The Benefits of Lawn Fertilization

The secret is out — feeding your lawn (the right way) is the fastest path to a lush, barefoot-worthy yard.

Introduction: Fertilization Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential

A healthy lawn isn’t just about appearance — it’s about strong roots, dense growth, and long-term resilience. For homeowners in Southern Maine, from Falmouth and Cumberland to Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough, fertilization is one of the most effective tools for maintaining a vibrant lawn that resists drought, disease, and weeds.

But not all fertilizing is created equal. When done improperly, it can pollute Maine’s watersheds and waste money. When done right, it transforms your turf — sustainably.

1. Fertilization Builds Strong, Resilient Grass

Regular fertilization provides the nitrogen (N) that grass needs to:

• Grow thicker and greener

• Repair quickly from damage

• Outcompete weeds

• Survive foot traffic and pets

In Maine’s cool-climate lawns, nitrogen is often the only major nutrient lacking. Phosphorus and potassium are typically abundant — but you won’t know for sure without a soil test.

🧪 Get a soil test from: University of Maine Soil Testing Service

2. It's a Cost-Effective Path to Weed & Disease Control

Dense grass leaves little room for intruders. Lawns that are properly fertilized:

• Choke out broadleaf weeds naturally

• Recover faster from grub and chinch bug damage

• Resist fungal diseases like leaf spot and red thread

Instead of paying for expensive herbicides or lawn repair, fertilizing consistently can prevent many problems before they start.

3. Timing Fertilizer Right Means Less Waste, More Green

According to UMaine experts, the ideal time to fertilize in Maine is:

• Late August to mid-September (best for single annual application)

• Optional second application in May, after spring green-up

Avoid fertilizing before the soil wakes up in spring or during summer heatwaves. Over-fertilizing in midsummer can stress your lawn and risk runoff into Casco Bay and local streams.

4. The Right Fertilizer Protects Maine's Waterways

Many homes in Cumberland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, and Scarborough are near sensitive waters like the Presumpscot River, Scarborough Marsh, and Casco Bay. Overapplying nitrogen or using phosphorus-rich blends leads to nutrient pollution — even miles inland.

What to use:

• Phosphorus-free fertilizers (look for “0” as the middle number)

• Slow-release nitrogen (labeled “water-insoluble” or “slowly available”)

• Organic lawn food or clover-enriched lawns to minimize runoff risk

🛒 Available locally at Broadway Gardens, Highland Farm, or O’Donal’s Nursery.

5. You Can Use Less — and Get More

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is overapplying. For older lawns, Maine recommends no more than 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per year — often even less if clippings are returned to the lawn.

Pro tip:
If you mulch your clippings back into the lawn, you can cut your fertilizer use in half without losing any performance.

6. Eco-Friendly Fertilizing Makes a Big Impact

Proper lawn feeding improves:

• Root depth and drought tolerance

• Carbon capture from the air

• Pest resistance without synthetic treatments

• Soil microbial activity, especially when paired with compost

Want to go even greener? Consider mixing in clover, topdressing with compost, or using seaweed-based fertilizers — all practices increasingly popular in coastal Maine.

Conclusion: Feed Your Lawn, Sustainably

Fertilizing is one of the most effective — and misunderstood — parts of lawn care. In Maine’s unique climate, where short growing seasons meet delicate coastal ecosystems, doing it right means feeding the lawn just enough, at the right time, and with the right materials.

Follow expert-backed practices, test your soil regularly, and support local suppliers. Whether you live on the coast in Cape Elizabeth or inland in Cumberland or Falmouth, your lawn will thank you — and so will Maine’s environment.