Month-to-Month Maryland Lawn Care Schedule

Assateague beach in Maryland

A good Maryland lawn care schedule varies by the grass type’s growing season. Cool-season grasses need the most work in September, and warm-season grasses are most needy in June.

Most lawn care happens during the growing season. For cool-season grass in Maryland, dethatch, aerate, and seed in September. Fertilize from September to early November. The grass goes dormant in the summer and winter. For warm-season grass, dethatch, aerate, and seed in June. Fertilize from May to July. The grass goes dormant from mid-fall until spring.

Key takeaways

  • Cool-season grass: The growing season is in spring and fall, but most lawn care, including dethatching, aeration, fertilizing, and seeding, is done in September.
  • Warm-season grass: The growing season is in summer, but the heaviest lawn care, including dethatching, aeration, fertilizing, and seeding, is done in June.
  • Maryland cool-season grasses are tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, fine leaf fescue, and perennial ryegrass, and warm-season grasses are Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass.

Cool-season grasses

growth of cool season grass
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez

Tall fescue is the best all-purpose turf species for Maryland. Other cool-season grasses that work well on Maryland lawns include Kentucky Bluegrass, fine-leaf fescue, and perennial ryegrass.

For more guidance, check out The Best Grass Seed for Maryland Lawns.

January

two green rakes with leaves and debris nearby
Hilary Halliwell | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0

In Maryland, the average January temperature is 35 degrees, so your grass will be dormant. Since your lawn won’t be growing, you don’t need to provide lawn care, except for debris removal. 

  • Debris removal: As long as there is no snow on the ground, pick up leaves, sticks, and other debris bi-weekly. This reduces spring clean-up.

February

Maryland is still in the grips of winter with an average temperature of 37 degrees. Since your lawn is still dormant, you don’t need to provide lawn care, except for debris removal.

  • Debris removal: If weather permits, pick up leaves, sticks, and other debris bi-weekly to reduce spring clean-up.

March

The temperatures are warming and your cool-season grass is waking up. Time to get down to business.

  • Rake: About mid-March, when the temperatures warm up, rake your lawn to remove debris. Raking also helps to wake up your lawn. Northern and western Maryland may have to wait until late March.
  • Dethatch: Fall is the best time to dethatch, but dethatching in early spring is acceptable. Dethatch when it grows thicker than 0.5 inches. Kentucky bluegrass may need yearly dethatching, while fescues and perennial ryegrass will be every two to three years. 
  • Seeding: Reseed bare spots. If your lawn needs renovation, wait until fall. If you plan to dethatch, do it before seeding. 
  • Weed control: Apply preemergence herbicides between March 15 and April 1 if you live in Central and Southern Maryland. Don’t apply herbicides if you reseed. Check out Common Weeds in Maryland and How to Get Rid of Them if you struggle with weeds.
  • Water: After grass emerges, water as needed when you see signs of wilting. Cool-season grass needs about 2 inches of water per week. March’s average rainfall is 2.66 inches, so irrigate an additional 5 inches as needed.

April

  • Weed control: For Northern and Western Maryland pre-emergent herbicides should be applied between April 1 and April 15. Don’t apply herbicides if you reseed. Look into the different Types of Pre-Emergent Herbicides to choose the right one for you.
  • Mow: Once your lawn reaches about 4 to 5 inches tall (depending on grass type), you can start mowing. Use the following mini guide for spring and summer.
Grass TypeMowing height
Tall fescue2.5 to 3.5 inches
Kentucky bluegrass2.5 to 3 inches
Fine leaf fescue3 to 4 inches
Perennial ryegrass2.5 to 3 inches
  • Mowing frequency: About every seven to 10 days, depending on grass type. For mowing tips and tricks, check out How to Mow a Lawn the Right Way.
  • Water: Only water as needed when you see signs of wilting. April’s average rainfall is 2.58 inches, so irrigate an additional 5.5 inches as needed.

May

lawn mower in a lawn
irontrybex | Adobe Stock Free | Standard License
  • Fertilize: Fertilize only if turf has poor color, density or vigor. Apply 0.9 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet in mid-May. This fertilization recommendation is for all four cool-season grasses. For best results, have a peek at The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Maryland.
  • Weed control: Post-emergent herbicides for broadleaf weed control are most effective if applied in May or mid-September when weeds are growing vigorously.
  • Mow: Mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches depending on the grass type (see April).
  • Mowing frequency: About once per week, depending on grass type. Never mow more than one-third of the grass’s height. For example, if the mowing height is 3 inches, mow before the grass reaches 4.5 inches.
  • Water: Only water as needed when you see signs of wilting. May’s average rainfall is 2.86 inches, so irrigate an additional five inches as needed. Water needs rise as temperatures increase. For more information, check out How Long Should You Water Your Lawn?
  • Insect control: Use products containing Acelepryn to target grubs, webworms, aphids, fall armyworms, billbugs, June beetles, cutworms, masked chafers, moths, and caterpillars. It can be applied from May to September and lasts up to six months.

