Give your Ellicott City lawn the perfect start to the growing season with professional spring fertilization from Greenlawn Inc. Serving Howard County since 1986.
Early spring fertilization with pre-emergent crabgrass control must be applied between early March and mid-April in Howard County. Miss this window and you'll battle weeds all summer. Schedule now to secure your spot!
Schedule your Ellicott City spring fertilization before slots fill up
Call for FREE EstimateSpring fertilization is arguably the most important lawn treatment of the entire year for Howard County homeowners. After months of winter dormancy, your Ellicott City lawn is waking up hungry, weak, and vulnerable. The right spring fertilization at the right time gives your grass the nutrition it needs to green up quickly, grow thick and healthy, and outcompete weeds throughout the growing season.
At Greenlawn Inc, we've been providing professional spring fertilization to Howard County lawns since 1986. Our 39 years of experience has taught us that spring fertilization isn't just about feeding grass; it's about timing, formulation, and combining nutrition with critical weed prevention. Get it right and you'll have the best-looking lawn in your Ellicott City neighborhood. Get it wrong (or skip it) and you'll spend all summer fighting problems that could have been prevented.
Lawns that don't receive spring fertilization in Ellicott City face multiple problems:
Professional spring fertilization from Greenlawn Inc is a carefully timed, precisely applied treatment that sets your Ellicott City lawn up for success all season. Here's our proven process:
We don't work by calendar dates; we monitor soil temperatures throughout Howard County. Pre-emergent crabgrass control must be applied when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F at 2-inch depth, typically in early to mid-March in Ellicott City. Apply too early and the product breaks down before crabgrass germinates; too late and crabgrass seeds have already sprouted. Our 39 years of local experience ensures perfect timing.
Spring fertilizer needs the right nutrient ratio for cool-season grasses emerging from dormancy. We use formulations with moderate nitrogen for green-up without excessive top growth, plus phosphorus and potassium for root development and stress tolerance. Our MDA-certified applicators (Fertilizer Applicator #F0684) select products specifically formulated for Maryland soils and Howard County grass types.
We combine spring fertilizer with pre-emergent crabgrass control in a single application. Pre-emergent herbicide creates a barrier in the soil that prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating. This is your ONLY opportunity to stop crabgrass—once it germinates, control becomes difficult and expensive. Our pre-emergent also prevents other annual weeds like goosegrass, foxtail, and spurge.
We use commercial-grade spreaders calibrated for precise, even coverage. Proper application technique ensures every square foot of your Ellicott City lawn receives the correct amount of fertilizer and pre-emergent—no gaps where weeds can establish, no overlaps that can burn grass. Our crews are trained in proper application patterns, speed, and spreading techniques.
After application, we provide specific watering instructions to activate the fertilizer and pre-emergent barrier. Proper watering is critical; too little and products don't activate, too much and they wash away. We follow up to ensure your lawn is responding properly and address any questions or concerns.
Timing is everything with spring fertilization in Howard County. Apply too early and products may degrade before grass really needs them. Apply too late and crabgrass has already germinated. Here's how we time it perfectly for Ellicott City lawns:
Crabgrass seeds germinate when soil temperatures reach 55° consistently for 5-7 days. In Ellicott City, this typically occurs in late March to early April. Pre-emergent herbicide must be applied BEFORE this happens; ideally when soil temperatures first reach 50° F in early March. Once soil hits 55° F, grass also starts actively growing and benefiting from fertilizer.
Local landscapers use forsythia bloom as a timing indicator; when you see forsythia's yellow flowers in Ellicott City (typically mid-March), soil temperatures are approaching the critical 50-55°F range. This is your window for spring fertilization. Other indicators include:
Most Howard County lawns receive spring fertilization in the first two weeks of March through early April. Earlier in the window is generally better than later; you want that pre-emergent barrier in place before the first warm spell triggers crabgrass germination. Our crews work systematically through Ellicott City neighborhoods, scheduling customers on the optimal dates based on their specific lawn conditions and our soil temperature monitoring.
Not all fertilizers are created equal. Our spring formulation is specifically designed for cool-season grasses in Howard County emerging from winter dormancy:
Nitrogen drives chlorophyll production and green color. Our spring formulation contains moderate nitrogen levels (typically 20-25% of the mix) to promote vigorous green-up without excessive top growth that would require constant mowing. We use a combination of quick-release nitrogen for immediate green-up and slow-release nitrogen for sustained feeding through late spring.
Phosphorus promotes root growth and tillering (grass plants producing new shoots). Strong spring root development is critical for summer drought tolerance. Howard County soils are sometimes phosphorus-deficient, so we include it in our spring application when soil tests indicate need.
Potassium strengthens cell walls and improves grass's ability to handle stress: heat, cold, disease, traffic. Spring potassium application prepares your Ellicott City lawn for summer challenges ahead.
We use professional-grade pre-emergent products (MDA Pesticide License #23902) that create a chemical barrier preventing crabgrass and other annual weed seeds from germinating. These products are carefully selected for safety, effectiveness, and environmental responsibility while providing 8-12 weeks of weed prevention.
