A lush and healthy lawn is the pride of any homeowner in Maryland. Achieving and maintaining a green and thriving lawn requires more than just regular watering and mowing. Lawn fertilization is essential for providing the necessary nutrients to the grass to promote growth, root development, and overall health.
However, with so many lawn fertilizers available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 best lawn fertilizers for Maryland, and which fertilizer to use for different types of grass and seasons.
Maryland has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The state is known for its diverse range of grass species, but the most common grasses grown in Maryland include:
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that thrives in Maryland's temperate climate. It is a popular grass species due to its drought tolerance and adaptability to various soil types.
For tall fescue, a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 NPK ratio is recommended. These fertilizers promote steady growth and maintain a healthy green color. Examples include Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food for Tall Fescue and Pennington Smart Seed Tall Fescue Blend.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that is commonly grown in the northern regions of Maryland. It requires ample watering and fertilization to maintain its lush, green appearance.
For Kentucky bluegrass, a balanced fertilizer with a 1:1:1 or 2:1:1 NPK ratio is recommended. These fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and root development. Examples include Jonathan Green Lawn Fertilizer and Espoma Organic Lawn Food.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that grows well in the southern regions of Maryland. It is drought-resistant and can withstand hot temperatures and high levels of foot traffic.
For Bermuda grass, a high-nitrogen fertilizer with a 4:1:2 or 5:1:2 NPK ratio is recommended. These fertilizers promote rapid growth and provide the necessary nutrients for a healthy lawn. Examples include Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food and Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that is well-suited to Maryland's humid subtropical climate. It is tolerant to heat and drought and requires less watering than other grass species.
For Zoysia grass, a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 NPK ratio is recommended. These fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth without promoting excessive growth. Examples include Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer and Scotts Turf Grass Seed and Mulch Combination for Zoysia Grass.
