Yard Management Plan - 2003 Dennis Ave

Start Here: What to Buy & When

RIGHT NOW (JUNE)? BUY NOTHING.

This is a fall project. Everything the soil test calls for -- lime, fertilizer, grass seed, aeration -- goes down in fall, so your next real shopping trip isn't until August. Between now and then it's all free: just mow high and water. Here's the whole year at a glance.

Now – Summer (Jun–Jul)

Spend: $0 (one optional buy). Keep the mower on its highest setting (3.5–4") and water deep + infrequent (~1–1.5"/week) in the heat. Don't seed and don't fertilize yet. Only optional purchase: a hose timer (~$25–35) to automate watering.

August – The Shopping Trip

Spend: ~$135–190. Buy calcitic lime, a starter fertilizer (the one with phosphorus -- the test just cleared you to use it), and grass seed (~14 lbs). Also line up a core-aeration visit -- the pros book up.

Sep – Nov – Plant It

Spend: ~$115–190. Overseed in early September (Sept 1–21) — not before; summer heat cooks new seed. Aerate, then put down the two fall feedings and the lime across the fall.

Critical Issues to Fix FIRST

MOWING HEIGHT IS WAY TOO LOW

Your mower at setting "2" is cutting around 2 inches. Tall fescue needs 3.5 - 4 inches. This is the #1 reason your lawn is thin. Raise your mower to the highest setting TODAY. This single change will dramatically improve thickness, weed suppression, drought tolerance, and root depth.

SOIL TEST -- FRESH RESULTS ARE IN (sampled Apr 30, 2026)

The new soil test is back (University of Delaware lab, #578654 -- sampled 4/30/26, completed 5/29/26). Headlines: pH dropped to 5.6 (was 6.4 in 2022) -- acidic for fescue, so lime this fall; phosphorus is low-medium (index 34), which means a phosphorus feeding is now justified under MD's fertilizer law; magnesium and calcium are already high (index 135 / 163), so reach for calcitic (high-calcium) lime, not dolomitic; and lead is still safe at 54 ppm. Full breakdown in the Progress Log below.

PARKING ON THE LAWN

Every time you park on the grass, you compact the soil and crush grass crowns. Compacted soil = shallow roots, poor drainage, thin grass. Minimize this as much as possible. Core aeration in fall will help reverse the damage.

THE GOOD NEWS

Your soil lead is safe. You have a decent grass base to work with. The yard gets enough sun for fescue. And you're in Zone 7a -- one of the best zones in the country for cool-season lawns. This is very fixable.

Progress Log

Dated check-ins on what's actually happening vs. the plan. Newest first -- add a new block each time you make progress.

Update -- June 2, 2026 Early Summer

NEW SOIL TEST RESULTS LANDED

The fresh test is back (University of Delaware lab #578654 -- sampled Apr 30, completed May 29, 2026). This unblocks the fertilizer + lime decisions that were on hold. Summary below; the Key Numbers table and shopping list are updated to match.

Result	Value	What it means
Soil pH	5.6	Down from 6.4 (2022) -- acidic for fescue; lime needed
Buffer pH	7.67	Modest reserve acidity -- a light lime rate will move it
Phosphorus (P)	Index 34 -- Low/Med	P feeding now justified (clears the MD fertilizer-law gate)
Potassium (K)	Index 49 -- Medium	Just below optimum; light K is fine
Magnesium (Mg)	Index 135 -- High	Already plenty -- do NOT add more (skip dolomitic lime)
Calcium (Ca)	Index 163 -- High	Already high
Organic matter	6.8%	Healthy
CEC	12.5 meq/100g	Moderate -- holds nutrients reasonably
Base saturation	78.9%	--
Soil lead	54 ppm	Safe; well under the 400 ppm limit

WHAT THIS CHANGES IN THE PLAN

1. Lime this fall. pH 5.6 is below the 6.5+ fescue target. UDel's program calls for ~25 lbs ground limestone / 1,000 sq ft (best applied Aug 15 - Nov 1). To actually reach pH 6.5 -- which also locks down the trace lead -- the lead note suggests up to 50 lbs / 1,000 sq ft; split that across fall + next spring and retest rather than dumping it all at once.

2. Use calcitic lime, not dolomitic. Dolomitic lime adds magnesium, and your Mg is already high (index 135). Buy high-calcium (calcitic) lime instead.

