April/May is the prime time for lawn care in this area and with the late start we are getting with spring, certainly not too late for moss control. Keep in mind that the development of moss generally indicates the situation is not ideal for turf grasses - either it is too shady, the soil too compacted, drainage is poor or the soil too acidic. Typically, it is a combination of several of these factors. For best results you need to address the causes, not the symptom.

I get very leery when folks mention hiring companies like Tru Green (they used to be known as Chem Lawn), as they generally represent the antithesis of what sound gardening practices are all about. Companies like this are in business for the $$ and typically recommend excessive, expensive, unnecessary and often environmentally irresponsible treatments. However, the times they are a changing and even Tru Lawn now offers a "natural nutrient" program. IMO, that is the ONLY type of treatment you should consider.

FWIW, PNW lawns are generally blends of cool season grasses that naturally go dormant in summer. It is counterproductive to fertilize during this period as it takes increasing amounts of water to maintain them. An organic fertilizer, applied in early May and again in late September (this is the most recommended time) will be of most benefit and not require excessive watering during our driest months. When you do water, do so infrequently but deeply, once every 7-10 days is more than adequate, applying at least an inch at a time. And mow often and high - a taller lawn will shield the roots from the sun, conserve what moisture there is in the soil and shade out competing weeds.

Just an FYI, but lawn care - fertilizers, pesticides and moss treatments - accounts for the largest contribution (even more so than industrial issues) to the pollution of our groundwater, streams and other waterways. And gas powered mowers and trimmers produce more emissions than running your car for an hour. Just something to think about.

Here is a link that might be useful: natural lawn care for the Puget Sound area

I tend to agree with Gardengal somewhat.

Seems that some moss control will still be effective now, both lawn and roof, although one is zinc and the other iron generally.

$56 per visit? That's over $200 per month.

I'm guessing big yard or that's not lawn care but maintenance of the weeds in the beds and some minor pruning included.

If you have a small lawn that would take one man 1/2 hour to mow, and mowing is all that you need, and maybe a litte fertilizer, I'd suggest another estimate.

M. D. Vaden of Oregon

Check out Nutri-Lawn. A friend recommended them and we're very happy. They were in a hurry to do a moss treatment a couple of weeks ago and have stopped treating moss for the season. I like their Organic Plus program and their use of non-synthetic products that are people- and pet-safe. Our lawn has never looked better, rich, velvety, with bare spots caused by the dogs beginning to fill in nicely.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Nutri-lawn

thank you all for the replies.

one correction, the $56 was for every 5-6 weeks per visit. sorry about the confusion.