Seattle: Where Nature Waters Your Lawn
by
Gabby Hyman All About Lawns Columnist
It's a popular
misconception that Seattle
is the wettest place on Earth; it actually rains more in Kauai and parts of
Connecticut. But with an average annual rainfall of 37 inches, Seattle presents homeowners
with unique challenges when it comes to lawn care. Unlike other parts of the country, daily
watering in Seattle
can harm your lawn.Overwatering during rainy months contributes to lawn disease and root
damage. You should only water when your lawn begins to pale in color, or whenever blades
of grass don't
instantly spring back when you step on them. When that happens, do water
deeply, saturating the grass
about an inch--and then let it go for a while.
Seattle Lawns, Soils and Mowing
Proper aeration and soil composition play a huge role in the
care and
maintenance of a rich Seattle lawn. Now that it's
fall, you should aerate your soil to improve water drainage and root production
through the spring. Any lawn
care service can come out and get the job done. While you're at it, test
for acidity or calcium deficiencies in your lawn.
Soils on the west side of the Cascades are typically low in
the composition of calcium to other essential elements. Treat this deficiency
with lime. Apply fertilizer twice a year (September and May), balanced to
deliver up to four pounds of nitrogen for 1,000 square feet of grass.
In Seattle
and its environs, it's a good idea to set your lawn mower blades high (as much as two inches) to
help stave off weeds and allow the grass to set deeper rooting. Leave your clippings on the lawn, but break up
bundles by mowing over them a second time.
If it's pouring out, leave the lawn alone and go have a latte and a stroll around
Greenlake.
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for
Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems,
Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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