Soil Testing for a Struggling Lawn in Maryland (Zip 20744)

Your lawn in Fort Washington, MD (zip 20744) has large bare areas. You've heard lime helps only for pet urine spots, and you plan to dethatch and overseed this fall. You need to know where to send a soil sample and what fertilizer to use.

Soil Testing: Your First Step

Don't guess—test. The University of Maryland Extension provides affordable, reliable soil analysis with specific fertilizer and lime recommendations.

Contact Information:

University of Maryland Extension – Prince George's County
6707 Groveton Drive
Clinton, MD 20735
Phone: (301) 868-9366
Fax: (301) 599-6714
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

What the Test Will Tell You

• Soil pH and whether lime is needed (not just for pet spots—pH affects all nutrient availability)
• Phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrient levels
• Specific fertilizer recommendations for your grass type
• Organic matter percentage

Fall Renovation Plan

1. Get soil test results (2–3 weeks).
2. Apply recommended lime/fertilizer.
3. Dethatch if thatch >½ inch.
4. Core aerate to relieve compaction.
5. Overseed with improved turf-type tall fescue blend (best for MD transition zone).
6. Keep seedbed moist until germination.

Fertilizer Choice

Wait for test results. Generally, a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus (e.g., 10-20-10) at seeding, followed by a slow-release nitrogen source in late fall, works well.