The Complete Lawn & Landscape Health Assessment Checklist
Your step-by-step guide to evaluating your property and securing a custom maintenance plan from EverGreen Landscapes
This checklist helps Seattle homeowners systematically assess their lawn, garden beds, irrigation, and hardscapes before scheduling a professional evaluation. By identifying issues like soil compaction, thatch buildup, or irrigation inefficiencies, you'll be prepared to discuss a tailored maintenance plan that saves water, prevents disease, and keeps your landscape thriving in the Pacific Northwest climate.
☑ Complete Checklist
Lawn & Turf Health
- ☐Check for bare spots or thinning grass – note areas with less than 50% coverage
- ☐Measure thatch layer depth by cutting a small plug; if over ½ inch, plan for dethatching
- ☐Look for signs of moss or algae (common in Seattle's wet season) – mark affected zones
- ☐Test soil compaction by pushing a screwdriver 6 inches into the lawn; if it bends or stops, aeration is needed
- ☐Identify weed species present (e.g., clover, dandelion, crabgrass) and estimate coverage percentage
- ☐Assess grass color uniformity – yellow or pale patches may indicate nutrient deficiency or pH imbalance
- ☐Check for signs of fungal disease like dollar spot or red thread, especially after prolonged rain
Irrigation System Efficiency
- ☐Turn on each zone and look for broken or misaligned sprinkler heads that spray onto hardscapes
- ☐Check for pooling water or runoff – indicates low head drainage or excessive flow rate
- ☐Inspect drip lines for emitter clogs or rodent damage (common in garden beds)
- ☐Verify controller programming matches current season and local watering restrictions
- ☐Test rain sensor functionality by simulating rainfall (if equipped)
- ☐Look for wet spots in the yard when system is off – may indicate underground leaks
- ☐Measure water pressure at the hose bib; ideal range is 40–65 PSI for most residential systems
Garden Beds & Plant Health
- ☐Inspect perennials and shrubs for winter dieback – prune dead wood back to live tissue
- ☐Check mulch depth – should be 2–3 inches; replenish if thin to suppress weeds and retain moisture
- ☐Look for signs of pest activity: aphids on new growth, slug trails, or chewed leaves
- ☐Assess soil moisture 2 inches below surface – if dry, plan for deep watering or irrigation adjustment
- ☐Identify invasive species like English ivy or Himalayan blackberry encroaching from borders
- ☐Evaluate plant spacing – overcrowded beds reduce airflow and increase disease risk
- ☐Note any leaning or damaged trees that may require cabling or removal
Hardscapes & Retaining Walls
- ☐Walk along retaining walls and check for bulging, leaning, or cracked blocks
- ☐Inspect drainage gravel behind walls – clogged weep holes can cause hydrostatic pressure and wall failure
- ☐Look for settling or heaving in paver patios and walkways – trip hazards indicate base issues
- ☐Check for moss or algae on concrete and stone surfaces (Seattle's shade and rain accelerate growth)
- ☐Assess edging between lawn and beds – if missing or broken, grass will invade beds
- ☐Verify that downspouts drain at least 5 feet away from foundations and hardscapes
Tree & Canopy Safety
- ☐Look for dead, hanging, or cracked branches (widowmakers) that could fall in windstorms
- ☐Check for trunk decay, cavities, or fungal conks (mushrooms) at the base – signs of internal rot
- ☐Assess branch clearance over roof, power lines, and walkways – minimum 10 feet recommended
- ☐Identify co-dominant stems with narrow V-shaped crotches – prone to splitting under snow or wind
- ☐Look for girdling roots circling the trunk base – they can strangle the tree over time
- ☐Note any trees with excessive lean (over 15 degrees from vertical) – may need professional evaluation
💡 Pro Tips from the Experts
💡 Pro Tip: Time Your Aeration Right
In Seattle, core aeration is most effective in early spring (March–April) or fall (September–October) when grass is actively growing and soil is moist but not saturated.
💡 Pro Tip: Water Deeply, Not Frequently
Lawns need about 1 inch of water per week (including rain); run irrigation cycles long enough to wet soil 6 inches deep, then let it dry out to encourage deep root growth.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Right Mowing Height
Keep cool-season grasses like fescue and ryegrass at 3–4 inches tall – taller blades shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and crowd out weeds.
💡 Pro Tip: Test Your Soil pH Annually
Seattle's acidic rainfall often lowers soil pH below 6.0; a simple test from a local extension office tells you if lime is needed to balance nutrients for grass and plants.
💡 Pro Tip: Prevent Thatch with Proper Mowing
Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time – scalping stresses the turf and leads to thatch buildup; mow frequently during peak growth.
💡 Pro Tip: Inspect Irrigation After Freezes
After a hard freeze, run each zone manually and watch for geysers or wet spots – cracked pipes or blown fittings are common and waste hundreds of gallons per hour.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed professional for tree risk assessment, structural wall repairs, or any work involving electrical or gas lines.