3. Phosphorus is now a green light. The May 31 hold was about MD's law -- no P on established turf without a test showing it's needed. The test shows P low/medium, so a P-containing starter at fall seeding is both justified and useful. Still cap nitrogen at 0.9 lb N / 1,000 sq ft per application and don't put down both bags at once.

4. Fall feeding (from the report): Aug 15 - Oct 1, apply ~5.5 lbs of an 18-24-12-type fertilizer / 1,000 sq ft; Oct 1 - Nov 15, apply ~4 lbs of a 24-0-11-type (P-free, with K) / 1,000 sq ft. Retest in 2-3 years.

Update -- May 31, 2026 Late Spring

MOWING -- HEIGHT IS COMING UP (GOOD)

Cut Fri May 29 from ~5" down to 4" -- right move, and it respects the 1/3 rule. Grass is growing fast right now, so the next mow lands around Mon/Tue (Jun 1-2).

...BUT HOLD AT 3.5-4", DON'T DROP TO 3"

You mentioned dialing in to ~3". Keep it at 3.5-4" -- and heading into June heat, run the highest setting (4"). Three inches is below target for fescue and will stress the lawn as summer hits (remember, the #1 problem we started with was mowing too low). Taller grass = cooler soil, deeper roots, fewer weeds.

SOIL TEST -- SUBMITTED, AWAITING RESULTS

The new UMD Extension test is in and results are expected back shortly. A couple of decisions are on hold until it lands: the fertilizer choice (especially phosphorus) and the exact lime rate. When it arrives, update the fertilizer + lime lines and the pH in Key Numbers.

FERTILIZER -- DON'T PUT DOWN BOTH BAGS

You have 2 bags on hand and haven't applied them yet -- good place to pause. Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law matters here: (1) you need a soil test before applying any phosphorus to an established lawn -- use a P-free formula (middle number 0) unless the test shows a P deficiency; and (2) nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb N per 1,000 sq ft per application (min 20% slow-release N). Two bags across ~2,800 sq ft is almost certainly a double dose -- burn risk and over the legal N rate.

Recommendation: wait the few days for your soil test, then apply one bag at the labeled rate of a slow-release product. If you must feed sooner, use a P-free slow-release N -- note Milorganite (6-4-0) contains P, so it's not the right pre-test choice.

BROADLEAF WEED KILLER (HOSE-END) -- GOOD TO SPRAY NOW

Your hose-end broadleaf killer (Weed B Gon-type) is fine to use now. Best practice: spot-treat the weeds you can see instead of blanketing the lawn; spray on a calm day under ~85°F with no rain expected for 24 hrs; and don't mow for about 2 days before and after so there's leaf surface to absorb it and time to move it down to the roots. Since your next mow is due Mon/Tue, either spray today and mow Wed+, or mow first and spray a couple days later. (No conflict with fall seeding -- just finish broadleaf spraying at least ~4 weeks before the September overseed.)

Month-by-Month Action Plan (2026-2027)

April 2026 (NOW) Spring

Raise mower to highest setting (3.5-4")

Do this before your next mow. Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade at a time. If the lawn is currently at 2", raise to 3" this mow, then 4" next mow.

Apply pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass

Soil temps are hitting 55°F in Silver Spring right now. This is the window. Apply NOW -- every day you wait, more crabgrass seeds germinate.

Product: Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer OR Prodiamine 65 WDG (pro option). For 2,800 sq ft: ~1 bag of Scotts Halts.

Submit a new soil test

Contact University of Maryland Extension Soil Testing Lab. Collect samples from 10-15 spots across the front lawn, 4" deep, mix together, and submit.

Cost: ~$15-20. Phone: (301) 405-1349 or search "UMD soil testing lab"

Spot-treat visible broadleaf weeds

Don't blanket spray -- just hit the weeds you can see (dandelions, clover, plantain). Use a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer.

Product: Ortho Weed B Gon (hose-end) or Triclopyr concentrate for tough weeds. ~$12-15

Clean up debris and rake out dead material

Light raking to remove leaf litter and matted dead grass. Don't power rake -- just clean the surface so sunlight reaches the soil.

May 2026 Spring

Light fertilizer application (optional) -- wait for the soil test

Your test is in and due back any day -- best to wait for it. If the results show deficiencies, apply a light dose to match. If you feed before the test, use a P-free slow-release (MD law requires a soil test before applying phosphorus to an established lawn) at no more than 0.9 lb N / 1,000 sq ft -- one bag, not two.

