DIY lawn care plans start at $55 for your first box, with full-season custom plans varying by lawn size. Traditional professional lawn services can run up to $1,500 per year. Sunday plans include soil analysis, personalized nutrient schedules, and expert consultations.

Watch for bare patches, thinning grass, persistent weeds, and areas that stay soggy or dry out fast. Discoloration, matted grass, or spots where growth seems stunted can signal soil issues. A soil test helps pinpoint nutrient deficiencies so you know what your lawn actually needs.

Apply fertilizer when temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F and your lawn is at least 60% greened up. For cool-season grasses common in Silver Spring, spring and fall are prime windows. Fall feeding supports root growth before winter, setting up a stronger spring comeback.

Skip the mower bag and let clippings decompose into free nutrients. Pull weeds by hand before reaching for treatments. Water deeply two to three times weekly instead of daily. Mow with sharp blades to reduce stress. Small habit shifts add up to a healthier yard.

Lawn service typically means hiring pros for mowing, trimming, and cleanup. Lawn care focuses on feeding, soil health, weed management, and seeding. One keeps things tidy; the other builds a thriving yard from the roots up. Many homeowners handle care themselves with a custom plan.

Stop mowing when grass stops growing, usually after several hard frosts. For your final cut, lower the blade to about two inches. Shorter grass resists matting under snow and reduces the risk of winter fungal issues like snow mold. November is typically the last mow.