The summer is over, and the warm weather is dying down as fall surges into full glory. Before you know it, winter will be here.
As the growing season comes to a close, people tend to look at their lawn and think everything is fine. There is no more drought stress. Most water issues disappear. You have almost forgotten any struggles with weeds or bare spots your lawn faced throughout the year. Watch this video about fertilizing.
While you may be checking out when it comes to landscape maintenance because everything seems to be getting ready for winter slumber, this is not the time to ignore your lawn. Sure, grass growth is slowing down -- above ground. But what you don’t realize is that fall is the time when your lawn builds its root system, and a solid, deep root system is where the best lawns are made.
Let’s learn more about fall lawn fertilization and the benefits it provides.
When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Maryland
You want a thick, green lawn that stands strong against weed pressure and gives your neighbors’ lawns a run for their money. This is what a lot of your Maryland friends are looking for, too.
A complete fertilization package throughout the year is what gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to sustain top growth in spring, drought resistance in summer, root growth in fall, and hardiness through winter.
Here are the reasons fertilizing your lawn in the fall is important.
Build a Stronger Root System
It might be hard to think your lawn needs anything in fall because the heat of summer has passed and overall things seem OK.
But this is the time of year you need to think about those grass plants beneath the surface of the soil most of all. Fertilizing your lawn in the fall is a key piece of year-long lawn care because strong root systems and overall healthier lawns are built in the fall.
Conditions during September through December are perfect for root growth. Roots can’t grow all year long. During autumn is when grass plants put all of their focus into roots growing deeper into the soil, stabilizing your lawn.
Prevent Other Lawn Problems Throughout the Year
Fall lawn fertilization builds turf roots. But you might be asking yourself, “You can’t see roots; why are they so important?”
Roots build that lawn you envy; the one you can walk through with bare feet. A lawn with a better root system is thicker and greener, meaning fewer bare spots.
A thicker lawn also overwinters better, resulting in less desiccation or winter damage.
Drought Tolerance
When you make sure not to forget fall lawn fertilization, you’re also protecting your lawn during the season when you are most worried about it: summer.
Summer’s heat and drought can do a number on your lawn. It can dry out, thin, or even develop bare spots. When you develop the roots in fall, that thicker growth that results from a strong base helps your lawn better stand up to summer drought.
You Get More Top Growth
The springtime is for pushing out that top growth. This means your lawn fills in nice and green after winter.
But if your lawn doesn't have any nutrient reserves from the fall, it might not have the energy it needs to grow green and thick as you want it to. Fertilizing your lawn in the fall can help you get this spring growth you’re seeking so your lawn looks ready to enjoy during those warmer months.
Beat the Lawn Weeds
If you want to prevent weeds from ruining your lawn party, you need a thick, green lawn. That helps limit the amount of sunlight that reaches any weed seeds present in the soil, allowing them to germinate. 
You want to prevent weeds when they are at their weakest -- before this germination. Fall lawn fertilization is one of the best ways to do this because you’re building a lawn that crowds out these nasty invaders.
Embrace Fall Lawn Fertilization in Maryland
You want a thick, green lawn. We don't blame you. It’s the American dream.
While you mostly think about your lawn in spring and summer, making sure you don’t neglect fall lawn fertilization is important for building that green grass you want.
We hope these fertilization facts help you better understand the life cycle of your lawn.
Still, stumped at how fall fertilization can best help your Maryland lawn? That’s OK. We know it can be hard to understand and certainly hard to think about at this time of year. That’s why we’re here to help you better understand your options so you can have a better-looking lawn.
Looking to improve the look of your lawn? We’d love to help. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we’ll prepare a customized plan so you can have that lawn your neighbors envy.
