Performing critical maintenance tasks at the wrong time generally yields poor results and is wasted effort. Although weather varies greatly throughout western Oregon, the temperature and precipitation patterns in Corvallis are typical of the entire area. The chart below depicts turf growth patterns during an average year. Note that turf never stops growing in winter and, with irrigation, remains vigorous throughout the summer. Unless watered, most grasses go dormant or semi-dormant in the summer, and the growth rate declines dramatically.
Homeowners differ in their expectations for their lawns.
Keeping a lawn lush and green year-round requires more maintenance than does allowing it to go partially dormant in the summer. Thus, this publication provides options for different levels of lawn care. Choose a level of maintenance based on how you want your lawn to look and how much time you are willing to put into it. If you choose to do only one turf maintenance task, choose mowing and do it correctly. It has a greater influence on year-round turf quality than any other practice.