Seasonal Lawn Maintenance Calendar for Maryland: What to Do Each Month

You step outside after a long winter, and your lawn looks rough. Patches of dead grass, weeds starting to creep in, and that dull, lifeless color that makes you wonder if it will ever be green again. You know it needs some attention, but when’s the right time to fertilize? When should you mow? And what about those stubborn weeds?

That’s where a seasonal lawn maintenance calendar comes in. Maryland’s weather can be unpredictable—warm days in March, sudden freezes in April, and scorching heat by July. Keeping your lawn looking its best means knowing what to do and when to do it.

Here’s your month-by-month guide to keeping your Maryland lawn in top shape all year long.

Spring (March – May): Wake Up Your Lawn

Spring is when everything starts growing again—grass, weeds, and, unfortunately, lawn problems. The key to a lush lawn is getting ahead of the game early.

• Rake up leftover leaves and debris to let air and sunlight reach the grass.
• Apply a pre-emergent weed control treatment in March to prevent crabgrass from taking over.
• Start mowing once the grass reaches about three to four inches tall, keeping the mower blade high to avoid stressing the lawn.
• Aerate if your soil is compacted, especially if you had heavy snow or foot traffic over the winter.
• Fertilize in late April or early May to give your lawn a boost of nutrients for healthy growth.
• Overseed any bare spots to fill in thin areas before summer heat sets in.

Summer (June – August): Keep It Strong and Green

Maryland summers can be brutal, with hot temperatures and dry spells that take a toll on your lawn. The goal is to keep the grass healthy without overworking it.

• Mow regularly, but don’t cut the grass too short. Keeping it at three to four inches helps retain moisture and shade the soil.
• Water deeply but infrequently—about one inch per week. Early morning is the best time to water.
• Watch for brown patches, which could mean either heat stress or fungal disease. Treat as needed.
• If you skipped spring aeration, early summer is your last chance before the heat becomes too intense.
• Keep an eye out for grubs, especially in late summer. If you notice damage, apply a grub control treatment.

Fall (September – November): Repair and Strengthen

Fall is the most important season for lawn care in Maryland. The weather is cooler, the grass is still growing, and it’s the perfect time to fix any summer damage and prepare for winter.

• Aerate your lawn in early fall to relieve soil compaction and improve root growth.
• Overseed to fill in bare patches and thicken the lawn before winter.
• Apply a fall fertilizer high in potassium to help strengthen roots for the cold months ahead.
• Continue mowing, gradually lowering the blade height as temperatures drop.
• Rake up leaves regularly to prevent mold and suffocation.

Winter (December – February): Protect and Plan

While there’s not much active lawn care to do in the winter, a little preparation can go a long way.

• Avoid walking on frozen grass, as it can cause damage that won’t heal until spring.
• Keep heavy snow from piling up in one spot to prevent mold and suffocation.
• If the ground isn’t frozen, apply a winter fertilizer to strengthen roots for spring growth.
• Service your lawn mower and tools so they’re ready to go when spring arrives.

Final Thoughts

Maryland’s climate can be tough on lawns, but sticking to a seasonal maintenance schedule makes all the difference. Taking the right steps at the right time keeps your lawn green, healthy, and ready to handle whatever the weather throws at it.

Need Help Maintaining Your Lawn?

If keeping up with your lawn feels like a full-time job, The Lawn Shark is here to help. We specialize in professional lawn mowing services across Maryland, from fertilization to aeration and everything in between. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let’s get your lawn looking its best all year long.