{"id":23847,"date":"2025-08-15T16:28:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T23:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/?page_id=23847"},"modified":"2026-04-27T14:00:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T21:00:39","slug":"green-up-your-lawn","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/master-gardeners-home\/green-up-your-lawn\/","title":{"rendered":"Green Up Your Lawn"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p>WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners have tips for you to \u201cgreen\u201d up your lawn. Some people want every blade to be perfect and others are much more casual. Master Gardeners have information for any level of lawn care preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Banner_ParachuteDesign_09.19.2025-396x145.png\" alt=\"Green lawn with a falling orange leaf and graphic text reading \u201cGreen Up Your Lawn.\u201d\" class=\"wp-image-24117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Banner_ParachuteDesign_09.19.2025-396x145.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Banner_ParachuteDesign_09.19.2025-792x291.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Banner_ParachuteDesign_09.19.2025-768x282.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Banner_ParachuteDesign_09.19.2025.png 1250w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">earn how to care for your lawn using sustainable practices with the Green Up Your Lawn program.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#Ready\">Ready for some healthy grass?<\/a><br><a href=\"#Free\">We will come to your neighborhood<\/a><br><a href=\"#Online\">Need online resources right now about natural lawn care?<\/a><br><a href=\"#Toxin\">Why is natural lawn care so important?<\/a><br><a href=\"#NoToxins\">What can you do to reduce toxins?<\/a><br><a href=\"#Partners\">Our partners for Green Up Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready for some healthy grass?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We offer <b>free presentations<\/b> in Clark County, WA about growing a great lawn. These are an hour or so in duration and are usually held indoors.&nbsp;Presentations are suited for HOAs, neighborhood associations, garden clubs, or service groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>We share information from the lawn pros at the turf program of Oregon State University to emphasize lawn care that uses very few, if any, harmful chemicals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By mowing to the right height, watering enough (but not too much), using non-toxic weed control, fertilizing at the right time, and over-seeding in the fall, your lawn can look great without distributing toxins in our environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-toxic lawn care methods result in a thick turf that reduces the need for weeding \u2013 and the need for applying potentially harmful chemicals or excess fertilizer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These &#8220;natural lawn care&#8221; methods care save you money and protect your family and the environment at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free workshops for your neighborhood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Web_Spreader_Adobe_09.19.2025-e1758314709650-396x338.png\" alt=\"Person using a lawn spreader to apply material on a green lawn with garden plants in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-24119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Web_Spreader_Adobe_09.19.2025-e1758314709650-396x338.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Web_Spreader_Adobe_09.19.2025-e1758314709650.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A lawn spreader is used to apply seed or fertilizer as part of sustainable lawn care practices.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the indoor presentation, we also offer free<b> on-site, hands-on outdoor demonstrations<\/b> in season (March \u2013 October) for groups of six or more neighbors. Demonstrations take place near a lawn or grassy area and involve hand tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To schedule a presentation or demonstration, contact Melissa Brown, project manager, at <a href=\"mailto:melissa.brown1@wsu.edu\">melissa.brown1@wsu.edu<\/a> or <a href=\"tel:\">(360) 947-5524<\/a>  text preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our program is part of a larger effort called &#8220;What&#8217;s Your Lawn Style&#8221;? <a href=\"https:\/\/followthewater.info\/about-whats-your-lawn-style\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/followthewater.info\/about-whats-your-lawn-style\/\">The web page for What\u2019s Your Lawn Style<\/a> offers information on \u201cgreen\u201d lawn care without toxins, including short videos that detail lawn care steps you can take without using toxins, whether you are interested in low input, medium effort, or dedicated lawn care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is natural lawn care so important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The herbicide 2,4-D, which kills weeds, is a potential carcinogen for people. It also can make children or pets ill right away and harms aquatic life, such as fish. We are working in partnership with Clark County&nbsp;and others to reduce use of weed-and-feed products that are a source of 2,4-D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"337\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2079\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Mulch_mower_iStock-396x337.png\" alt=\"Person riding a lawn mower over fallen leaves, mulching them into the grass as part of lawn care.\" class=\"wp-image-24118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Mulch_mower_iStock-396x337.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Mulch_mower_iStock.png 540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mulching leaves with a mower returns nutrients to the soil and supports healthy lawn care practices.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For more on the downsides of weed and feed and alternatives to the product,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E6q4zoUrobo&amp;t=13s\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E6q4zoUrobo&amp;t=13s\">watch this short video<\/a>&nbsp;from our friends at OSU Master Gardeners and their What\u2019s Your Lawn Style campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you do to reduce use of toxins on your lawn?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend hand-pulling or digging weeds and very careful use of spot-treatments for persistent broadleaf weeds. Be sure to follow instructions for packaged products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While nitrogen is not itself toxic, excess nitrogen in fertilizer is a problem. Plants can only take up a certain amount of nutrients at a time. If we apply too much at once, the fertilizer ends up in our rivers and lakes. That creates conditions for toxic algae that ruins the water for humans and animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One way to avoid excessive nitrogen application is to time your fertilizing for when the grass is growing (late May and early October, for example). Use slow-release nitrogen or organic products. Calculate the amount you need using online tools and apply according to instructions.  