Pacific Northwest Lawn Care Calendar and Maintenance Tips

Mower Prep: Service before season starts to avoid waits. Sharpen blade annually for cleanest cuts and healthiest lawn.

Seeding: Fall is best for new lawns. Spring is next best — don't delay, grass needs establishment before summer.

Crabgrass Prevention: Apply pre-emergent as forsythia blooms drop.

Aeration: Spring (active growth) for compacted soil.

First Mow: At 3 inches. Keep 2+ inches for weed/drought resistance. Never remove >1/3 blade height.

Fertilizing: Light, slow-release/organic feed in spring after first mow. Don't chase quick green-up — it harms grass.

Grub Control: Early June for season-long protection.

Summer Mowing: Cool-season grasses slow above 80°F. Hot/dry: every 2–3 weeks. Cool/moist: weekly or more.

Watering: Let grass dormantly brown in drought — it recovers. Or water 1 inch weekly. Drought-tolerant buffalograss stays greener.

Fall Feeding: Once-a-year? Do it in fall. Light feeds early and late fall.

Fall Aeration: If missed in spring, fall works great.

Fall Mowing: Cool temps = faster growth. Mow through season's end.

Leaf Cleanup: Mulch with 2–3 mower passes to decompose, or rake and compost.

Overseeding: Cool-season grasses make autumn ideal. Seed at least a month before first average frost.

Perennial Weeds: Fall is prime time for dandelions, ground ivy. Treat with broadleaf herbicide (chemical/organic) or hand-pull.