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Lawn Care

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

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. 

Western U.S. Climate Challenges

Front of home in the western United States with palm trees and vibrant, green grass

The Western U.S. is home to deserts, mountains and coastal regions, each with unique growing conditions. These differences greatly influence your lawn care strategy. Key factors to consider include:

  • Drought and Water Restrictions: Homeowners in California, Nevada and Arizona face ongoing water limitations. Lawns thrive with drought-resistant grass like Bermuda or Zoysia, which stay vibrant while using less water. Efficient irrigation practices, such as deep, infrequent watering and smart timers, help conserve water and reduce stress on your green lawn.
  • Variable Soil Types: Soil composition affects nutrient absorption and water retention.
    • Sandy soils drain quickly and may require more frequent fertilization and irrigation.
    • Clay soils retain water but can compact easily, making lawn aeration essential.
    • Loamy soils are ideal for growth but still benefit from balanced nutrients to support a dense, healthy lawn.
  • Temperature Extremes: From scorching desert summers to freezing mountain winters, extreme temperatures put grass under stress and make it more susceptible to weeds, pests and disease. Seasonal lawn maintenance, including proper mowing height, fertilization and pre-emergent weed control, helps your lawn adapt to these fluctuations and maintain a lush, resilient appearance.

TruGreen customizes lawn care services to meet these regional challenges. By combining expert knowledge of local climates with tailored solutions, we’ll help you enjoy a green lawn that thrives year-round.

For more insights on climate impacts in the West, check out UNEP on Western drought

Regional Lawn Care Schedules Across the West

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. 

Best Types of Grass for Western Lawns

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

Common Weeds in Western Lawns and How to Control Them

Close-up of fertilizer spreader spreading fertilizer

Weeds are a persistent challenge, but effective management keeps your lawn thriving:

  • California and Southwest: Oxalis and spotted spurge are common, but pre-emergent applications and ongoing weed control can reduce the spread.
  • Pacific Northwest: Clover and moss thrive in wet areas, but proper lawn mowing, fertilization and aeration can limit their growth.
  • Mountain States: Dandelions and broadleaf weeds compete with grass for nutrients, but seasonal fertilization and lawn care service maintain turf health. 

Seasonal Lawn Care Tips for the West

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. 

TruGreen Professional Lawn Care in the West

TruGreen specialist at a TruGreen truck getting ready to treat a lawn

TruGreen provides expert lawn care across the Western states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Oregon and Washington. Our comprehensive services include:

  • Fertilization for nutrient-rich, green lawns.
  • Weed control and pre-emergent applications.
  • Lawn aeration for soil health.
  • Pest control to prevent damage.
  • Tree and shrub care to protect your landscaping.

With TruGreen, you can count on professional lawn care services tailored to local climate and Western landscape conditions. We help maintain a green lawn, protect your landscaping and create an inviting outdoor space for family and pets.

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