As the winter season comes to a close, your lawn in Oregon will need some extra care to get back to its lush, green state. One of the most important steps you can take is to mow your lawn before applying fertilizer for the first time in the spring. This will help remove any overgrowth or debris that may have accumulated over the winter months and allow the fertilizer to penetrate the soil more easily. Ideally, you should apply fertilizer 24 hours to a few days after mowing your lawn for the first time to minimize the risk of stressing out your grass. Before mowing or fertilizing in the spring, make sure you wait until your lawn is starting to grow again to avoid hindering its growth and ensure you're setting it up for success!


Mow your lawn before fertilizing it in the spring.

After the winter season, your lawn is likely to be covered with overgrowth and debris. Snow and ice can leave behind broken branches, dead grass, and layers of matted material on your lawn’s surface. Mowing serves as a clean-up process, tidying the lawn and making it receptive to the upcoming nutrients.

By mowing, you trim away the excess growth and remove debris, allowing sunlight and nutrients to penetrate the soil effectively. When your lawn is clear, fertilizers can reach the roots of the grass more efficiently, enhancing nutrient absorption. This seasonal grooming is more than just aesthetics; it’s about preparing a clean slate for the fertilization process, which will nurture your grass back to health.


Apply fertilizer 24 hours to a few days after mowing for the first time to reduce the risk of stressing out your grass.

Getting the timing right between mowing and fertilizing is crucial for the health of your lawn. Ideally, you should fertilize 24 hours to a few days after mowing for the first time in the spring. This timing gap reduces the risk of stressing your grass, allowing it to recover from mowing before absorbing the nutrients.

Mowing and fertilizing simultaneously, or too soon after one another, can strain your lawn. Grass needs time to heal from the cut and to prepare for new nutrition. By providing a small buffer between mowing and fertilizing, you create an environment where the grass can thrive, absorb nutrients efficiently, and begin growing vigorously.


Wait until your lawn is starting to grow again before mowing and fertilizing in the spring.

Mowing pattern on a lush, green lawn in Gresham, OR.

To ensure your lawn benefits fully, wait until it starts greening up and shows new growth before mowing and fertilizing. This indicates that the grass is coming out of dormancy and is ready to absorb nutrients efficiently. Acting too early, while the grass is still dormant, can hinder growth and lead to uneven results.

Monitor your lawn for these signs of readiness. Once grass begins to actively grow, you're clear to start. Ensure your mower is set to the appropriate height for your grass type, and choose a suitable early-season fertilizer. This approach ensures your lawn gets the best start, setting the stage for a season of lush, vibrant growth.

When mowing your lawn, ensure your mower is set to the appropriate height for your grass type.

Call us today to schedule our lawn mowing and fertilization services!

At J&C Lawn Care, we understand the importance of proper lawn care, especially during the transition from winter to spring. That's why we offer comprehensive lawn mowing and fertilization services to help your lawn thrive. When mowing your lawn, you can rest assured that our team follows correct mowing techniques, like setting the mower at the right height to avoid cutting too much. For your lawn's fertilization needs, we use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide it with a steady stream of much-needed nutrients.

These services are offered to property owners in Gresham, Happy Valley, Troutdale, and nearby areas in Oregon. Give us a call today at (971) 284-2035 to schedule our services!