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Lawn Care

Spring Lawn Maintenance

The keys to a great looking lawn in the Northwest are deep roots, consistent fertilizing, slow, deep watering, and proper mowing. Early spring is the time to get a jump on getting your lawn looking great for the summer months.

How do you get deep roots? Soil preparation is the key. Did you know that grass would like a MINIMUM of 10-12" of root depth? Remember roots are like water-they follow the path of least resistance. So in our highly compacted, heavy clay soils, doing work before we install a lawn pays many benefits. If you’re planting a new lawn, call us or come get our detailed information sheet on soil preparation.

If you are renovating an old lawn, first thatch the area and then aerate, using a tool that actually pulls plugs of soil out of the ground. (Leave the plugs in place or mow over them.) Next, top-dress the area with 1/2" of compost OR compost mixed with sand. (Do not use sand by itself). Now you are ready to overseed.

Sky carries several locally-blended grass mixes for different conditions; consult with our staff for your best choice. Keeping your lawn thick through overseeding is one of the best ways to prevent weeds. It also helps reduce water usage by keeping the root zone cool. Grass seed germination is best if you overseed when the soil warms in March or April.

February/March is the time for spring fertilizing. Feeding your lawn 3-4 times a year with a balanced slow release fertilizer is best for the Northwest. An easy to remember schedule is Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. The most important feeding is in the fall. Look for a ratio on the bag of about 3-1-2. We suggest a good organic fertilizer like Whitney Farms Lawn Food or a hybrid like Lilly Miller Super Rich. Make sure you follow the label directions and water it in well.

Many of us face moss in the lawn-especially now. Again, keeping your lawn thick is one of the easiest ways to control moss. If you do need to use a moss-killing product, mid-March is about the time to start. Once the moss has blackened, rake it up and proceed as if you were doing a general renovation.

Your lawn needs about 1" of water per week. Water long and slowly; watering once a week is better than watering every day. Use a soil probe or a spade to check how far down the water is penetrating. If it pools on top or runs off, apply a soil penetrant such as Perc-o-late Plus or E-Z Wet.

The final key to a great lawn is mowing. A mulching mower is one of the best investments you can make for your lawn. Mow high (2-3") and often. Grass clippings are about 90% water and 10% nitrogen. Mulching does NOT contribute to thatch; it is a great benefit to your lawn.

Follow these easy steps and your lawn will be healthy and great for years to come. And remember, if you do have problems, come talk to one of our knowledgeable nursery staff to find a solution.

By Charlie Shull, W.C.N.
Skylights Spring 2004 Vol 18, No. 2

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