A beautiful, healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident. With the right timing and consistent care, your grass can thrive through every season. A proper lawn care schedule helps your lawn look its best while keeping weeds, pests, and stress at bay.
Below is a season-by-season guide to grass and lawn care that covers key tasks like aeration, overseeding, weed control, and that ever-popular question: how often can I fertilize my lawn?
Early Spring (April)
Lawns wake up a little groggy after winter. This is the perfect time to set the tone for the year.
- Spring Fertilizer
- A common question is when to fertilize lawn in spring Canada. The ideal time is once soil temperatures warm and grass begins actively growing.
- Weed Prevention
- Start weed control early to prevent dandelions and other common spring weeds from taking over.
- Liquid Aeration
- Instead of traditional core aeration in the spring, liquid aeration gently loosens soil without disturbing fragile early growth and improves nutrient absorption.
Maintenance Tip:
Rake away winter debris and dead grass to prevent mold and encourage fresh growth. Begin light mowing once grass reaches 6–7 cm, keeping blades high to avoid stress.
Late Spring (May–June)
This is prime growing season, when your lawn is hungry and ready to fill out.
- Overseeding
- Overseeding helps lawns recover from winter thinning and patchy spots. Combining overseeding with your liquid aeration creates the perfect environment for seed germination.
- Fertilizing Again
- If you’re wondering how often can I fertilize my lawn, most lawns benefit from a second spring feeding around early June.
Maintenance Tip:
Mow regularly, roughly once a week, and never remove more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Adjust mower height for uneven growth.
Summer (July–August)
Hot, dry weather can stress your lawn, so consistent care is essential.
- Watering Wisely
- Provide about 1 inch of water per week, ideally early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
- Ongoing Weed Control
- Summer weeds grow fast. Regular weed control keeps them from overtaking thin or heat-stressed areas.
- Fertilizer (With Caution)
- Fertilize early in the summer if needed, but avoid feeding during extreme heat.
- Inspect for insects
- Chinch bugs can eat up a lawn within weeks and show up in the peak of the heat. If you suspect you have them it’s best to act fast!
Maintenance Tip:
Mow consistently, leaving grass slightly taller during hot periods to retain moisture. Lightly rake fallen leaves to prevent smothering.
Early Fall (September–October)
Fall strengthens your lawn for the coming winter.
- Core Aeration or Liquid Aeration
- Core aeration is ideal in the fall, especially when paired with seeding. Only use it if soil is compacted or clay-based; otherwise, liquid aeration may be sufficient.
- Overseeding
- This is peak season for overseeding. Fall seedings germinate well and thicken lawns for the following year.
- Fertilizer
- Fall fertilizer helps your lawn enter winter strong and nourished.
Maintenance Tip:
Continue mowing until growth slows, then lower mower blades slightly for the final cut. Rake leaves regularly to prevent mold and maintain grass health.
Late Fall (November)
Time for final touches before winter.
- Final Fertilizer
- Apply fertilizer early in November if you missed a previous application, ensuring the ground isn’t frozen.
- Last Weed Control Window
- Fall weeds respond very well to treatment; cooler weather makes herbicides more effective.
Maintenance Tip:
Clean up leaves, branches, and debris. Avoid heavy foot traffic on frost-prone lawns to prevent soil compaction.
Choosing Professional Lawn Care Services
If your schedule is busy, hiring professional lawn care services can take the planning and execution off your plate. Experts handle aeration, overseeding, weed control, and fertilizing on the optimal schedule. They can also advise on how often can I fertilize my lawn or whether to use core aeration or liquid aeration for your specific soil type.
Final Thoughts
A great lawn isn’t an accident—it’s the result of a well-timed, well-executed plan. Following this seasonal guide will help your lawn stay healthy, thick, and vibrant year-round.
Professional lawn care services can simplify the process, leaving you with nothing but a lush, green yard.