Product: P-free slow-release lawn fertilizer (middle number 0, ≥20% slow-release N). For 2,800 sq ft: ~1 bag. ~$20-25

Begin consistent mowing schedule

Mow weekly at 3.5-4 inches. Leave clippings on the lawn (grasscycling) -- they return nitrogen and organic matter to the soil.

Sharpen mower blade

Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving brown tips and inviting disease. Sharpen or replace the blade. ~$10-15 at a hardware store.

Trim hedges

Give the road-side hedge a shaping trim. Cut the top flat and sides at a slight angle (wider at bottom than top) so sunlight reaches the lower branches.

June 2026 Summer

Start deep watering routine

Water 1 inch per week total, in 1-2 deep sessions (not daily light sprinkles). Water early morning (6-9 AM). Put a tuna can in the yard to measure -- stop when it fills up.

Tip: Buy a simple hose timer (~$25) to avoid forgetting the sprinkler is running.

Raise mow height to MAX (4 inches)

Summer stress is real for fescue in MD. Taller grass = cooler soil, deeper roots, more shade on the ground. DO NOT scalp.

Optional summer feed -- after the soil test, P-free, 1 bag max

Hold until the soil test is back. Under MD law you need a soil test before applying any phosphorus to an established lawn, so use a P-free slow-release (middle number 0) unless the test shows a P deficiency. Cap nitrogen at 0.9 lb N / 1,000 sq ft per application -- about one bag at the label rate for your yard, never two. Milorganite (6-4-0) is slow-release but contains P, so save it for when/if the test calls for phosphorus.

Product: P-free slow-release lawn fertilizer (e.g., 24-0-x with ≥20% slow-release N). 1 bag for 2,800 sq ft. ~$20-25

July - August 2026 Summer Survival

Keep watering consistently

This is when fescue wants to go dormant. Keep up 1" per week. If you can't water, it's okay to let it go dormant (brown) -- it will recover in fall. But don't go back and forth.

DO NOT fertilize

No fertilizer in July-August heat. It forces growth when the plant is stressed, inviting fungal disease.

Order seed and supplies for fall

Don't wait until September -- good seed sells out. Order by mid-August.

Seed: Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra (shade tolerant fescue) or Barenbrug RTF (self-repairing fescue). ~$40-60 for 7 lbs (covers 2,800 sq ft overseeding rate).

Schedule core aeration for early September

Call a local landscaper or rent an aerator from Home Depot. Book early -- September is peak season and slots fill up.

Pro aeration: ~$75-150 for front yard. Rental: ~$80-100/day (more work, but cheaper if you split with a neighbor).

September 2026 -- THE MONEY MONTH Fall Push

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MONTH OF THE YEAR

Cool-season grass does 80% of its growing in fall. Everything we've done leads to this. Soil temps drop below 70°F, nights cool off, rain picks up. This is when fescue WANTS to grow.

WEEK 1 (Labor Day): Core aerate the entire lawn

Make 2-3 passes with the aerator. Focus extra passes on the area where you park -- that soil is the most compacted. Leave the plugs on the surface -- they'll break down.

Hire a pro or rent a core aerator from Home Depot. NOT a spike aerator -- must be hollow-tine core.

WEEK 1-2: Overseed with quality TTTF blend

Immediately after aeration. Use a broadcast spreader at the overseeding rate on the bag (usually ~4-6 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding). Seed needs soil contact -- the aeration holes are perfect for this.

Seed: Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra or Barenbrug RTF. For 2,800 sq ft at 5 lbs/1000: ~14 lbs needed. ~$60-80

WEEK 1-2: Apply starter fertilizer

High phosphorus to promote root development in new seedlings. Apply same day as seeding or within a few days.

Product: Scotts Starter Lawn Food (24-25-4) or Jonathan Green Green-Up Starter. 1 bag covers 2,800 sq ft. ~$25

WEEKS 2-4: Water new seed daily

Keep the top 1" of soil consistently moist (not soaked). Light watering 2x per day for the first 2-3 weeks. After germination (7-14 days), reduce to once daily. After 3-4 weeks, transition back to deep, infrequent watering.