Use an <a href=\"https:\/\/turf.purdue.edu\/fertilizer-calculator\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/turf.purdue.edu\/fertilizer-calculator\/\">online lawn fertilizer calculator<\/a> to determine application rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For large lots, consider contacting the <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/naturalresources\/smallacreageprogram\/\">WSU Small Acreage program<\/a>, which offers workshops and training for weed control, maintaining planting pasture-type grasses, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"396\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2079\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Aerating_iStock-396x338.png\" alt=\"Person using a manual lawn aerator to create holes in the soil to improve grass health.\" class=\"wp-image-24116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Aerating_iStock-396x338.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/09\/GUYL_Aerating_iStock.png 539w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aerating a lawn helps air, water, and nutrients reach the roots for healthier grass.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, fertilizers that use phosphorus are seldom needed by lawns in our region. If someone applies phosphorus, the element ends up in our lakes and streams. Excessive phosphorus in water also damages aquatic eco-systems. Use lawn fertilizer without this mineral unless you have a soil test that indicates you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Partners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Through a grant from Washington State Department of Ecology, Master Gardeners partners with Clark County Public Works Clean Water Outreach to reduce use of toxins for lawn care, including weed-and-feed products and excessive nitrogen.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2079\/2025\/08\/ClarkCounty_Teal_logo-396x399.jpg\" alt=\"Clark County, Washington logo featuring a person paddling a canoe within a circular emblem.\" class=\"wp-image-23997\" width=\"219\" height=\"221\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/08\/ClarkCounty_Teal_logo-396x399.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/08\/ClarkCounty_Teal_logo.jpg 427w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 219px) 100vw, 219px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2079\/2025\/08\/DeptEcologyLogo-396x122.jpg\" alt=\"Washington State Department of Ecology logo with stylized landscape and water graphic.\" class=\"wp-image-23998\" width=\"253\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/08\/DeptEcologyLogo-396x122.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/08\/DeptEcologyLogo-792x243.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/08\/DeptEcologyLogo-768x236.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/08\/DeptEcologyLogo-1536x472.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2025\/08\/DeptEcologyLogo.jpg 1788w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ecology.wa.gov\">Visit the Washington State Department of Ecology website<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Our pages provide links to external sites for the convenience of users. WSU Extension does not manage these external sites, nor does Extension review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these sites. These external sites do not implicitly or explicitly represent official positions and policies of WSU Extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Erika Johnson at the above listed email, phone or mailing address at least two weeks prior to the event.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized wsu-spacing-before--xsmall wsu-spacing-after--xsmall\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/MGAnswerClinic-792x340.png\" alt=\"Contact the Master Gardener Answer Clinic\" class=\"wp-image-25413\" width=\"268\" height=\"114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/MGAnswerClinic-792x340.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/MGAnswerClinic-396x170.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/MGAnswerClinic-768x330.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/MGAnswerClinic.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Get help from WSU Extension experts at the Answer Clinic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized wsu-spacing-before--xxsmall wsu-spacing-after--xxsmall\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/wa-st-gardening-792x340.png\" alt=\"Explore Washington State gardening resources and tips\n\" class=\"wp-image-25414\" width=\"272\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/wa-st-gardening-792x340.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/wa-st-gardening-396x170.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/wa-st-gardening-768x330.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/83\/2026\/04\/wa-st-gardening.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Washington State gardening resources and tips.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n    <nav class=\"wsu-navigation-vertical wsu-vertical-menu wsu-spacing-before--medium\">\n        <ul id=\"wsu-site-menu\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse wsu-menu-collapse--style-vertical\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/master-gardeners-home\/become-a-master-gardener\/\">Become a Master Gardener<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/master-gardeners-home\/community-education\/\">Community Education<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/master-gardeners-home\/green-up-your-lawn\/\">Green Up Your Lawn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/master-gardeners-home\/partners\/\">Our Partners<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/support\/\">Support Us<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/nav>\n\n\n<article class=\"wsu-card\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wsu-title \">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;color: #878787\">Melissa Brown<\/span><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-caption\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<strong><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;color: #878787\">Project Manager<\/span><\/strong><br><a href=\"mailto:melissa.brown1@wsu.edu\">melissa.brown@wsu.edu<\/a><br><a href=\"tel:(360) 947-5524\">(360) 947-5524<\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Melissa Brown, Project Manager Melissa Brown (360) 927-5524 WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners have tips for you to \u201cgreen\u201d up your lawn. Some people want every blade to be perfect and others are much&amp;hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":12894,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_wsuwp_accessibility_report":null},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"cahnrs_clean_page_nonce":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23847"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23847"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23847\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26354,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23847\/revisions\/26354"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12894"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23847"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23847"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/clark\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23847"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}