guide them through the key lawn feeding steps. By following this fertilizer routine, we help homeowners achieve a recovered, lush lawn come June. Ready to get your turf in top shape this season? Let's dive in!
Understanding What Your Grass Really Needs This Spring
What's the true purpose of an early spring fertilizing? To help your lawn recover from a snow-filled, icy, freezing Maryland and Virginia winter. Here are the things we aim to provide for your lawn to help it heal from a winter of heavy snowfall and dry winds:
- Nitrogen supports chlorophyll production, which creates green growth.
- Potassium for robust root development.
- A replenished food storage supply depleted by winter.
- Protection from nutrient-stealing weeds.
Our Complete Spring Schedule For Fertilizing Your Maryland & Virginia Lawns
Late Winter to Early Spring (February to March)
Did you know soil tests can be taken even if the ground is frozen? This makes early spring the perfect time for us to visit your home and take a comprehensive soil test. We'll take soil samples from around your lawn and send them to a lab for analysis. Its results will show its micro and macronutrient levels, composition, and current health, which will allow us to better serve your lawn needs. Our granular slow-release fertilizers already contain Iron (Fe) and a micro-nutrient packet to guarantee a well-balanced, nutrient-rich feeding.Before broadcasting a slow-release fertilizer, we apply a pre-emergent herbicide (trust us, you won't want to miss this one). Early spring warmth invites crabgrass and Japanese stilt grass to appear and steal your fertile soil's nutrients. Agrolawn's pre-emergent application prevents weed seeds from germinating, so you'll never see them emerge!
Remember: Pre-emergent timing is critical! Local weeds germinate at different times. For example, Japanese stilt grass and crabgrass germinate within two weeks of each other, but dandelions and chickweed germinate later. Crabgrass germination time can also be estimated due to its alignment with forsythia's yellow blooms. To combat stilt grass and crabgrass, our team will apply two treatments - one in March and one in May. This early herbicide application will stop these early weeds in their tracks, shielding your lawn from several feet of crowded weed overgrowth.
Early April: First Fertilization and Pre-Emergent Application
First things first: Maryland residents can't apply fertilizer until after March 1st to be compliant with Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law. Once you're past March 1st, it's time to get your hands dirty! Agrolawn uses a slow-release granular fertilizer for a gradual and steady nutrient distribution. Once early spring arrives, we're on our way to customers' homes across the Chesapeake watershed! When there's active grass growth, we know it's fertilizer time. A light nitrogen application is best; too much can make your top growth strong but your root growth sick and weak.
Mid-May: Second Fertilization
After the first exciting, major growth spurt in your turf, we prepare for round two of fertilizer. In May, we boost your lawn with a slow-release fertilizer that will make your turf's grassiness truly pop. Our nitrogen-based fertilizer application will help your turf focus on lush top growth, giving your yard a striking appearance that will make your neighbors envious. The dense growth will also contribute to your lawn's overall natural defenses. A healthy, thick turf can better withstand weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
Late May to June: Prepare For The Heat
Voila, your spring fertilizing is complete! We don't recommend a third fertilizing during the latest spring or summer. The summer heat can take a toll on cool-season turfgrasses like tall fescues and bluegrass, which naturally enter a slower growth phase during the warmer months. Use this time to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, supplying at least one inch per week, ideally in the early morning, to reduce evaporation. Deep watering encourages deeper root growth, which helps the grass resist pests and remain drought-resistant during hot spells.We'll return for a second round of pre-emergent weed herbicides - this time to squash late bloomers. We'll apply Dimension® once again, which can remain as lasting protection for up to 4-6 months against grassy weeds. We recommend following lawn care best practices, such as avoiding mowing when the grass is wet, to extend your pre-emergent's efficacy. With this balanced strategy of fertilizer and weed control, your lawn will have the best chance of remaining strong and beautiful all summer.
Special Considerations for Maryland & Virginia
As a local Virginian or Marylander, chances are you're familiar with how unique our coastal climate is! Since the local weather can change at the snap of a finger, there are a few additional regional considerations to remember this spring.
- Weather variability: While we can make general estimates for frost and temperature dates, Mother Nature sees them as suggestions! When creating a spring fertilizing schedule, be flexible and patient - it might fluctuate annually.
- Fertilization adjustments for unseasonable weather: As you plan your fertilization, watch your local weather reports carefully. Your ideal fertilizing time should include a few sunny, dry days after an application.