LawnWeather

Maryland Lawn Care Calendar

In Maryland, crabgrass preventer typically goes down between Mar 17 and Apr 24: first in Salisbury, last in Hagerstown. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Baltimore, Frederick, Salisbury, Rockville, Annapolis and Hagerstown, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Maryland

Typically between Mar 17 and Apr 24, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Salisbury (around Mar 17) and last in Hagerstown (around Apr 2). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

CityCrabgrass preventer window
SalisburyMar 17 – Apr 17
BaltimoreMar 22 – Apr 19
AnnapolisMar 24 – Apr 19
FrederickMar 27 – Apr 19
RockvilleMar 27 – Apr 21
HagerstownApr 2 – Apr 24

Cool-season lawn calendar

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

CitySpring fertilizerOverseeding & seedingFall fertilizer
BaltimoreApr 12 – May 17Sep 4 – Oct 24Sep 22 – Nov 24
FrederickApr 12 – May 17Aug 22 – Oct 11Sep 20 – Nov 20
SalisburyApr 10 – May 15Aug 24 – Oct 13Sep 21 – Nov 26
RockvilleApr 14 – May 19Aug 24 – Oct 13Sep 16 – Nov 19
AnnapolisApr 12 – May 17Sep 6 – Oct 26Sep 22 – Nov 25
HagerstownApr 17 – May 22Aug 17 – Oct 6Sep 7 – Nov 17

Frost dates in Maryland

CityLast spring frostFirst fall frost
BaltimoreMar 26Nov 18
FrederickApr 6Nov 5
SalisburyApr 10Nov 7
RockvilleApr 11Nov 7
AnnapolisMar 22Nov 20
HagerstownApr 18Oct 31

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 Maryland?

Typically between Mar 17 and Apr 24, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Salisbury (around Mar 17) and last in Hagerstown (around Apr 2). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Maryland?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Aug 17 to Oct 26 across Maryland, while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Maryland?

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

Lawn care guides

Other states