June

Maryland’s high summer heat may cause the grass to go dormant. Don’t mow or fertilize while grass is dormant.

  • Mow: Mowing height is 2.5 to 4 inches depending on the grass type (see April)
  • Mowing frequency: About once per week, depending on grass type. Never mow more than one-third of the grass’s height.
  • Water: Only water as needed when you see signs of wilting. June’s average rainfall is 2.48 inches, so add an additional 5.5 inches as needed. Once grass goes dormant, water once every three weeks. Because temps are rising, have a  look at When is the Best Time to Water Your Lawn in Hot Weather?
  • Insect control: If you didn’t use it in May, use products containing Acelepryn to target common lawn pests. For more information, see May. You can also try natural pest control or a pest control company.

July

For Maryland, July is the hottest month and it’s almost guaranteed that your lawn has gone dormant by now. Dormant grass doesn’t require much lawn care, except for watering every two to three weeks. If your grass has not gone dormant, follow June watering and mowing guidelines.

August

Your grass is dormant most of August, so no lawn care is needed, except to water once every two to three weeks. Once temperatures drop and grass reemerges, follow September guidelines, including seeding, watering, mowing, etc.

September

Farmer holding soil in hands close up. Farmer is checking soil.
Tinnakorn | Adobe Stock Free | License

By September, Maryland temperatures fall enough to resume lawn care. Note: Fall and winter mowing heights are different from spring and summer.

  • Get a soil test: A soil test will tell you which nutrients your soil is missing. Maryland’s soil tends to be acidic, so it will also give your lime recommendation. For the best results, get a soil test every one to three years.
  • Mow: Mowing height varies by grass type. Follow the following heights for fall and winter.
Grass TypeMowing height
Tall fescue2.5 inches
Kentucky bluegrass2 inches
Fine leaf fescue3 inches
Perennial ryegrass2 inches
  • Mowing frequency: About once per week, depending on grass type.
  • Fertilize: Apply 0.9 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet if you have Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or tall fescue. Don’t fertilize at this time if you have fine leaf fescue. For more information, see What Maryland’s Fertilizer Law Means for Your Lawn.
  • Weed control: Apply broadleaf weed control in mid-September.
  • Water: Only water as needed when you see signs of wilting. September’s average rainfall is 2.26 inches, so add 6 inches as needed. Water needs decrease as temperatures fall.
  • Insect control: Apply products containing Acelepryn to target common lawn pests. For more information, see May. You can also try natural pest control or a pest control company.
  • Dethatch: Dethatch once your lawn recovers from the summer heat. Dethatch when thatch grows thicker than 0.5 inches. Kentucky bluegrass may need yearly dethatching, while fescues and perennial ryegrass will be every two to three years. Dethatch before aerating or seeding.
  • Aerate: When grass is growing vigorously, aerate your lawn. Aerate before seeding (if you plan to) while the soil is moist but not wet.
  • Seeding: Seeding your lawn helps it grow thicker, crowding out weeds and becoming more aesthetically pleasing. The best time to seed your lawn is 45 days before the first frost. Aerate and dethatch before seeding. Check below for the best dates to seed.
LocationPlant seedExpected first frost
Central and southwestern MarylandSeptember 18th to 28thNovember 1st to 10th
Northern and Southeastern MarylandSeptember 6th to 16thOctober 21st to 31st
Northwestern MarylandAugust 26th to September 6thOctober 11th to 20th

For further information, check out When to Plant Grass Seed in Maryland.

October

Detail of soil rolls on the lawn after aeration with empty pins
Dziurek | Adobe Stock
  • Mow: Mowing height is 2 to 3 inches, depending on grass type (see September)
  • Mowing frequency: About once per week, depending on grass type.
  • Fertilize: Apply 0.9 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet if you have Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or tall fescue. Only fertilize tall fescue if your grass has poor color, density, or vigor.
  • Water: Only water as needed when you see signs of wilting. October’s average rainfall is 2.49 inches, so add an additional 5.5 inches as needed.
  • Aerate: If your lawn is compacted and you didn’t get a chance in September, you can still aerate in October. Make sure your lawn is moist but not wet. For more information, read our article, Core Aeration vs. Spike Aeration.

November

When temperatures consistently drop below 54 degrees, the grass will go dormant. In Maryland, this typically occurs in mid-November. Don’t mow or fertilize when grass is dormant.