Consider a hose timer with multiple zones. Orbit or Melnor brands. ~$25-35

Apply lime (based on soil test results)

Your 2022 test recommended 25 lbs ground limestone per 1,000 sq ft. Update based on new test. Apply after seeding -- lime doesn't interfere with germination. For 2,800 sq ft: ~70 lbs of pelletized lime.

Product: Pelletized dolomitic lime (Pennington Fast Acting Lime or equivalent). 2 bags (40 lbs each). ~$12-15

October 2026 Fall

Second fertilizer application

Switch to a balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer now that seedlings are established (4+ weeks after germination). This feeds the existing lawn and new grass.

Product: Milorganite or a 24-0-11 type fertilizer (as your 2022 soil test recommended). ~$15-20

First mow of new grass

Once new seedlings reach 4-4.5 inches, mow to 3.5 inches. Use a sharp blade and mow when the grass is dry. Don't mow when it's wet -- you'll pull up seedlings.

Keep leaves off the lawn

That big tree will drop leaves. Don't let them smother new grass. Mulch-mow light leaf cover, but bag or rake heavy accumulation.

November 2026 Late Fall

Winterizer fertilizer application

This is the MOST IMPORTANT fertilizer app of the year. Apply a high-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer. The grass stores this energy in its roots for winter and uses it for explosive spring green-up.

Product: Scotts WinterGuard (32-0-10) or equivalent high-N winterizer. 1 bag for 2,800 sq ft. ~$25

Final mow of the season

Drop height slightly to 3 inches for the last mow. This prevents snow mold and matting over winter. Only do this for the LAST mow.

Clear all leaves from lawn

Don't leave a mat of leaves over winter. It smothers the grass and promotes fungal disease. Mulch-mow or rake.

December 2026 - February 2027 Winter Dormancy

Leave the lawn alone

The grass is dormant but the roots are still active underground. Don't walk on frozen grass -- it damages the crowns. Avoid parking on it in winter.

Service your mower

Sharpen blade, replace air filter, fresh battery charge (electric). Be ready for spring.

Plan for spring pre-emergent

Order pre-emergent in January/February so you're ready when soil temps hit 55°F (usually mid-March in Silver Spring). Note: if you overseeded in fall, you CAN apply pre-emergent the following spring as long as the new grass has been mowed 3+ times.

March - April 2027 -- The Payoff Year 2 Spring

THIS IS WHEN YOU'LL SEE THE TRANSFORMATION

If you followed the fall program, the lawn will green up thick and dense. The winterizer fertilizer stored in the roots will fuel explosive spring growth. Neighbors will notice.

Apply pre-emergent (split app: round 1)

When soil temps hit 55°F (mid-March). Use Prodiamine (Barricade) at the split-app rate -- you'll apply the second half 6-8 weeks later for season-long crabgrass control.

Product: Prodiamine 65 WDG (pro grade, lasts longer than Scotts). ~$25 for a jar that lasts years.

Resume mowing at 3.5-4 inches

The lawn should be thick enough now that you're mowing regularly. Keep the blade sharp.

Submit soil test #2

Test again to see how pH and nutrients responded to lime and fertilizer applications. Adjust your program based on results.

Assess and celebrate

Compare photos from April 2026 to April 2027. The difference should be dramatic. Adjust the plan for year 2 based on what worked.

Product Shopping List & Budget

All quantities calculated for ~2,800 sq ft. Prices are approximate (2026 retail).

Spring 2026 (Buy Now)

Product	Purpose	Quantity	Est. Cost
Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer or Prodiamine 65 WDG	Pre-emergent	1 bag (5,000 sq ft size)	$25-30
Ortho Weed B Gon (hose-end)	Spot weed treatment	1 bottle	$12-15
Milorganite 6-4-0	Safe spring/summer feed	1 bag (32 lbs)	$15
Soil test kit (UMD Extension)	Updated soil analysis	1 test	$15-20

Spring subtotal: ~$65-80

Summer 2026 (Buy in August)

Product	Purpose	Quantity	Est. Cost
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra or Barenbrug RTF Fescue	Fall overseeding	14 lbs (5 lbs/1000 sq ft)	$60-80
Scotts Starter Lawn Food (24-25-4)	Starter fert for seed -- P now OK per soil test	1 bag	$25
Pelletized Calcitic Lime (high-calcium)	Raise pH (Mg already high -- avoid dolomitic)	2-4 bags (40 lbs)	$25-50
Hose Timer (Orbit or Melnor)	Automate watering	1 unit	$25-35

