How to Keep a Healthy Lawn Year-Round

lawn maintenance service in Salem, OR

Hey there! I know the struggle. You put in all this effort to keep your lawn looking green and gorgeous, only for the summer heat, winter frost, or sneaky weeds to mess it all up.

It’s frustrating, right? But don’t worry—you’re not alone. 

I’ve been there too and learned some tried-and-true tricks to keep that lawn looking lush and healthy all year. Let’s walk through it together, season by season.

Spring: Wake Your Lawn Up!

Ah, spring—the season of fresh starts. Your lawn’s been asleep all winter, and now it’s time to wake it up!

1. Clean Up the Mess

Winter can be brutal, leaving behind a layer of dead leaves, twigs, and all kinds of debris. Grab a rake and clear everything out so your grass can breathe again.

2. Give It a Good Aeration

Ever notice how compacted soil makes it harder for grass to grow? Aerating (poking little holes in the soil) loosens it up, letting water and nutrients get down to the roots where they belong.

3. Feed Your Lawn

Just like we need a good breakfast, your lawn needs food too. A slow-release fertilizer packed with nitrogen will give it the kickstart it needs to start growing strong.

4. Stop Weeds Before They Start

Do you know what’s easier than pulling weeds? Stopping them from growing in the first place! Apply a pre-emergent weed killer early in spring, so weeds like crabgrass don’t take over.

5. Mow Smarter, Not Harder

First mow of the season? Keep your mower blades high (about 3 inches) to avoid stressing the grass. Mow regularly, but don’t cut more than one-third of the blade length at a time.

lawn care in Salem, OR

Summer: Keeping It Alive in the Heat

Now comes the real test—summer heat can turn a lawn into a dry, brown mess if you’re not careful. But we’ve got this!

1. Water Deeply, Not Daily

Watering every day? Stop that! Instead, water deeply a couple of times a week. This encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant.

2. Let It Grow a Bit

Raise that mower blade a notch! Keeping your grass around 3.5–4 inches tall helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and prevent weeds from sprouting.

3. Go Easy on the Fertilizer

Too much fertilizer in summer can actually burn your grass. If you must feed it, use an organic or slow-release formula.

4. Fight the Weeds and Pests

Weeds love summer, but you don’t have to let them win. Hand-pull them or spot-treat them with a post-emergent herbicide. Also, keep an eye out for grubs and other pests that love munching on your grass.

Fall: Time to Strengthen Up

Fall is like your lawn’s recovery season. It’s been through a lot, and now it’s time to help it bounce back before winter hits.

1. Fill in Bare Spots

See any thin or patchy areas? Fall is the best time to overseed (sprinkle new grass seed) to thicken things up.

2. Aerate Again

Yep, aerating in the fall is just as important as in spring. It helps break up compacted soil so water and nutrients can reach the roots.

3. One Last Big Meal

Before winter arrives, give your lawn a good feeding. A fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus will help strengthen the roots.

4. Keep Mowing Until It Stops Growing

Grass grows slower in the fall but doesn’t stop overnight. Keep mowing until it stops, lowering the blade slightly towards the final cuts of the season.

5. Rake Those Leaves!

Leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn can suffocate it and lead to mold. Either rake them up or mulch them with your mower.

Winter: Protect and Prep for Next Year

Winter isn’t the time for active lawn care, but you can still set yourself up for success.

1. Keep Off the Grass

Dormant grass is fragile. Try to avoid walking on it too much, especially when it’s frozen.

2. Watch Out for Snow Piles

If you get snow, don’t pile it all in one spot—it can suffocate and kill the grass underneath.

3. Prep for Spring

Winter is the perfect time to plan ahead. Make a game plan for next year—when to fertilize, overseed, and aerate. Trust me, a little prep now makes a big difference later!

Common Lawn Care Mistakes (I’ve Made Them Too!)

We all make mistakes, but here are a few you’ll want to avoid:

  • Overwatering: Too much water = shallow roots and a weak lawn.
  • Cutting Grass Too Short: Scalping your lawn makes it more vulnerable to heat and weeds.
  • Ignoring Soil Health: If your grass isn’t thriving, a soil test can tell you what nutrients it’s missing.
  • Choosing the Wrong Grass Type: Not all grass varieties work in every climate. Make sure yours is suited for your area!

Need Help? Oasis Landscape Has You Covered!

Let’s be real—lawn care takes time, effort, and patience. If you’d rather sit back and enjoy a green, healthy lawn without the hassle, Oasis Landscape is here to help. We take care of everything from fertilization and weed control to aeration and seasonal maintenance.

With us, you get:

  • Custom Lawn Care Plans tailored to your yard’s specific needs
  • Experienced Pros who know how to handle any lawn challenge
  • Top-quality products for the best results without harsh chemicals
  • Year-round service so your lawn stays healthy in every season

Let’s make your dream lawn a reality! Contact Oasis Landscape today and let’s chat about how we can help.

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