Vancouver Lawn Care Calendar: A Year-Round Guide for the Wet Coast

Vancouver's mild winters, wet springs, and dry summers demand a tailored lawn schedule. Follow this seasonal roadmap for a thick, moss-free lawn.

Late February – Early March: Wake Up

• Rake debris, stand up matted grass.
• Sharpen mower blades.
• Core aerate (relieves compaction, improves drainage).
• Apply dolomite lime (counters acidic rain, discourages moss).

Spring (Mar–May): Grow

• Mow weekly at 2.5–3″ (cool-season dominant).
• Overseed thin areas (perennial rye/fescue blend).
• Apply slow-release 3:1:2 fertilizer every 6–8 weeks.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Maintain

• Water 2–3×/week (1″ total) if no rain. Early AM.
• Mow high (3″) to shade roots.
• Spot-treat weeds; avoid herbicides in heat.

Late Summer – Fall (Sep–Oct): Fortify

• Core aerate again if needed.
• Overseed + starter fertilizer.
• Apply lime + high-K winterizer fertilizer.
• Rake leaves weekly—don't let them mat.

Winter (Nov–Feb): Rest

• Final mow at 2″ before dormancy.
• Keep off frozen/soggy grass.
• Plan next year's soil test.

Pro Tip

Moss = acidity + shade + compaction. Fix the cause, not just the symptom. Lime + aerate + overseed with shade-tolerant fescue.