Summer/seed subtotal: ~$135-190

Fall 2026

Product	Purpose	Quantity	Est. Cost
Core aeration service	Fix compaction	1 visit (hire pro)	$75-150
Milorganite or balanced fertilizer	October feeding	1 bag	$15
Scotts WinterGuard (32-0-10)	Winterizer (November)	1 bag	$25

Fall subtotal: ~$115-190

Total Year 1 Budget

$315 - $460

Biggest expense: Seed + Aeration

Biggest free win: Mowing height

$80

$150

$55

Spring products

Seed

Aeration + fert

Equipment (timer, etc)

The Mowing Rules (Non-Negotiable)

Height: 3.5 - 4 inches

Always. No exceptions. Taller grass shades out weeds, holds moisture, and develops deeper roots. Your setting should be 4 or the highest available.

1/3 Rule

Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mow. If grass is 6 inches tall, cut to 4 inches. If you've been away and it's long, do 2 mows spaced 3-4 days apart.

Sharp Blade

Sharpen every 20-25 hours of mowing (roughly monthly during peak season). Dull blades tear the grass, leaving brown tips and inviting disease.

Leave Clippings

Grasscycling returns nitrogen and organic matter. The clippings DON'T cause thatch -- that's a myth. Only bag if you're mulch-mowing heavy leaves.

Mow When Dry

Wet grass clumps, cuts unevenly, and can spread fungal disease. Mow in the late afternoon when morning dew has dried.

Vary Your Pattern

Alternate mowing direction each time (N-S, then E-W, then diagonal). This prevents ruts and helps the grass stand upright.

Watering Guide (Hose + Sprinkler Strategy)

Since you don't have in-ground irrigation, here's how to make the hose + sprinkler work:

Season	Amount	Frequency	Method
Spring (Apr-May)	1 inch/week	1-2x per week	Supplement rain only. Check weather first.
Summer (Jun-Aug)	1-1.5 inch/week	2x per week, deep	Early morning (6-9 AM). Use tuna can to measure.
Fall - Seeding (Sept)	Keep moist	2x per day, light	5-10 min sessions to keep seed bed moist for 3 weeks.
Fall - Established (Oct-Nov)	1 inch/week	1x per week	Reduce as temps drop. Stop when growth stops.

THE TUNA CAN TRICK

Put an empty tuna can (or cat food can) in the sprinkler zone. Run the sprinkler and time how long it takes to fill 1 inch. That's your watering duration. Most oscillating sprinklers take 45-90 minutes to deliver 1 inch.

Hedge Maintenance (Minimal Plan)

You said just maintain them. Here's the bare minimum to keep them healthy:

Trim 2x per year

Late May/June: Shape after spring growth flush. Late August/September: Light trim before winter. Cut the top flat and sides slightly angled (wider at bottom) so lower branches get light. This helps fill in those bare spots at the bottom over time.

Fertilize once in spring

Sprinkle some of the same balanced fertilizer you use on the lawn around the hedge base in April/May. Not critical but helps.

Mulch the base

Add 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch around the hedge base (where you have that barrel planter area). Keep mulch a few inches away from the stems. Suppresses weeds, retains moisture, looks clean.

Quick Reference: Key Numbers

Parameter	Your Lawn	Notes
Zone	7a (Silver Spring, MD)	Cool-season grass territory
Grass Type	Tall Fescue / KBG blend	Confirmed by soil test
Lawn Area (est.)	~2,800 sq ft (front)	Measure to confirm
Soil pH	5.6 (2026 test)	Acidic -- lime up to 6.5+
Phosphorus (P)	Low/Med (index 34)	P feeding OK -- test clears MD law
K / Mg / Ca	Med / High / High	Use calcitic lime (Mg already high)
Mowing Height	3.5 - 4 inches	HIGHEST SETTING on your mower
Weekly Water	1 inch (summer: 1.5)	Deep and infrequent
Overseed Rate	~5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft	14 lbs total for fall 2026
Lime Rate	25 - 50 lbs / 1,000 sq ft	~70 lbs (program) up to ~140 lbs to hit pH 6.5; calcitic, split + retest
Pre-emergent Window	Mid-March (soil 55°F)	Apply before crabgrass germinates
Overseeding Window	Sept 1 - Sept 21	After Labor Day, before Oct