🌴 How to Maintain Your Lawn in Okinawa’s Climate – Saki Corporation

Summary:
Okinawa’s warm, humid, and rainy climate allows grass to grow fast all year round — but it also brings challenges such as weeds, mold, and overgrowth.
This guide explains how to maintain a healthy, clean lawn in Okinawa’s environment, what tools to use, and how to properly dispose of yard waste.

☀️ 1. Understanding Okinawa’s Climate

Okinawa has a humid subtropical climate, meaning:

Long, hot and humid summers (May–October)
Frequent rainfall and typhoons, especially from June to September
Mild winters where grass growth slows but doesn’t stop entirely

Because of this, lawns here require frequent trimming and proper drainage to prevent pests, mold, and soil damage.
(Japan Meteorological Agency – Okinawa Climate Data)

✂️ 2. How Often to Cut the Grass

Grass grows quickly in Okinawa, especially during the rainy season.

Season	Recommended Mowing Frequency	Notes
April–October (warm/rainy season)	Every 1–2 weeks	Rapid growth, high humidity — trim often to prevent pests
November–March (cool/dry season)	Every 3–4 weeks	Slower growth, but occasional trimming still needed

💡 Tip: Mow early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat stress on the grass.

🌿 3. Watering and Drainage Tips

Okinawa’s frequent rain means you usually don’t need to water your lawn daily — but good drainage is essential.

Water only during dry spells, preferably in the morning.
Avoid watering in the evening, as damp overnight soil encourages mold and fungus.
Make sure drains and gutters are clear during the rainy or typhoon season.
If you notice pooling water after rain, loosen compacted soil or add sand to improve drainage.

⚠️ Standing water can attract mosquitoes or cause muddy patches and root rot.

🧰 4. Tools and Maintenance Supplies

Common lawn tools available at home centers in Okinawa (e.g., Makeman, Cainz, or Nafco):

Tool	Purpose
Electric or manual mower	Regular trimming
Grass trimmer (刈払機 / karibarai-ki)	Edges and corners
Garden shears	Shrub and small plant trimming
Rake	Leaf and branch cleanup
Gloves & goggles	Safety during trimming

🛒 You can buy or rent garden tools at most home centers in Okinawa.
Example: Makeman Online Store – Gardening Tools (JP)

🧹 5. Weed and Pest Control

Okinawa’s warm climate allows weeds and insects to grow year-round.
To prevent them:

Pull weeds by hand or use mild organic herbicides approved for home use.
Avoid strong chemical weed killers that may harm nearby plants or soil.
Check for ants, termites, or beetle larvae under the soil — common during rainy season.
Keep grass slightly shorter around building edges to prevent moisture buildup.

💡 Tip: Routine mowing is the most effective natural way to prevent weeds from spreading.

🗑️ 6. Grass Clippings and Waste Disposal

After mowing or trimming, dispose of your yard waste properly.

In some areas, small amounts of grass or leaves can go out with burnable trash.
Larger amounts are treated as “bulk trash (粗大ごみ / sodai gomi)” and must be booked for collection in advance.
You can contact Saki Corporation to request a bulk trash pickup or hire a contractor yourself to remove large volumes.

Example: Okinawa City Bulk Trash Information (JP)
For other cities, check your local clean center (清掃センター).

⚠️ Do not dump grass or branches on vacant lots or near drains — it’s illegal dumping under Japanese waste regulations.
(Japan Guide – Garbage Disposal Rules)

🌳 7. Seasonal Lawn Care Schedule

Month	Maintenance Task
March–April	First cut of the year, fertilize lightly
May–June	Increase mowing frequency, check drainage
July–September	Typhoon season: clear drains, trim trees, remove debris
October–November	Last major trimming, weed control
December–February	Minimal maintenance, rake fallen leaves

💡 Performing small, regular upkeep is easier and cheaper than one large cleanup before move-out.