• Try Not Fertilizing, but if you must… “Fertilize in Fall if at All”  Fertilizing the lawn in the spring can lead to a weak lawn and weed problems.
• Get your soil tested. To order soil test kits:  University of Maryland Cooperative Extension (Home and Garden Information Center) has a list of regional laboratories who will do soil tests at cost, 800-342-2507, or download PDF.
• Do not apply fertilizers to frozen ground, dormant turf, on sidewalks or driveways, within 10 feet of the water or when a heavy rain is predicted.
• More is not better—apply only the recommended amount of fertilizer.  The rest just washes off.

Watering

• Excess water can damage your lawn.  Most lawns in Anne Arundel County are tall fescue, a cool season grass that naturally becomes dormant (brown) in the summer.   For a healthy lawn, do not water between July 4th and Labor Day.
• When watering is necessary, water slowly and deeply in the morning or evening.

Mowing

• Mow Tall!  Moving your mower deck to 3 inches high can reduce weeds by as much as 50-80%.
• Mow with a mulching blade.  Leave clippings on your lawn for natural fertilizer.
• One gas mower running for an hour emits the same amount of pollutants as eight new cars driving 55 mph for the same amount of time, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
• The EPA states that 17 million gallons of fuel, mostly gasoline, are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment.

Pests

• Try Integrated Pest Management to control weeds and insects.  In many cases, a healthy lawn in your best defense against pests.