Usually, April showers lead to May showers in the Pacific Northwest. This year could be a welcome respite to a cold, rainy winter, however, The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for below-average rainfall in Washington this spring, and above-average temperatures all summer.

Lawn maintenance in Washington is a year-round gig. The best techniques for a lush, green lawn should be varied by region, climate zone, and grass type. Here’s what works for the weather patterns and climate in Whatcom County and Western Washington.

1] Clean Up Debris

Soggy, cold weather can damage grass. We recommend staying off the grass until mid-March, or as long as the weather’s cold, excessively rainy, or frozen. Early Spring is your chance to correct drainage problems and clean up excessive debris that could suffocate your grass.

Use a rake to target any thick piles of leaves or pine needles. Safely use a pruning tool or mini-chainsaw to remove any fallen branches or trees, like the brand new battery-powered Stihl GTA 26.

2] Dethatch or Rake

Thatch is a layer of dead grass, moss, and other debris which forms at soil level. In small amounts, it’s a great fertilizer. Excessive thatch isn’t ideal, however. It can suffocate grass growth and provide a nurturing environment for damaging grub larvae.

Mid-March is the best time to remove dead grass and roots. If your thatch is minimal, you can use a rake over the entire lawn. Use a dethatching mower or rake if there’s more than 1/2 inch of dead grass and roots visible.

3] Mower Maintenance

One of the most important parts of lawn care is having equipment that works properly. Make sure to check your air filter, oil, and spark plugs before that first mow, and make sure your blades are sharp. The time is now to schedule maintenance and blade sharpening on your mower, or upgrade your equipment. Check out a short video on mower maintenance to learn more!

Take a proactive approach to a healthy beautiful lawn by scheduling service or blade sharpening at Carl’s Mower.

4] Aerate

Heavy rain and snowfall lead to compacted soil in the PNW. Weeds and moss may thrive in wet, compacted soil, but it’s not a great environment for healthy grass. Aerate your yard in March or April to loosen dense soil for healthier grass all season long.

5] Treat Weeds

Treat weeds however you see fit. There are many alternatives to how to treat broadleaf weeds in your yard. March is an excellent time to treat weeds and there are conventional and organic types of sprays you can use. Look for a broad spectrum when considering weed treatment options. Remember, a properly cared for lawn is strong enough to overcome problems. Establish a good lawn now!

6] Overseed

Fall is the best time to lay down lawn seed in Washington, and late spring is second-best. Wait until early April when the weather is no longer excessively wet or cold to apply seed.

Target any bald spots in your yard to prepare for more even growth. Take advantage of freshly aerated soil to “overseed” areas with existing grass for a lusher, thicker yard.

7] Fertilize

Soil is generally pretty rich in phosphorus in Whatcom County and surrounding areas in Western Washington. Look for low-phosphorus turf fertilizers which are rich in nitrogen and potassium to support vividly green lawn growth. You can also perform a soil test for more specific details on your yard’s soil chemistry.

Local garden experts recommend waiting until April to fertilize with a slow-release product. Contrary to popular belief, fertilizers aren’t a fast-acting trick for an instantly-lusher lawn. Instead, it’s best to know what works for your grass and fertilize with a slow-release product a few times per year.

8] Mow on a Shorter Setting

Shorter grass is better during the rainy spring months, so use a slightly lower-than-typical blade setting such as 1-1.5 inches. In the summer months when it’s hot and dry, mow high.

9] Target Bugs and Grubs

Bugs and grubs can damage PNW lawns, especially when you’re trying to promote fresh grass growth over bald spots. European Crane Fly larvae are the most common local grub.

There is a full spectrum of grub control options available, from conventional to organic – so use the option that suits you best. Just be sure to treat your lawn for grubs between mid-March and mid-May. With grubs come moles, which can burrow tunnels and create unsightly mounds of dirt in your grass. A healthy lawn can support up to 5 grubs per square foot, and regular lawn care such as mowing and thatch removal are an important part of grub and mole prevention.

10] Mow Regularly

It’s important to keep your lawn at a consistent length in the PNW Spring and Summer months. Generally, most Western Washington homeowners mow twice in March and 3-4 times in May and June. During the peak summer grass growing season, it’s common to mow 5 times per week. You’ve either got to commit to regular mowing or consider a Husqvarna AutoMower to do the work for you.

Whatcom County lawns are healthiest when they’re kept between 3/4 and 1 1/4 inches in length. Just remember it stresses your lawn to cut off more than the top third. It’s generally best to distribute lawn clippings over the grass as a natural fertilizer coat. This tactic works if you’re mowing consistently, especially if you invest in a lawnmower with a mulching discharge setting like the Honda HRX.

The Summer Season is Just Around the Corner

The weather outside may be cold and wet, but it’s not too early to start preparing for the warm summer months in Washington. Grass care is year-round. Start preparing for a healthy yard by making sure you’ve got everything you need for the season, including a well-working mower with a sharp blade.

The time is now to sharpen your blades, service your mower, and prepare for a lush summer lawn. Power Your Outdoors at Carl’s, a leading source of service, equipment, and parts for Bellingham and Whatcom County.