Spring in Ontario brings the joy of witnessing trees in bloom and the excitement of setting up patio furniture to enjoy the outdoors. It is also a prime time for homeowners to clean up their yards and prepare for backyard barbeques and gatherings with friends.
In Ontario, the anticipation of warmer weather is eagerly embraced. Engaging in proper lawn maintenance during this season enhances the beauty and enjoyment of your outdoor space.
Preparing Your Lawn for Spring
Preparing the lawn ensures it will thrive in the coming warm months. Clearing debris, raking and dethatching to remove dead grass, and aerating the soil will allow for better water absorption, leading to healthy root growth. Providing an external link to a credible source on yard maintenance services and internal links to SHR Management's definition pages for fall and spring clean-up services can help the reader further understand the required steps when preparing their lawn for spring.
Spring Lawn Maintenance Calendar for Ontario
Please find below the components of lawn care in Ontario during spring, along with their recommended timing. It's important to note that these recommendations may vary due to changing weather patterns.
Lawn Care | Spring Timing |
Overseeding | Late April - Early May |
Raking and Debris Clean Up | Late March - Early April |
Aerating / Dethatching | March - April |
Spring Watering | March Onward |
Fertilizing | Late April - Early May |
Weed Control | Start Early April |
Mid - Late April |
Monthly Lawn Care Calendar
In addition, my monthly lawn maintenance calendar outlines routine tasks homeowners must undertake each month beyond spring to maintain a healthy lawn. Download it today.
Looking for professional lawn care services including grass cutting and spring clean up? Contact SHR Management today. Locally owned and operated in Ontario I am ready to assist you in maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn.
To get in touch, simply visit my contact page. Alternatively, you can also send an email to contact@shr-management.com
5 Essential Tips for Spring Lawn Care
Properly preparing your lawn for spring involves more than just completing the necessary tasks. Utilizing the appropriate tools and performing the tasks at the optimal time can offer long-term benefits.
Mowing and Trimming
Mowing and trimming the lawn is essential to maintain its neat and tidy appearance. By keeping a sharp mower blade, homeowners can properly trim grass to the ideal height for optimal growth, trimming edges, and cutting around obstacles.
Here are three tips for the first mow of the spring season in Ontario:
Inspect and sharpen mower blades
Before starting your first mow, take a moment to inspect the condition of your mower blades. Dull blades can tear and damage the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. If the blades are dull or damaged, it's important to sharpen or replace them. Sharp blades will make clean cuts, promoting healthier grass growth and reducing the risk of disease. Regular blade maintenance throughout the mowing season is crucial for achieving a well-manicured lawn.
Adjust the mower height
Set your mower blade at a higher setting for the initial mow. Cutting the grass too short can stress the plants and leave them susceptible to disease and weed infestations. Raise the blade to trim only the top third of the grass blades, which helps promote root growth and a healthier lawn.
Wait for the right time for your first lawn cut of spring
It's important to wait until the grass has grown to a height of around 3-4 inches before mowing it for the first time in the spring. This ensures that the grass is strong enough and won't be damaged during the cutting process. Ideally, wait until the soil has thawed and dried out a bit to prevent damaging wet or muddy grass.
Fertilize Your Lawn At the Right Time
Fertilization is crucial for lawn growth, and using the right fertilizer for spring applications is important when needed. By applying fertilizers at the correct time and using the proper techniques and tools, homeowners can ensure that grass growth is efficient and effective.
Remove Weeds
Manual weed removal can control weeds. Here are 3 tips to manually remove weeds:
Start With Wet Soil
Weeds are much easier to remove from moist soil because the roots are loosened by the moisture. So, it's best to water your lawn a day or two before you plan to start weeding.
Use the Right Tools
You'll want to use a weeding tool that is specifically designed for removing weeds, such as a dandelion digger or hand-held fork. Choose a tool that is appropriate for the type and size of the weeds you are trying to remove.
Remove the Entire Root
It's important to remove the entire weed, including its root, to ensure that it doesn't grow back. Use your tool to insert it into the soil near the base of the weed and loosen the soil around the root. Then, gently pull the weed and its root out of the ground. Be sure to dispose of any weeds properly so that they don't spread their seeds.
Overseed and Repairing Bare Spots
Bare and thinning areas may require overseeding to fill in fresh, new grass, resulting in an improved lawn. Read more here " When to Overseed Your Lawn in Ontario: Guide to Achieve a Lush Green Oasis" to get tips on how and when to oversee your lawn and say goodbye to bare spots!
Water Your Lawn
Maintaining appropriate lawn moisture is crucial, and watering is a key factor in achieving this. Too much or too little water can harm the lawn's health and cause subpar grass growth. It's important to note that local bylaws may restrict watering during certain months, so it's advisable to check your local city site for up-to-date information.
Tools You May Need for Spring Lawn Care
In addition to proper care, you may need tools for your lawn. Here is a list of tools and other products that you might need for spring lawn care throughout the year:
Lawn mower - essential for maintaining the proper height of your grass.
Trimmer or edger - for neatening the edges and trimming hard-to-reach areas.
Rake - useful for removing leaves, thatch, and debris from your lawn.
Aerating machine - helps loosen compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Dethatching rake - used to remove dead grass and thatch buildup.
Sprinkler - necessary for proper watering of your lawn.
Weed remover - at SHR Management we do not use herbicides. We recommend manual removal of weeds to prevent weed growth.
Grass seed - used for overseeding thin or bare areas in your lawn.
Soil testing kit - helps determine the nutrient levels in your soil.
Pruning shears - for trimming and shaping small shrubs and bushes near your lawn.
Watering can or hose - if you don't have a sprinkler, these are essential for manually watering your lawn.
Gloves and protective eyewear - to keep your hands and eyes safe while working with tools and products.
Storage containers or shed - for organizing and storing your lawn care equipment.
Wheelbarrow or garden cart - helpful for transporting heavy items like soil or compost.
Remember, the specific tools and products you need may vary depending on your lawn's size, specific needs, and personal preferences.
Spring lawn care is crucial to maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the year. Proper maintenance techniques, including grass cutting services, and a spring yard clean up can help ensure the lawn thrives and remains aesthetically pleasing.