5 Ways To Prep Your Lawn For Summer In Maryland

May has arrived in Maryland in all its glory, reminding us of the hot, humid summer to come. If you'd like to look out at a green lawn all season long, you need to do a little legwork now.

Simple things like seeding and aerating your lawn can keep grass green this summer. Here's what you need to do.

1. Seed Your Yard

First things first: you’ve got to revitalize the sad, dead patches with new grass. You can DIY the job with an easy seeding process. If you want to ensure an effortlessly green lawn, consider enlisting a pro to sod your yard with pre-grown rolls of grass for you. The most affordable option, however, is to seed. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:

• Rake your yard, removing any sticks and debris cluttering the lawn. Don’t worry about extra leaves and grass, as they can make great compost.
• Use topsoil to fill in low spots and prep for new seeding.
• Seed your yard, spreading new seeds around thinning and bare spots. Use shade- and sun-friendly seeds where appropriate, and don’t mix them together haphazardly.
• Spread fertilizer to help your seeds grow. Choose from a natural or slow-release or an option that can also kill broad-leaf weeds like sow thistle and dandelions.
• Sprinkle topsoil atop the seeded area to seal seeds in place and protect them from hungry birds.

2. Test Your Soil

A soil test kit can help detect mineral or nutrient deficiencies in your yard. You can give depleted soil a boost with earthworms, cottonseed, and compost. If you’re unsure how to interpret your test results, consider investing in professional help to test and analyze the results.

Need a professional to prep your lawn? Find a contractor in your area.

3. Aerate Your Yard

Aeration helps break up the hard-packed soil and allows nutrients to sink into the ground. You can rent the equipment from a local home improvement store, but for best results, it’s optimal to hire a professional landscaper.

4. Exterminate Pests

If your yard is looking particularly sad, Japanese beetles, grubs and mole crickets might be the culprits. If you suspect a pest problem, enlist the help of professional pest control.

5. Water Regularly

New grass needs daily watering for the first 10 to 14 days of seeding. Avoid overwatering and creating runoff, especially if you’re using fertilizers.

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