LawnWeather

Maine Lawn Care Calendar

In Maine, crabgrass preventer typically goes down between May 9 and Jun 1: first in Portland, last in Presque Isle. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Portland, Bangor, Presque Isle and Lewiston, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Maine

Typically between May 9 and Jun 1, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Portland (around May 9) and last in Presque Isle (around May 17). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

CityCrabgrass preventer window
PortlandMay 9 – May 24
BangorMay 11 – May 24
LewistonMay 11 – May 24
Presque IsleMay 17 – Jun 1

Cool-season lawn calendar

Lawns across Maine are mostly cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

CitySpring fertilizerOverseeding & seedingFall fertilizer
PortlandMay 17 – Jun 21Aug 19 – Oct 8Aug 10 – Nov 9
BangorMay 17 – Jun 21Jul 30 – Sep 18Jul 23 – Nov 4
Presque IsleMay 25 – Jun 29Jul 15 – Sep 3Jul 17 – Oct 26
LewistonMay 17 – Jun 21Jul 30 – Sep 18Aug 4 – Nov 4

Frost dates in Maine

CityLast spring frostFirst fall frost
PortlandApr 23Nov 2
BangorMay 4Oct 13
Presque IsleMay 23Sep 28
LewistonMay 4Oct 13

Median dates, 2016–2025. A dash means frost does not occur in most years.

Frequently asked questions

When should I put down pre-emergent in Maine?

Typically between May 9 and Jun 1, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Portland (around May 9) and last in Presque Isle (around May 17). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Maine?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Jul 15 to Oct 8 across Maine, while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Maine?

Most lawns in Maine are cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

Lawn care guides

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