Help your lawn survive Maryland's brutal summers with professional fertilization. We balance stress tolerance with healthy color—no burn risk.
Schedule Summer FertilizationMaryland summers are tough on cool-season grasses. The tall fescue and bluegrass common in Columbia aren't built for 90°F heat and high humidity.
Summer fertilization focuses on stress tolerance and survival—not growth. We provide enough nutrition to maintain health and color without forcing excessive growth that increases water demands.
Many homeowners over-fertilize in summer, seeing brown grass and assuming it needs more nitrogen. The real solution is different nutrients at lower rates.
Maryland summers create multiple overlapping stresses that cool-season grasses must survive:
Temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F push grass beyond its 60-75°F comfort zone. Grass naturally slows growth as a survival mechanism.
Even with irrigation, summer demands often exceed water availability. Grass enters survival mode during severe stress.
Hot, humid conditions create ideal environments for brown patch and fungal diseases. Excessive nitrogen increases susceptibility.
Grubs, chinch bugs, and other pests are most active in summer, adding stress to already-challenged grass.
Applying fertilizer when temperatures exceed 90°F or grass is severely drought-stressed can cause serious fertilizer burn. We monitor weather carefully and postpone applications during dangerous conditions—something DIY applicators often miss.
Summer fertilization is a careful balancing act—providing nutrition while minimizing stress. Here's how we do it right:
Lower nitrogen rates (0.5-0.75 lbs per 1,000 sq ft) from slow-release sources provide steady feeding without forcing growth.
Potassium strengthens cell walls, improves heat/drought tolerance, and enhances disease resistance—the star nutrient for summer.
Iron provides green color without growth-forcing effects of nitrogen. Magnesium supports chlorophyll production under stress.
Mid-June and late August applications avoid peak July heat. We only apply when conditions are safe and beneficial.
We ensure adequate soil moisture before application and water products in properly to prevent burn.
Commercial spreaders ensure precise, even coverage—no burned stripes or missed areas like DIY applications.
Slow-release nitrogen and iron keep grass reasonably green without excessive growth that increases mowing and water needs.
Potassium-rich formulation strengthens grass's ability to survive heat waves and dry spells while requiring less irrigation.
Balanced nutrition strengthens natural defenses against brown patch and other summer diseases common in Howard County.
Well-nourished grass recovers better from heat, drought, disease, insects, and traffic damage throughout summer.
Grass maintaining health through summer is positioned for vigorous fall recovery when temperatures cool.
Applied after spring green-up is complete but before peak heat arrives. Bridges spring to fall with steady nutrition as grass transitions to slower summer growth.
Applied when worst summer heat has passed and grass begins more active growth. Sets up strong fall performance and bridges to September fertilization.
We avoid fertilizing during peak July heat—higher burn risk and minimal benefit when grass is in deep dormancy.
Summer is when DIY fertilization most commonly goes wrong. Burn occurs when products are applied during heat stress or on dry soil. High-nitrogen spring formulations are dangerous in summer heat. Our calibrated equipment and specialized summer products eliminate these risks.
No, fertilizing during heat waves (above 90°F) is extremely risky and can cause severe burn. When grass is already heat-stressed, fertilizer draws additional moisture from roots. We wait for cooler periods and ensure adequate soil moisture before any summer application.
Several factors affect summer color: irrigation (1-1.5" weekly keeps grass greener), grass variety (some handle heat better), and soil quality. Proper summer fertilization with potassium and iron helps maintain color. Brown dormancy is actually a natural survival mechanism for cool-season grasses.
Not absolutely essential like spring and fall, but it provides significant benefits. Lawns receiving only spring/fall fertilization often lose considerable color in July-August and thin from stress. If budget requires choosing, prioritize spring and fall, then add summer third. Complete programs deliver best results.
Yes—apply ¼-½ inch of water within 24 hours. This moves granules off blades into soil (reducing burn risk) and begins dissolving them. If rain is forecasted within 1-2 days, that's usually sufficient. Continue regular watering (1-1.5" weekly) to help grass use nutrients effectively.
No—proper summer fertilization using slow-release, low-nitrogen formulas shouldn't significantly increase mowing. You might see slightly more growth for 1-2 weeks after application, but nothing like spring rates. If experiencing rapid summer growth requiring twice-weekly mowing, you're likely over-fertilizing.
Generally no—spring fertilizers contain too much quick-release nitrogen for safe summer use. Spring formulations promote rapid growth in cool temps, which is exactly what you don't want during heat stress. Save leftover spring fertilizer for next spring rather than risking summer burn.
Help your Columbia lawn survive Maryland's challenging summers with professional fertilization from Greenlawn Inc. We've been managing summer stress on Howard County lawns since 1986, and we understand exactly what grass needs to maintain health and color through heat and drought.
As MDA licensed professionals, we have the expertise and products to safely fertilize during summer without burn risk.
Call (410) 992-8680Greenlawn Inc
Phone: 410-992-8680
Service Areas: Columbia, Ellicott City, and all of Howard County, Maryland
MDA Pesticide License #23902 | MDA Fertilizer Applicator #F0684
Family Owned • MDA Licensed • Summer Specialists