Western Lawn Care: How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy in Every Season

Keeping a lawn healthy in the Western U.S. means navigating a variety of climate and terrain challenges. From drought and variable soil types to hot summers and chilly winters, each region requires a tailored approach. A thriving lawn is more than just a beautiful view — it enhances your outdoor space, complements your landscaping and adds lasting value to your home.

TruGreen offers expert lawn care solutions designed specifically for the Western landscape. Our professional lawn care service covers everything homeowners need to keep their lawns vibrant year-round, including fertilization, aeration, weed control, pest management and tree and shrub care and with TruGreen, maintaining a lush, green lawn is simple and stress-free. 

Tailoring lawn care to your region ensures your grass stays healthy and vibrant. TruGreen adapts lawn care schedules to meet the unique needs of each area, accounting for climate, soil and seasonal changes:

California (Coastal and Inland)

• Drought-conscious watering: Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia thrive with efficient irrigation.
• Lawn fertilization: Provides essential nutrients to help grass withstand summer heat.
• Regular lawn mowing: Maintain proper height and manage grass clippings to reduce stress and prevent thatch.
• Mulching: Apply around flower beds and shrubs to conserve water and support your outdoor space.

Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington)

• Grass types: High rainfall supports Fescues and Ryegrass.
• Moisture management: Excessive moisture can encourage moss, fungus and weeds.
• Weed control: Regular weed control helps maintain a dense, healthy lawn.
• Lawn aeration and drainage: Essential to reduce soil compaction and prevent water buildup.
• Mowing: Keep grass at the proper height to avoid shading, which can worsen moss growth.
• Seasonal fertilization: Applying fertilizer in spring and fall strengthens roots and supports a green lawn.

Desert Southwest (Arizona and Nevada)

• Heat and drought management: Extreme summer heat and arid conditions require careful irrigation planning.  
• Grass selection: Use desert-adapted grass blends for better resilience.  
• Watering: Deep, infrequent watering promotes drought tolerance and stronger roots.
• Yard maintenance: Seasonal yard clean-up, mulching and care for flower beds and shrubs help retain soil moisture and support overall lawn health.  
• Pest control: Incorporate pest management during peak insect activity to maintain a vibrant green lawn year-round.

Mountain States (Colorado, Utah and Idaho)

• Grass types: Cool-season grasses like Fescue and Bluegrass perform best in shorter growing seasons.
• Lawn aeration: Reduces soil compaction and improves nutrient and water absorption.
• Overseeding and fertilization: Seasonal overseeding of cool-season grasses and lawn fertilization support dense, healthy turf.
• Winter care: Snow and frost can damage grass; early spring yard maintenance restores lawn vitality.
• Mowing and weed control: Proper mowing height and consistent weed control help lawns thrive despite a limited growing season. 

The right grass can make all the difference in a beautiful lawn:

• Warm-season grasses: St. Augustine and Bermuda are heat- and drought-tolerant. They recover quickly from foot traffic and require consistent lawn mowing service.
• Cool-season grasses: Tall Fescue and Fescue mixes thrive in cooler climates, offering a dense, green lawn in Mountain States and parts of the Pacific Northwest.
• Drought-tolerant options: Zoysia’s deep root system reduces irrigation needs and helps lawns withstand hot, dry conditions.

Selecting the correct grass ensures long-term success for your lawn and your entire landscape. For more guidance on resilient grass options, check out our article on choosing drought-tolerant varieties. 

Adapting your lawn care to the seasons is essential:

• Summer: Manage irrigation and mow at the proper height with your lawn mower to reduce stress. Minimize yard traffic to protect your grass.
• Fall: Fertilize, overseed cool-season grass and prepare soil for winter. Leaf removal or mulching and yard clean-up prevent disease and improve soil health.
• Winter: Protect dormant grass from damage and limit heavy foot traffic. Maintaining flower beds, shrubs and mulch helps preserve the overall landscaping.
• Spring: Focus on weed prevention and lawn fertilization. Also, making sure your irrigation system is functioning properly sets your lawn up for a strong growing season.

Regular seasonal maintenance supports a healthy lawn, enhances your outdoor space and keeps your property looking its best.