  • Mow: Until grass goes dormant, mowing height is 2 to 3 inches, depending on grass type (see September)
  • Mowing frequency: About once every seven tot 10days, depending on grass type.
  • Fertilize: In early November, apply 0.9 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet if you have Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. Don’t fertilize at this time if you have fine leaf fescue or tall fescue or if your grass goes dormant. If you’re in the market, we have a  list of the Best Fertilizer Spreaders.
  • Water: Only water as needed when you see signs of wilting. November’s average rainfall is 1.43 inches, so add an additional 6.5 inches of water until the grass goes dormant.

December

Your grass is likely dormant due to winter temperatures. If it’s not, follow November’s mowing and watering practices until dormancy hits. However, December’s average rainfall is 2.76 inches so you won’t have to water as frequently. Stop irrigating if the ground freezes (three consecutive nights of below-freezing temperatures).

  • Lime: Only if your soil test showed your soil pH was below 6. For most lawns, apply 50 Ibs of limestone per 1000 square feet of lawn every three to four years. Burnt, liquid or hydrated limes should not be used on turfgrasses.

Warm-season grasses

growth of warm season grass
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez

Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are the warm-season grasses for Maryland. Bermudagrass is best adapted to southern and eastern shore Maryland, but it’s susceptible to winter kill. Zoysiagrass is perhaps the best low-maintenance grass for lawns, but it is slow and expensive to establish.

For more information, have a look at Should You Grow Bermudagrass in Maryland?

January

In Maryland, the average January temperature is 35 degrees, so your warm-season grass will be dormant. Since your lawn won’t be growing, you don’t need to provide lawn care, except debris removal.

  • Debris removal: As long as there is no snow on the ground, pick up leaves, sticks, and other debris bi-weekly. This reduces spring clean-up.

February

The average February temperature in Maryland is 37 degrees, so your warm-season grass will still be dormant.

  • Debris removal: If weather permits, pick up leaves, sticks, and other debris bi-weekly to reduce spring clean-up.

March

Spraying weed killer on weeds
dean | Adobe Stock Free | License

The majority of March will still be too cold (an average of 45 degrees) for your warm-season grass to emerge. Once temperatures regularly reach 60 degrees, your grass will reemerge. If this happens in March, follow April guidelines.

  • Debris removal: Continue to pick up leaves, sticks, and other debris bi-weekly..
  • Rake: In mid-to-late March, rake your lawn. It has the dual benefit of cleaning your lawn and encouraging grass to reemerge.
  • Weed control: Apply preemergence herbicides between March 15 and April 1 if you live in Central and Southern Maryland.

April

The average Maryland temperature in April is 56 degrees, so in the central and southwestern parts of the state, you’ll begin to see your grass reemerge in April. About 10 days later, northern and southeastern lawns will reemerge. Lastly, western Maryland grass will emerge about 10 days later, but may not happen until early May. Once grass emerges, follow these guidelines.

  • Weed control: For northern and western Maryland, apply pre-emergent between April 1 and April 15.
  • Water: Warm season grass needs about 1 inch of water per week, but you should only water when you see signs of wilting. April’s average precipitation is 2.58 inches, so you’ll need an additional 1.5 inches of water.
  • Mow: Follow these mowing heights for warm-season grasses in spring and summer.
Grass typeMowing height
Zoysiagrass1 to 2.5 inches (keep on the taller side in shade)
Bermudagrass0.75 to 2 inches
  • Mowing frequency: Grass will be slow growing at first, especially if you have zoysiagrass, so about every 10 to 14 days.

May

  • Fertilize: Apply 0.9 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet in mid-May for Bermudagrass. Apply to zoysiagrass only if the turf has poor color, density, or vigor.
  • Water: Only water when you see signs of wilting. May’s average precipitation is 2.86 inches, so an additional 1.2 inches may be needed.
  • Mow: Mowing height is 0.75 to 2.5 inches, depending on grass type (see April).
  • Mowing frequency: Warm-season grass is entering its growing season, so you’ll need to more often.
Grass typeMowing frequency
BermudagrassEvery 6 to 7 days
ZoysiagrassEvery 7 to 10 days
  • Insect control: Use products containing Acelepryn to target grubs, webworms, aphids, fall armyworms, billbugs, June beetles, cutworms, masked chafers, moths, and caterpillars. It can be applied from May to September and lasts up to six months. You can also try natural methods or hire a pest control professional.

