 Lawn
Care - Year Round
Lawn
care season is upon us!
A
beautiful, healthy, disease and weed-free lawn is easily
achieved by following a program of regular seasonal care
and maintenance. The calendar below is a guide provided by
the WSU / King County Cooperative Extension Service, and
lists recommended procedures for year-round lawn care.
Info for Controlling Moss - Click Here!
Lawn Care Calendar
• March
Time to renovate. De-thatch the entire lawn if old roots and stems at crown level
exceed one half inch. Aerate by hand or mechanically. Dig out or spot treat
perennial weeds. Rake and over seed bare spots with appropriate seed mixes.
Mow, if necessary, to a height of 2 inches. Time to install new lawns.
• April
Fertilize in late April, using organic or slow-release
formulations. Mow regularly at 2 inches. Remember not to remove
more than one-third of the lawn's height at any given time. Recycle
grass clippings onto the lawn as you mow.
• May
Check all irrigation systems and insure that lawn optimally receives
one-inch of water weekly, either through rain or by irrigation.
Mow every 5 - 7 days maintaining a height of 2 inches. Dig
out dandelions to prevent seeding.
• June
Water deeply and slowly. Do not rely on timers for irrigation
as temperatures will dictate water needs in addition to lack
of rainfall. Continue "grass cycling". Mow 1 -
2x weekly, removing no more than 1/3 of blade.
• July
Water deeply to one-inch per week, or allow lawn to go dormant
by watering just once a month. Avoid fertilizing in hot,
dry weather. Mow regularly to prevent weed seed spread.
• August
Continue to water and mow regularly. Survey the lawn, planning
which areas need fall renovation. Plan to eliminate lawn
areas on steep slopes, or in deep shade. Research suitable
ground covers as lawn substitutes for these areas.
September
When
rains begin, fertilize with natural organic or slow release formulations.
Late in the month, begin fall renovation by thatching, aerating
and over seeding. Install new seed or sod lawns.
• October
Thatch, aerate and install sod. Top dress with up to one-inch of
sifted compost if lawn was
planted with very little organic matter. Turn off irrigation
systems. Mow if necessary.
• November
Late in the month, apply winter fertilizer which is vital to
maintain healthy turf.
Mow if conditions are not too soggy and wet.
• December
Apply fertilizer if you didn't do
so in November. Rake leaves and litter off lawn.
Do not mow. Relax till March again. Happy
Holidays!
• January
Sharpen mower blades and tune-up mower. Refrain from walking on
soggy or frozen grass.
Do not mow at this time. Stay inside drinking hot chocolate,
thinking positively about how
fantastic the lawn will look this spring and summer.
• February
Check lawn for standing puddles of water.
Correct drainage where necessary or replant those
areas with more suitable ground covers. Do not mow at this time.
Birds pecking at the turf help remove soil grubs such as crane
fly. Sit back and watch all the
work being done for you.
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