If your lawn took a beating this past winter, you’re not alone. Many Ridge homeowners saw widespread damage caused by the European chafer beetle—a persistent and destructive pest in our area. The damage may have started underground last fall, but now is when we can stop the cycle before it begins again.
Why it is important to treat your lawn now
The real threat isn’t the beetle itself, it’s the grubs. These white, C-shaped larvae feed on grass roots from late summer through spring, causing patches of turf to yellow, brown, and eventually die off. You might also have noticed raccoons or crows tearing up lawns in search of these grubs, often making the damage even worse
By June, adult beetles begin emerging and preparing to lay eggs in dry, untreated turf. That means the next generation of grubs is just weeks away from hatching, and now is the best time to prevent them.
What you can do now
For long-term lawn health, mid-June to mid-July is the window to apply a preventive grub treatment. Look for products that contain imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, or similar ingredients labeled for season-long grub control. These treatments work best before eggs hatch and grubs start feeding again in late summer.
Tips for success:
Apply preventive treatments now through mid July.
Water thoroughly after application to help the product soak into the root zone.
Follow all label instructions and safety precautions.
A healthy, well-watered lawn is also less appealing to beetles looking for a place to lay eggs. Mowing high, watering deeply, and avoiding drought stress can all reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
Let’s break the cycle
By acting now, we can help prevent another season of damaged lawns and unsightly turf. If you’re unsure about which treatment to use or how to apply it, consider reaching out to a local garden center or lawn care professional for guidance.
Questionnaires from Board-approved nominees: Marcus Jackson and Rob Graf
2025 Proxy Form
If you’re unable to attend in person, please print and complete the proxy form (found on the last page of the packet) and give it to a neighbor or Board member. Having enough homeowners represented, either in person or by proxy, is critical to reaching quorum and conducting official business. Your participation is truly appreciated!
We look forward to seeing you on July 16th at 6:00 PM!
Get Ready for The Ridge Annual Yard Sale! Mark your calendars, our neighborhood yard sale is happening on Saturday, July 12th, and we’re just 30 days away!
It’s the perfect time to start planning, decluttering, and gathering up items to sell. Whether you’re looking to lighten your load or just enjoy the day, it’s a great way to connect with neighbors and have some fun.
Date: Saturday, July 12th Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
We’re looking forward to a great turnout and hope to see you out there!
The Ridge Board has received multiple reports of a strong odor, similar to burning trash, coming from the southeast corner of Big Park and along 5th Avenue.
We want to remind all residents:
Burning trash is illegal in Federal Way and creates serious health and environmental risks. Only untreated wood may be burned in a permitted fireplace or fire pit.
If you detect this type of odor:
Please report it immediately using our Contact Us form.
You can also contact:
Federal Way Police Department (non-emergency): (253) 835-2121
F-Dub Security: (253) 883-7761
If you can identify the source of the odor, please include that information in your report. The Board will take enforcement action, including fines, if a responsible household is identified.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe, healthy, and respectful community for all.
The curb repair work in Division 2 has been completed! This improvement will help contain dirt and debris, provide clearer definition to the island, and enhance the overall appearance for residents. The finished work eliminates a previous safety hazard and is no longer an eyesore. Thank you for your patience.
Exciting progress on our tennis and pickleball court project! Today was a big milestone, the concrete was poured, and it was quite a sight to see the impressive setup in action. It will take a total of twelve truckloads of cement to complete the project! More photos are on the way as we move closer to the finish line. Stay tuned and thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support!
We’re excited to invite you to three special events happening this summer, be sure to mark your calendar! More details will be heading your way soon. We’re looking forward to everyone’s participation and can’t wait to see you there!
July 12th (Saturday) The Ridge Annual Yard Sale 9am-3pm
July 16th (Wednesday) Annual HOA Meeting – Big Park Pavilion 6pm-8pm
August 5th (Tuesday) National Night Out – Big Park Pavilion 6pm-8pm
We’re pleased to share that the concrete foundation for our new tennis and pickleball court is scheduled to be poured on Friday, April 25, weather permitting.
To complete the work in a single day, the pour may begin as early as 6:00 a.m. We apologize in advance for any early morning noise or inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding.
This is a long-awaited improvement that will enhance our community for years to come. We hope you’ll take full advantage of the upgraded court once it’s complete!
Great news – 7th Way Street light project is ahead of schedule!
The “Federal Way Street Light Infill Improvements” project has been nearly three years in the making, and it’s finally becoming a reality!
Installation of six new light poles, from the top of 7th Way SW down to Campus Drive is currently underway.
Originally launched in May 2024 with a projected completion date of December 2025, we’re thrilled to share that the project is significantly ahead of schedule.
A heartfelt thank you to the City of Federal Way and to Kathy Davis, P.E., Senior Traffic Engineer, for their leadership and dedication in making this happen!
Many homeowners in The Ridge have experienced significant lawn damage this winter due to the European chafer beetle. The real culprit is not the adult beetle, but its larval stage—white, C-shaped grubs that feed on grass roots from late summer through spring. As the grubs feed underground, they weaken and kill the turf, often leading to large brown patches. To make matters worse, raccoons and crows frequently dig up lawns in search of these grubs, compounding the damage.
What’s happening under your lawn
European chafer beetles lay their eggs in dry turf during the summer. By August, grubs begin feeding and continue into the fall. During warmer periods in winter, they may resume feeding briefly before going dormant again. In early spring—right now—they return to the surface and begin feeding aggressively on grass roots until late May. This is when lawns may appear slow to green up or fail to recover altogether.
Late March through April is the ideal time to begin repairing grub-damaged areas:
Clear Debris: Rake away dead grass, leaves, and thatch to expose soil.
Reseed Bare Spots: Use a grass seed mix suitable for our climate and apply generously to any bare or thinned areas.
Add Soil or Compost: Lightly topdress seeded areas to help retain moisture and improve germination.
Water Consistently: Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings are well established.
Fertilize Carefully: Apply a starter fertilizer to support new growth, if desired.
Treatment and prevention
If your lawn is showing signs of active damage—such as torn-up grass from raccoons or brown patches that fail to green up—short-term action can still help. Insecticides containing carbaryl or trichlorfon can be applied in March or April to reduce the grub population before they finish feeding for the season. These curative treatments are most effective on actively feeding grubs and should be watered in immediately after application. Always follow label instructions and take appropriate safety precautions.
To avoid future infestations, plan ahead for summer. European chafer beetles begin laying eggs in July, and preventive treatments are most effective when applied before grubs hatch. A healthy, well-watered lawn in June is less attractive to egg-laying beetles. For long-term protection:
Apply a preventive grub treatment between mid-June and mid-July using products that contain imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, or similar ingredients.
Water your lawn deeply after applying treatments to ensure they reach the root zone.
Follow all safety guidelines, including proper storage and use of protective gear.
By combining early spring care with preventive summer treatment, you can help your lawn recover this season and avoid repeated damage in future years.
Welcome to our neighborhood
The Ridge is a single-family housing development of 229 homes located in Federal Way, Washington (King County). The neighborhood is managed by The Ridge Homeowners’ Association. Our neighborhood is conveniently located near the King County Aquatics Center, The Federal Way Community Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, and just minutes to local shopping and Interstate 5.
The neighborhood houses two parks, a tennis/pickleball court, basketball court, playground, posts for volleyball setup, and a BBQ pavilion. Sidewalks throughout our neighborhood make it a safe place for children and families to walk.
Our mission is to preserve and enhance the value of the private and common properties that are The Ridge, and endeavor to bring our community together.
The Ridge HOA 