Don't wait — spring fertilization slots fill up fast
Call Now to ScheduleYour fertilized lawn will green up 2-3 weeks earlier than unfertilized neighbors, with rich, uniform color across the entire property. Quick green-up also gives your grass a competitive advantage against spring weeds.
Pre-emergent crabgrass control applied in spring prevents 90-95% of crabgrass if applied at the correct time. This saves you from spending hundreds on summer crabgrass control treatments that are less effective and more expensive. Learn more about our dedicated crabgrass prevention programs.
Proper spring nutrition promotes tillering, where grass plants produce multiple new shoots. This creates thick, dense turf that naturally crowds out weeds and looks lush and full. Thin turf is weed turf—thick turf is weed-resistant.
Grass that receives proper spring nutrition builds carbohydrate reserves and strong root systems that help it survive summer heat and drought stress. Under-fertilized spring lawns struggle in July and August.
Spring fertilization with pre-emergent prevents problems that cost more to fix later. Crabgrass control in summer requires multiple expensive applications. Thin, weedy lawns may need renovation. Prevention is always cheaper than cure.
The ideal window for spring fertilization in Ellicott City is early March through early April, with early to mid-March being optimal. The critical factor is soil temperature—we apply when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F, which typically occurs in early March. Applying during this window ensures pre-emergent crabgrass control is active before crabgrass seeds germinate, while also providing nutrition as grass begins active spring growth. Don't wait until late April—by then crabgrass has already germinated and you've missed the prevention window. Call Greenlawn Inc in February to schedule your optimal application date.
While DIY spring fertilization is possible, professional application offers significant advantages for Howard County lawns. First, timing is critical and professionals monitor soil temperatures daily to apply at the optimal moment. Second, commercial-grade products and equipment provide better results than consumer products from garden centers. Third, proper calibration ensures even coverage without gaps or overlaps—DIY applicators often under-apply (ineffective) or over-apply (grass burn). Finally, our MDA licensing means we're trained in proper application techniques, safety, and environmental responsibility. For most Ellicott City homeowners, professional spring fertilization provides better results at a cost comparable to buying products and equipment yourself.
Light to moderate rain within 24-48 hours of application is actually ideal—it helps activate both the fertilizer and pre-emergent herbicide, moving them into the soil where they work best. Heavy rain immediately after application (within 2-3 hours) can wash away products before they bond to soil, which is why we check weather forecasts carefully before scheduling. If we do get caught by unexpected heavy rain, we'll assess your lawn and reapply if necessary at no additional charge. For best results, we generally recommend watering your Ellicott City lawn lightly (½ inch) within 24 hours of application if no rain is forecast.
Yes, when applied properly by licensed professionals. Our MDA licensing requires us to use approved products and follow strict application guidelines. After application, we recommend keeping kids and pets off the lawn until the product is watered in and the lawn is dry (typically 24-48 hours). Once watered in, fertilizer and pre-emergent products bond to soil particles and are safe for normal lawn use. We use professional formulations that are effective at lower application rates than consumer products, minimizing environmental impact. We also follow best practices to prevent runoff into storm drains and waterways. Our 39 years serving Howard County families demonstrates our commitment to safe, responsible lawn care.
Pre-emergent herbicide prevents ALL seeds from germinating—including grass seed. If you need to overseed or repair bare spots in spring, you have two options. First, overseed BEFORE applying spring fertilizer with pre-emergent, then wait 8-10 weeks before applying pre-emergent. Second, skip pre-emergent in areas you plan to seed, seed those areas, and apply pre-emergent to the rest of the lawn. However, we generally recommend fall for overseeding in Ellicott City—it's more successful than spring seeding, and allows you to still get full benefit from spring pre-emergent crabgrass control. If you have significant bare areas, we can discuss the best approach for your specific situation.
You'll notice improved color within 7-10 days of application as quick-release nitrogen takes effect. Full green-up typically occurs within 2-3 weeks as grass enters active growth. The slow-release nitrogen component continues feeding for 6-8 weeks, maintaining color and growth through late spring. Pre-emergent results are less visible but more important—you'll notice in June and July that your lawn has little to no crabgrass while unfertilized neighbors are overrun with weeds. That's when you'll really appreciate the spring application. Overall lawn thickening and improved density becomes apparent by mid to late spring as fertilized grass tillers and fills in.
Don't miss the critical spring window for fertilization and crabgrass prevention. Greenlawn Inc has been providing professional lawn care to Howard County homeowners since 1986, and we understand exactly what your Ellicott City lawn needs to thrive through Maryland's growing season.
As MDA licensed professionals (Pesticide License #23902, Fertilizer Applicator #F0684), we have the expertise, equipment, and experience to deliver results you can see. Our comprehensive lawn care programs include spring fertilization plus additional applications throughout the season for year-round lawn health.
The best lawns in Ellicott City don't happen by accident
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Trusted by Howard County families since 1986
Family Owned · MDA Licensed · Expert Results
About Greenlawn Inc: Since 1986, Greenlawn Inc has provided expert lawn care and landscaping services to homeowners throughout Ellicott City, Columbia, and Howard County, Maryland. Our MDA-licensed team specializes in comprehensive fertilization programs, weed prevention, aeration, and all services needed to maintain beautiful, healthy lawns throughout Maryland's challenging climate.