LawnWeather

Oregon Lawn Care Calendar

In Oregon, crabgrass preventer typically goes down between Apr 1 and Jun 4: first in Portland, last in Bend. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Portland, Eugene, Medford, Bend and Salem, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Oregon

Typically between Apr 1 and Jun 4, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Portland (around Apr 1) and last in Bend (around May 7). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

CityCrabgrass preventer window
PortlandApr 1 – May 5
SalemApr 1 – May 9
MedfordApr 2 – May 3
EugeneApr 5 – May 13
BendMay 7 – Jun 4

Cool-season lawn calendar

Lawns across Oregon are mostly cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

CitySpring fertilizerOverseeding & seedingFall fertilizer
PortlandApr 28 – Jun 2Sep 11 – Oct 31Jul 21 – Nov 29
EugeneMay 6 – Jun 10Aug 13 – Oct 2Jul 16 – Nov 15
MedfordApr 26 – May 31Aug 8 – Sep 27Sep 5 – Nov 18
BendMay 28 – Jul 2Jul 22 – Sep 10Jul 17 – Oct 29
SalemMay 2 – Jun 6Sep 2 – Oct 22Jul 16 – Nov 21

Frost dates in Oregon

CityLast spring frostFirst fall frost
PortlandMar 9Nov 25
EugeneApr 9Oct 27
MedfordApr 21Oct 22
BendMay 28Oct 5
SalemApr 1Nov 16

Median dates, 2016–2025. A dash means frost does not occur in most years.

Frequently asked questions

When should I put down pre-emergent in Oregon?

Typically between Apr 1 and Jun 4, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Portland (around Apr 1) and last in Bend (around May 7). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Oregon?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Jul 22 to Oct 31 across Oregon, while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Oregon?

Most lawns in Oregon are cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

Lawn care guides

Other states