Stock up now for spring and summer feeding of your lawn, as your grass doesn’t stay green all by itself. Early April is the ideal time here in the Willamette Valley to start a new lawn from seed, repair an existing lawn, and fertilize your lawn. The earlier you get started, the less water sensitive your lawn will be in our dry summer months.

Fertilize

For the growing season (mid-March through late August) a fertilizer with high nitrogen and a moderate amount of potassium provides the best results. Growing season fertilizers should have very little or no phosphorus.  Depending on release pattern, feed every 4 to 6 weeks (4 to 6 feedings).

Lime

Spring is a good time to apply lime to your lawn, to correct soil acidity and improve fertilizer efficiency.  You can use either dolomite or calcium lime (Read our blog about applying lime HERE). If you’re using an organic or natural lawn food, then apply the same day (lime first and fertilizer second).

If you are using a synthetic fertilizer you will have better results if you apply the lime first a few days before putting down the fertilizer.

Moss Control

If moss has been taking over your turf over the winter, now would be a good time to get it back under control.  If you already have your lawn fertilizer, apply an iron-based moss killer (either granular or liquid) right after applying your fertilizer; or you can buy a lawn fertilizer that has the moss killer in it.  Be careful when applying moss controls, they can permanently stain hard surfaces like decks, patios, and driveways.

Other Helpful Tips

• This is the time of year to apply lime, fertilizer, and seed to your lawn.
• Water only if it is dry for more than 5 days.
• If repairing, treat for cranefly and moss damage first, then wait 2-3 weeks to reseed.
• Click the link for more information on Restoring Lawns.

Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions! Feel free to send your question to info@shonnards.com, or give us a call at 541-929-3524.