As winter settles over Airway Heights and its surrounding areas, many homeowners and property managers shift their focus indoors — but your lawn and landscape still need attention. While it may seem like everything is dormant, weeds and moss are quietly preparing to make a comeback in the spring. Acting now can save you time, money, and frustration when the growing season returns.

At Greenleaf Landscaping serving Airway Heights and its surrounding areas, we understand the unique climate and soil conditions of the West Plains region. With cold winters, compacted soil, and shaded areas common in Airway Heights and its surrounding areas, winter is the ideal time to get ahead of weed and moss problems before they take root.

Why Winter Weed & Moss Control Matters in the Area

Even though your lawn may look quiet, weed seeds are lying dormant, waiting for the first signs of spring to sprout. Meanwhile, moss thrives in our cool, damp winters, especially in shaded or poorly drained areas, both of which are common in local neighborhoods and HOA communities.

If left untreated, these issues can quickly take over your lawn and garden beds, making spring cleanup more difficult and expensive. 

Common Local Challenges

• Compacted soil from snow and foot traffic creates ideal conditions for moss.
• Shady areas near fences, trees, or buildings retain moisture and limit grass growth.
• Dormant weed seeds like crabgrass, chickweed, and henbit are already in place, ready to germinate as soon as temperatures rise.

3 Smart Winter Strategies for Weed Control

1. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides
   In Airway Heights and its surrounding areas, applying a pre-emergent herbicide in late fall or early winter can prevent weed seeds from germinating. This invisible barrier stops weeds before they start — especially important for lawns that struggled with crabgrass or broadleaf weeds last season.
2. Maintain a Healthy Lawn
   Even in winter, your lawn benefits from good care. Keep it free of leaves and debris, avoid walking on frozen grass, and consider a final mow before the first heavy frost. A dense, healthy lawn naturally crowds out weeds.
3. Spot-Treat Winter Weeds
   If you notice weeds already growing, use a targeted post-emergent herbicide labeled for cool-season use. This is especially helpful in areas that stay warmer or receive extra sunlight during the day.

How to Manage Moss in Our Climate

1. Improve Drainage – Moss loves moisture. If your lawn has soggy spots or poor drainage, consider aerating the soil or adding organic matter to improve water flow. This is especially important in clay-heavy soils common in the region.
2. Reduce Shade Where Possible – Trim back overhanging branches or thin out dense shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach moss-prone areas. More light = less moss.
3. Adjust Soil pH – Moss thrives in acidic soil. A simple soil test can tell you if your pH is too low. If needed, applying lime in the fall or winter can help balance the pH and discourage moss growth.
4. Use Moss Control Products – There are safe, effective moss control treatments available that can be applied during the winter months. These typically contain iron or other natural compounds that kill moss without harming your lawn.

Don’t Forget the Garden Beds

Weeds don’t just target your lawn — they love garden beds too. Applying a fresh layer of mulch in the winter helps suppress weed growth, insulate plant roots, and retain moisture. Choose bark, compost, or straw for a natural, effective barrier.

What to Avoid

• Ignoring problem areas like bare patches or shady corners, these are prime spots for moss and weeds.
• Overwatering during mild winter days, excess moisture encourages moss.
• Waiting until spring by then, weeds and moss may already be well-established and harder to control.

Local Expertise You Can Trust

At Greenleaf Landscaping, we’ve been serving the Airway Heights and its surrounding areas including Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Liberty Lake, Deer Park and allot more communities for years. We know the local soil, weather patterns, and landscape challenges and we tailor our landscaping and spray services to meet them.

Whether you’re a homeowner, part of an HOA, or managing a commercial property, our Greenleaf Landscaping team can help you take proactive steps this winter to ensure a healthier, cleaner landscape in the spring.

Ready to Get Ahead of Spring Growth?

📞 Contact Greenleaf Landscaping today to schedule your winter weed and moss control services. Let’s work together to keep your Airway Heights and its surrounding area properties looking their best — all year long!