In the Field with Frederick Landscaping
May Tips and Helpful Information
May is one of the busiest and most exciting months in the landscape. Lawns are growing quickly, flowers are starting to show off, and outdoor spaces are coming back to life. Below are a few helpful tips from our crew to keep your property looking its best throughout the month.
Lawn Care Tips for May
1. Mowing Frequency – Grass growth accelerates in May. Most lawns will need mowing once per week, and sometimes twice depending on rainfall and temperature.
2. Proper Mowing Height – Keep your mower blade set to 3–3.5 inches. Taller grass helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and prevent weeds.
3. Fertilization – Late spring is a good time for a light fertilizer application if it has not already been done. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can stress the lawn as temperatures rise.
4. Watering – Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
Flower and Plant Care
Annual Flower Planting – Mid-to-late May is the ideal time to plant annual flowers once the risk of frost has passed. This is when we typically begin planting summer color in landscape beds and containers.
Deadheading Spring Flowers
Remove spent blooms from tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers to help plants focus energy on root and bulb development for next year.
Mulching
Applying fresh mulch helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and give beds a clean, finished appearance. A depth of 2–3 inches is recommended.
Shrubs and Tree Care
Pruning – Light pruning is appropriate for many shrubs after they finish blooming. Avoid heavy pruning on spring-flowering shrubs until blooms have faded.
Watch for Pests and Disease
Keep an eye out for early signs of insect activity or leaf discoloration. Catching problems early makes treatment much easier.
New Plant Watering
Newly planted trees and shrubs need consistent watering. Check soil moisture regularly, especially during warm or windy weather.
Outdoor Living and Landscape Maintenance
Inspect Hardscapes – Check patios, walkways, and retaining walls for shifting, settling, or joint sand loss after winter.
Weed Control
Weeds grow quickly this time of year. Staying ahead of them now prevents larger problems later in the season.
Drainage Check
After heavy spring rains, make sure water is draining properly away from your home and landscape beds.
Friendly Reminder from Our Team 😊
May is a peak season for landscaping and outdoor projects. If you are considering improvements such as planting, mulching, drainage work, patios, or general landscape upgrades, it is best to plan early to secure a spot on the schedule.
As always, we appreciate the opportunity to care for your property and help keep your landscape looking its best.
— The Frederick Landscaping Team