Living in Vancouver means we get plenty of rain in the winter and dry spells in the summer. Our cool-season grasses, like fescues and rye, thrive best when we time our care around the weather. To keep your lawn lush and green year-round, here are some important tasks to focus on throughout the seasons.
Spring: Wake Your Lawn Up
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Clean up debris: Remove branches, leaves, and leftover winter mess so sunlight and air can reach the soil.
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Mow smart: As soon as the grass starts growing, start mowing. Keep your mower blades sharp and never cut off more than one-third of the grass blade.
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Test your soil: A simple soil test can tell you if your lawn needs lime or fertilizer. Adjusting the pH early sets your lawn up for success.
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Control weeds early: Stopping weeds before they sprout saves you time and hassle later.
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Aerate and overseed: If your lawn looks thin, spring is a great time to aerate and spread new seed.
Summer: Protect Against Heat
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Water deeply and less often: A deep soak two to three times a week is better than frequent light watering. Early morning is best to reduce evaporation.
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Raise your mowing height: Taller grass shades the soil, helping it hold moisture and preventing weeds.
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Keep an eye on pests and disease: Hot, humid days can invite fungus or insect problems. Catching them early makes treatment easier.
Fall: The Best Time to Improve Your Lawn
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Aerate and dethatch: Late September through October is perfect for loosening compacted soil and removing thatch buildup.
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Overseed: Fill in bare spots and thicken your lawn while temperatures are cool and soil is moist.
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Fertilize for winter: A fall fertilizer helps grass store energy to survive the winter and bounce back strong in spring.
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Clean up leaves: Wet leaves left on the lawn can smother grass and invite disease. Rake or mulch them regularly.
Winter: Rest and Plan Ahead
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Limit foot traffic: Walking on frozen or soggy grass can damage roots and soil structure.
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Plan for spring: Winter is a great time to sharpen mower blades, service equipment, and order seed or supplies.
Tips Specific to Vancouver Lawns
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Aeration is essential: Our clay soils compact easily, so annual aeration is one of the best things you can do.
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Grass height matters: Avoid mowing too short, especially in summer. Keeping grass a little longer helps it stay healthy.
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Water wisely: Remember, our summers are dry even if winters are wet. Consistent watering is key for a strong root system.
A Simple Yearly Lawn Care Timeline
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March–April: Cleanup, test soil, first mow, light fertilizer, weed control.
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May–June: Regular mowing, water as needed, watch for pests.
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July–August: Deep watering, raise mower height, prepare for fall.
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September–October: Aerate, dethatch, overseed, fertilize, leaf cleanup.
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November: Final mow and cleanup, prep equipment.
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December–February: Rest and plan.
Wrapping It Up
A healthy lawn in Vancouver doesn’t happen overnight — it’s about doing the right things at the right time. Focus on aeration, overseeding, proper watering, and mowing at the right height, and your lawn will reward you year after year. For help with all your landscape needs contact us today for a free estimate.