Year-Round Homeowner Guide for Maintaining Plants, Lawns, and Pests in Seattle, WA Admin, Lee's Content Team, June 5, 2024October 17, 2024 Seattle’s climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, demands a unique approach to yard care. Proper seasonal maintenance will ensure a healthy lawn, vibrant plants, and pest control throughout the year. This guide offers homeowners a comprehensive season-by-season strategy for maintaining their yards, along with advice on when to DIY and when to hire a professional landscaper. Season Weather Maintenance Tasks Consider a Landscaper For Winter (Dec – Feb) Cold, wet, 30°F-50°F Cover sensitive plants from frost. Mulch to protect roots. Prune dormant trees/shrubs. Prune large trees. Winter cleanup (leaves, debris). Spring (Mar – May) Cool, rainy Fertilize lawn. Weed control. Plant flowers/vegetables. Spring/Winter cleanup (leaves, debris). Aeration & dethatching. Garden design/upgrades. Summer (Jun – Aug) Warm, dry Water deeply, mornings. Check for pests. Mow regularly. Spring/Summer cleanup (leaves, debris). Irrigation setup/maintenance. Summer lawn treatments. Fall (Sep – Nov) Cool, rainy Rake leaves. Fertilize lawn for winter. Plant spring bulbs. Fall/Summer cleanup. Lawn aeration. Mulching. Winter (December – February) Weather: Cold, wet, occasional frost; daytime temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F. Maintenance Tasks: Protect Plants from Frost: Cover sensitive plants with burlap or frost cloth. Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to garden beds to insulate plant roots and reduce weeds. Pruning: Prune dormant trees and shrubs (e.g., fruit trees, roses) to encourage strong spring growth. Lawn Care: Avoid walking on frozen grass to prevent damage. Mowing is not recommended during winter. Hire a Landscaper For: Large Tree Pruning: Tall trees require specialized tools and can be risky to prune; hire a professional. Winter Cleanup: Outsourcing tasks like leaf removal and yard cleanups is efficient and less labor-intensive. See also Seattle Lawn Services Spring (March – May) Weather: Cool to mild, with frequent rainfall. Maintenance Tasks: Fertilize Lawn: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote grass growth. Weed Control: Remove emerging weeds by hand or use organic weed control to prevent their spread. Pest Control: Slugs and snails thrive in the damp spring climate; use natural repellents like diatomaceous earth. Planting: Spring is the best time to plant new flowers, shrubs, and vegetables as the weather warms. Hire a Landscaper For: Aeration & Dethatching: These services improve lawn health by promoting better water and nutrient absorption. Garden Design: Spring is an ideal time to consult a landscaper to redesign or enhance your garden. Summer (June – August) Weather: Warm and dry, with occasional heatwaves. Maintenance Tasks: Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, preferably in the early morning to promote deep root growth. Consider installing drip irrigation for efficient watering of flower beds and vegetable gardens. Pest Monitoring: Check regularly for aphids, spider mites, and other pests that thrive in the summer heat. Use organic remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Lawn Mowing: Mow regularly, keeping grass 3-4 inches tall to protect roots from the heat. Weed Control: Stay vigilant about removing weeds, which tend to grow faster during summer. Hire a Landscaper For: Irrigation System Installation or Maintenance: Professionals can install or maintain drip or sprinkler systems to ensure efficient water usage. Lawn Treatments: Summer is a good time to apply targeted organic pest control or fertilizers. Fall (September – November) Weather: Cool, rainy, with shorter days. See also Seattle Yard Clean Up ServicesMaintenance Tasks: Leaf Cleanup: Regularly rake and compost fallen leaves to prevent mold and maintain lawn health. Fertilize Lawn: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer in early fall to prepare grass for the winter months. Pruning and Planting: Cut back perennials and prune shrubs as they enter dormancy. Plant bulbs like tulips and daffodils for vibrant spring blooms. Weed Control: Pull remaining weeds before they go to seed and spread during winter. Hire a Landscaper For: Fall Cleanup: Large-scale leaf removal and yard cleanups can be handled by a landscaper to prepare your yard for winter. Lawn Aeration: Aerating your lawn in fall helps improve water absorption and root health before the winter. Mulching: Apply mulch to protect plants from winter frost and retain moisture in the soil. Hire a Landscaper When: Large Projects or Overgrowth: Tasks like tree pruning, large landscape installations, or dealing with severely overgrown yards often require professional equipment. Seasonal Services: Aeration, dethatching, irrigation setup, and large seasonal cleanups (fall or spring) are better handled by professionals. Complex Garden Designs: For custom features such as patios, walkways, or intricate garden layouts, consult a landscaper. Lawn Treatment: If your lawn has pest, weed, or severe health issues, a landscaper can apply targeted treatments to revive it. By following this seasonal guide, Seattle homeowners can maintain a thriving yard all year long, while balancing DIY efforts and hiring professionals for larger or more complex tasks. The key to a beautiful landscape is consistent care, adapting to each season’s specific requirements, and using the right tools and strategies to address common issues such as pests, weeds, and frost protection. See also Green Lake resident seeks advice for gravel path, and August yard clean up in Seattle ✉️ Get Started: Next Steps: We’ll review your goals, assess your property, and recommend the best materials and services. Sit back while we take care of the heavy lifting and deliver results you'll love. Request a quote today! Garden Plant Guide Landscaping Terrain, tips and tricks