Spokane, Washington
Lawn Care for Spokane Homes
Maintaining the health of your lawn is an important aspect of caring for your home. Not only does frequent maintenance boost curb appeal, but it can also prevent structural damages caused by water and pests. In keeping the grass trim, soil healthy, and edges neat, good lawn care adds lasting value to your property and to the neighborhood.
Since new problems can surface every season, it’s important to regularly perform lawn care. Hiring a professional lawn care service in Spokane can be worthwhile, especially with all the tools, products, and equipment needed to keep lawns in good condition. This way, you’ll achieve a refreshed appearance for your lawn and more time to enjoy a healthy lawn year-round. Here is more information about common lawn care practices:
Mowing— One of the most common lawn care mistakes is mowing at the incorrect height. Depending on the season and climate, different grass types will vary in mowing schedules. Cutting one’s lawn too short may lead to scalping, which can destroy the roots and stems. To prevent lawn damage, it’s important to mow the lawn according to the recommended height for the grass type.
Watering— Plants need water to thrive. However, overwatering can damage your lawn by causing it to grow shallower roots. This causes lawns to become more susceptible to weeds and diseases, leading to widespread lawn damage. At the same time, it’s also important to water when necessary, especially during periods of drought. For most lawns, it is more beneficial to water lawns deeply and infrequently rather than flooding the soil at once.
Fertilizing— Fertilization is another key practice in growing strong, healthy grass. There are a number of factors to consider when fertilizing, including climate, grass type, and the type of fertilizer. Fertilizers can be made from organic materials, like food compost and grass clippings or synthetic material containing nitrogen, potassium, or phosphorus. Keep in mind that adding more fertilizer does not necessarily accelerate the growth of your lawn. This is a common mistake that should be avoided.
Aerating— Although this technique is commonly used to remedy compacted lawns, it can also benefit healthy lawns. By breaking up the soil, aeration allows for oxygen, water, and nutrients to flow more easily. Regions with heavy rainfall and lawns that receive heavy foot traffic are more likely to need aeration.
Pacific Northwest Lawn Care Techniques
Notable for its year-round maritime climate, lawn care in the Pacific Northwest can prove challenging. With long seasons of rain, the regional soil may become unstable for certain grass types. These grass types have been found to fare well under oceanic weather patterns:
As with most lawns across the country, lawns in the Pacific Northwest need proper maintenance in order to grow. When it comes to lawn care, Spokane homes should tailor schedules to each season.
- Perennial ryegrass
- Fine fescue
- Tall fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Colonial bentgrass
Spring
The spring season can sometimes bring heavy to the region. Because of this, moss can develop quickly and flourish over trees and other plants. Apply organic moss killer to stop growth.
Avoid fungal and bacterial growth by limiting fertilizer applications until the temperatures have warmed. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn or applying fertilizer in moist, cool weather could cause plants to deteriorate.
In general, spring in the Pacific Northwest is one of best times for grass to grow. Any aeration, fertilization, and overseeding should take place during this time.
Summer
Water the lawn every few days to keep grass hydrated under the heat.
Lawns can go dormant during the summer in the Pacific Northwest. When this occurs, begin limiting the amount of water and mowing as the grass will not require much of either. It is typically enough to mow once a week or every 10 days to keep grass at the proper height over the summer.
Despite the slow growth of lawns in Spokane during this time, residents should still be mindful of weeds, drought, and diseases.
Fall
As the weather cools, reintroduce fertilizers to the lawn, as well as overseeding and liming.
Take advantage of fallen leaves to create compost as a natural form of fertilizer. This can improve soil quality and provide a better option than synthetic fertilizers.
Towards late fall, do maintenance on the lawn mower and drain the irrigation system so that it doesn't freeze during winter.
Cut back on watering and mowing as winter arrives. During long periods of winter drought, water slightly to keep grass alive. You can continue mowing the lawn, but only at the rate that the grass is growing.
Winter
Get Professional Help Today!
For winter lawn care in Spokane, taking a short break is beneficial, especially as heavy rains begin. On top of other household priorities, lawn care can easily go from being a simple side project to an overwhelming task. As a result, your lawn may begin to deteriorate, causing your property to lose value and fall into disrepair.
Keep the grass off-limits to foot traffic during January. The soil can become compacted and slow plant growth if it is walked on. More importantly, it saves you from spending money on costly damages. Reach out to a lawn expert today who knows how to make your Spokane lawn grow to its fullest potential – call or sign up today!
Winter is an ideal time to service and maintenance your lawn mower. This may involve changing out the driver belt, oil, and filter, as well as the stabilizer and spark plugs.
