6 Secrets for Getting the Best Lawn on the Block in in coastal Southern Maine

Discover how to achieve a professional-looking lawn on a DIY budget – in Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Falmouth & Scarborough, Maine.

Want a Lawn Worth Bragging About? Here’s How

Whether you’re living in the breezy neighborhoods of Cape Elizabeth, the shaded lots of Cumberland, the spacious yards of Falmouth, or the coastal communities of Scarborough, there’s one universal truth: a lush, green lawn turns heads — and adds real curb appeal.

The good news? You don’t need a professional landscaper or a big budget to have the best lawn on your block. With smart timing, the right materials, and a few insider techniques, you can outshine the neighborhood without overspending.

Secret 1: Feed Your Lawn the Right Way — and at the Right Time

Why it works:

Proper feeding builds turf density, color, and stress resistance. Most homeowners underfeed — or apply the wrong product at the wrong time, especially in Falmouth and Scarborough’s sandy soils.

How to do it:

• Use slow-release or organic fertilizer tailored to Maine’s climate

• Feed 3–4x per year: spring, early summer, late summer, and fall

• Avoid overfeeding during drought or heat waves

Where to buy:

• Highland Farm – Scarborough

• Broadway Gardens – South Portland
  Both offer soil-safe, pet-safe options for local lawns.

Secret 2: Mow High, Not Low

Why it works:

Taller grass = stronger roots, fewer weeds, and deeper green. “Scalping” the lawn is a major problem in Cape Elizabeth’s sunny lawns and new construction zones in Cumberland.

Pro Tips:

• Keep grass 3–3.5 inches high

• Mow regularly — never remove more than 1/3 at a time

• Sharpen blades at least twice per season

• Leave clippings to naturally fertilize your lawn

Secret 3: Water Deep, Not Daily

Why it works:

Shallow watering encourages weak roots, leaving your lawn vulnerable to drought and disease — especially during Scarborough’s dry summers.

How to do it:

• Water early morning, 1–2x per week

• Target 1 inch of water/week, including rain

• Use a rain gauge or tuna can to measure accurately

• Consider installing rain barrels — especially useful in Cape Elizabeth and Cumberland, where water conservation is a growing priority

Secret 4: Overseed Every Fall Like It’s a Ritual

Why it works:

Overseeding builds density, boosts disease resistance, and restores bare patches — especially helpful for high-traffic lawns in Falmouth or Cumberland.

How to do it:

• Core aerate in fall

• Apply seed blend suited for Maine: red fescue, perennial rye, and bluegrass

• Topdress with screened compost

• Water lightly twice daily until germination (about 7–14 days)

Best seed sources:

• O’Donal’s Nursery – Gorham

• Highland Farm – Scarborough

Secret 5: Edge Your Lawn for a Sharp, Clean Look

Why it works:

Well-defined edges make your entire yard look crisp and intentional — even if your lawn isn’t perfect.

Where to edge:

• Along driveways, walkways, mulch beds, and patios

• Use a half-moon edger, spade, or powered edger

• Re-edge every 3–4 weeks during peak season

Local landscaping hack: Cape Elizabeth’s coastal winds scatter debris — edging helps mulch and gravel stay where it belongs.

Secret 6: Treat Your Soil Like a Living Thing

Why it works:

Healthy soil is the foundation of any great lawn. In coastal towns like Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth, salt, compaction, and acidic rain can degrade soil quality over time.

How to improve soil health:

• Apply compost annually (spring or fall)

• Use liquid or granular soil inoculants with microbes and mycorrhizae

• Test your soil pH every 2–3 years (ideal: 6.0–7.0)

• Apply lime if necessary — common in Falmouth and Cumberland

Where to get compost and lime:

• Broadway Gardens, O’Donal’s, or your local town transfer station may offer seasonal compost sales.

Conclusion: A Pro-Looking Lawn Is Within Reach — Even on a Budget

You don’t need a fancy landscape crew to get top-tier results. Homeowners in Cumberland, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, and Scarborough are proving that with smart tools, timing, and trusted local resources, you can turn even a worn-out lawn into the envy of the neighborhood.

Stick with these six secrets, invest in your soil, and work with the natural conditions of Southern Maine — and you’ll have the best lawn on the block in no time.