From Drought to Recovery: The Critical Role of Fall Fertilization

One of the Driest Summers in Recent Memory

This summer has been one of the driest we’ve had in years here in Brewer and across central Maine. From July 1 through August 22, lawns needed about 8 inches of water to stay healthy, but only received 1.8 inches from rainfall. That’s less than a quarter of what was needed and left us with a 6-inch water deficit. With only 10 rainy days over 53 days, it’s no surprise so many lawns have gone dormant, turned brown, or thinned out.

Last year was a very different story. In 2024, rainfall was much more balanced and drought wasn’t an issue in Maine during this same time period. By late August of last year, most lawns had enough natural moisture to stay green and keep growing. This year, however, nearly half the state is experiencing drought conditions, and many areas are classified as moderately to severely dry. That difference is why lawns are under so much stress right now compared to the same time last year.

Scroll to the bottom to see the statistics!

Fall Recovery is Critical

The good news is your lawn can recover, but how you care for it this fall is going to make all the difference. Fall fertilization is absolutely vital this year. Without the right nutrients going into the cooler months, lawns will regress even further, and areas that don’t recover will more than likely fill in with crabgrass next spring. Fall is when grass plants store energy in their roots and thicken up for next year. Skipping this step means your lawn will head into winter weak and struggle to bounce back.

That’s why we strongly recommend not only a proper fall fertilizer treatment, but also adding a soil conditioner. Our soil conditioner helps improve soil health and provides organic matter along with extra nutrients that push new growth and speed up recovery. Together, these treatments give your lawn the best chance to regain its density, color, and overall health after such a tough summer.

Why Programs Work Better than DIY

Some people try to piece together their own lawn care, but this is not the year to take chances. Timing, products, and consistency matter more than ever when recovery is on the line. That’s why we’ve built our lawn care programs the way we have. They’re designed to make sure your lawn gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, so you’re not guessing or leaving gaps in care.

By following the program, you can be confident your lawn is set up for a strong recovery now and healthier growth next year. This is the most important window of the year for your lawn, and we want to make sure you don’t miss it. Click here to review our lawn care programs.