June

one man farmer is fertilizing the lawn soil. male hand of worker, Fertilizer For Lawns in springtime for the perfect lawn. Organic lawn fertilizer in man's hand on garden
ImageSine | Adobe Stock
  • Fertilize: Apply 0.9 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet for Bermudagrass. Apply to zoysiagrass only if the turf has poor color, density, or vigor.
  • Dethatch: Both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass develop thatch. Once it reaches 0.5 to 1 inch, dethatch your lawn. Dethatch every one to two years.
  • Aerate:  When grass is growing vigorously, aerate your lawn. Be sure to do this before seeding (if you plan to) but after dethatching (if needed). Aerate while the soil is moist but not wet. Aerate every two to four years, unless your lawn has heavy foot traffic, in which case you should aerate every one to two years.
  • Lawn repair: If you have bare spots or need to repair your lawn, June is the right temperature. If you have bermudagrass, you can spread seed, but using sod or sprigs is best. Zoysiagrass is difficult to find and doesn’t germinate well, so use springs or sod. Note: If needed, dethatch and aerate before lawn repair.
  • Water: Irrigate when you see signs of wilting. June’s average precipitation is 2.48 inches, so adding 1.5 inches may be necessary.
  • Mow: Mowing height is 0.75 to 2.5 inches, depending on grass type (see April).
  • Mowing frequency: Growing season is in full-swing so mow every 6 to 10 days, depending on grass type (see May).

July

  • Fertilize: For Bermudagrass, apply 0.9 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1000 square feet only if the turf has poor color, density, or vigor. Don’t fertilize zoysiagrass.
  • Dethatch: If needed, you can still dethatch in July.
  • Aerate: If your lawn is compacted and you didn’t get a chance in June, you can still aerate in July. Make sure your lawn is moist but not wet. 
  • Lawn repair: If your lawn needs it, you can still plant seed, sprigs, and sod in July.
  • Water: When you see signs of wilting, water your lawn. July’s average precipitation is 3.14 inches, so add about 1 inch of water.
  • Mow: Mowing height is 0.75 to 2.5 inches, depending on grass type (see April).
  • Mowing frequency: Mow every six to 10 days, depending on grass type (see May).

August

  • Water: Water your lawn when you see signs of wilting. August’s average precipitation is 3.5 inches, so add an extra 0.5 inches of water.
  • Mow: Mowing height is 0.75 to 2.5 inches, depending on grass type (see April).
  • Mowing frequency: Mow every 6 to 10 days, depending on grass type (see May)

September

Temperatures begin to drop in September, so your mowing height changes in preparation for winter dormancy. Your mowing frequency will also slow as the growth rate decreases.

  • Water: Only irrigate when you see signs of wilting. September’s average precipitation is 2.26 inches, so add an additional 1.8 inches of water.
  • Mow: Mowing height increases slightly in preparation for winter dormancy.
Grass typeMowing height
Zoysiagrass1.5 to 3 inches
Bermudagrass1 to 2.5 inches
  • Mowing frequency: Mow every six to 10 days, depending on grass type (see May), but rate will slow in late September.
  • Insect control: Lay another application of Acelepryn to target grubs, webworms, aphids, fall armyworms, billbugs, June beetles, cutworms, masked chafers, moths, and caterpillars. Other options include natural methods or hiring a pest control professional.

October

Sprinkler System Moisturizing Green Grass And Shrubs.
Tomasz Zajda | Adobe Stock Free | License

Beginning in late September to early October, your lawn will start to go dormant for winter. Continue to water and mow until it goes dormant. After dormancy, water every two to three weeks until temps drop below freezing.

  • Water: Only water at signs of wilting. October’s average precipitation is 2.49 inches, so water an additional 1.5 inches.
  • Mow: Mowing height is 1 to 3 inches, depending on grass type (See September)
  • Mowing frequency: Grass’s growth rate will slow, so about every 10 to 14 days.

November

Maryland’s November temperatures average 48 degrees, so your lawn is most likely dormant. Water every two to three at this time, but stop irrigating when temperatures drop below freezing. If your lawn hasn’t gone dormant, follow October recommendations.

  • Debris removal: As long as there is no snow on the ground, pick up leaves, sticks, and other debris bi-weekly. This reduces spring clean-up.

December

In December, the average temperature is 41 degrees, so your grass is dormant. Continue to water every 2 to 3 weeks until temperatures drop below freezing.

  • Debris removal: If weather permits, pick up leaves, sticks, and other debris bi-weekly to reduce spring clean-up.

Should I hire a professional for my Maryland lawn care?

There’s a lot to lawn care and it can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to keep up, you’re not alone. Lawn owners across the Old Line State are turning to professionals for help. But finding one you can trust and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg is hard. Lawn Love connects you with a vetted, reliable, affordable, local lawn care pro. Your lawn will be in tip-top shape in no time.

Main Photo Credit: Nathaniel Gonzales | Adobe Stock Free | License

Nicki DeStasi

Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, three children, dog, and cat.