Crafting a vibrant, healthy lawn is achievable with the right approach. Lawn care here means adapting to our region’s cooler winters, wet springs, and dry summers. Think of your lawn as a living field of individual plants that need care, just like garden flowers or vegetables. Tending your grass at the right time and with the right techniques is key to a lush, green lawn. Use this seasonal guide to keep your lawn looking its best year-round.
Spring Lawn Care Plan
1. Clean Up
Start the growing season by clearing away debris left behind by winter rains and storms. Rake out dead grass and weeds like crabgrass. Remove branches and leaves to allow your lawn to breathe.
2. Mow High
Adjust your mower deck to cut grass at the highest setting for your grass type. Taller grass develops deeper roots, enhancing resilience against drought and discouraging weed growth.
3. Fertilize with Local Needs in Mind
Feed your lawn early in the season with a fertilizer tailored for cool-season grasses common in the region, like Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action. For organic options, consider fertilizers like Milorganite® or fish-emulsion-based products. Reapply after two months for consistent growth.
Scotts, Turf Builder 26003A Triple Action Fertilizer,4K
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Scotts, Turf Builder Triple Action Fertilizer 16-0-1, 10K sq. ft.
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Milorganite, 32 lb.
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4. Manage Moss & Weeds
Due to wet winters, moss is common in the Pacific Northwest. Apply a moss control product to remove it. Spot-treat weeds like dandelions with targeted weed killers or hand-pulling for small infestations.
5. Overseed Bare Spots
Early spring is ideal for patching thin areas. Use grass seed blends suited to your climate, such as perennial ryegrass or fine fescue. Overseed with a product like Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick’R Lawn™, which combines seed, fertilizer, and soil improver.
Scotts, Turf Builder Thick R Lawn Food, 12 lb
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Summer Lawn Care Plan
1. Mow High and Maintain Blades
Keep mowing high to promote deep roots. Sharpen mower blades to ensure clean cuts and minimize stress on grass.
2. Water Deeply and Wisely
Provide 1 inch of water per week during dry spells, ideally in the early morning. Invest in sprinklers with timers for efficient watering, or consider drought-tolerant grass varieties if water restrictions apply.
3. Treat for Pests
If pests like grubs appear, use an appropriate treatment, such as Scotts® GrubEx®. Monitor for signs of damage, such as dead patches or turf that lifts easily.
BioAdvanced Season-Long Grub Control, 12 lb.
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4. Feed Sparingly
Apply a light feeding mid-summer with a fertilizer like Scotts® Turf Builder® Summerguard®. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can stress grass during heat.
Scotts, Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control, 5,000 sq. ft. coverage
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Fall Lawn Care Plan
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1. Fertilize for Winter Strength
Feed cool-season grasses with Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® in early fall to promote root growth. This sets your lawn up for a strong start in spring.
Scotts, Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Weed & Feed, 4,000 sq. ft.
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2. Overseed & Aerate
Fall is ideal for overseeding thin areas and aerating compacted soil. Use a core aerator to reduce compaction and enhance root access to water and nutrients.
3. Mulch Leaves
Instead of raking, mulch leaves with your mower to create natural compost that enriches the soil.
4. Prepare for Winter
In late fall, mow grass shorter (about 1.5 to 2 inches) to prevent matting and snow mold in colder areas.
Winter Lawn Care Plan
1. Limit Traffic
Avoid walking or parking on dormant grass to prevent damage.
2. Plan Ahead
Use winter downtime to plan your spring lawn care schedule. Maintain and sharpen your tools. Consider downloading apps like Scotts® My Lawn for tailored care tips.
3. Tackle Ice Cautiously
If using ice melt, choose lawn-safe products like calcium magnesium acetate to avoid harming grass roots.
By adapting these steps to the unique climate of the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, you’ll nurture a lawn that thrives through every season!
We would love to see your lush lawn, use #mywilcolife on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and tag @wilcostores
