Spring Lawn Fertilization & Liming Guide for Southern New Brunswick, Canada

For lawns near Bangor, Maine / Southern New Brunswick (Zone 5a), timing and product selection are critical due to short growing seasons and cold winters.

Fertilization Schedule

• Late May (after spring thaw, when grass is actively growing)
• Early September
• Late October
• Avoid early spring (April) and summer (June–August) applications.

Fertilizer Selection

• Use high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer without herbicides or insecticides.
• Apply to dry lawn, then water in thoroughly.

Liming: Test First, Then Apply

• Target soil pH: 6.0–6.8.
• Test in early spring before any fertilizer application.
• If pH < 6.0, apply 30–45 lbs pelleted calcitic limestone per 1,000 sq ft.
• Apply lime in mid-summer or late fall/winter—never with fertilizer.
• Lime takes ~6 months to adjust pH; annual spring testing is sufficient.

Water Quality for Testing

Use distilled or rainwater for home pH test kits—tap water can skew results.

Separate liming and fertilizing by 30–45 days for best results.