Spring Lawn Renovation:

Posted on: Feb 06, 2019Jordyn Rowntree

10 Essential Tips and Tricks

The snow has melted, the ice has thawed and your lawn is looking like it needs a major overhaul. We’ve compiled 10 essential tips and tricks for a Spring lawn renovation to revitalize your grass and help your yard become the envy of your neighbours.

1) Test Soil pH Levels

You’d be surprised how much balancing out the pH levels of your lawn can drastically improve the health of your grass. Get soil samples tested to figure out which end of the alkalinity and acidity spectrum your soil is on. If you’re unsure how to do this, we recommend calling a professional so you understand all your options once you have the pH results.

2) Aerate

Aerating is a quintessential part of lawn care renovation. Using an aerating tool, perforate your grass with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to make their way to grassroots.

3)  Fertilize

Apply fertilizer to your grass to help nourish your grass with nutrients. Choose organic fertilizer to keep your yard chemical-free for the safety and health of your family, pets, and property.

4) Apply a Top Seed

Skip the cheap seeds and invest in a high-quality seed this Spring. Add a thin layer of high grade seed to help your grass grow better and to address uneven terrain and bare spots.

5) Sharpen Blades

Make sure the blades on your mower are sharp so you can cut grass easily and efficiently. Sharp blades allow for a precise, clean cut that results in green grass; while dull blades rip your grass causing brown patches.

6) Change Cutting Height

Cut grass between 2 and 2.5” during the summer and from 1 to 1.5” during other seasons. The longer the grass, the better your grass will grow and the greener your yard will be. Lawn mowing companies tend to cut the grass short so that it looks ‘well-kept’ longer, but it is actually not good for your grass. Longer grass is better, so talk to your lawn mowing company and ask them to cut your grass longer, or mow the grass yourself if you have the means and availability.

7) Water Deeply

Water grass slowly and deeply once a week with 1” of water. When it comes to watering, quality over quantity is the preferred method.

8) Apply a Pre-emergent Herbicide

A pre-emergent herbicide stops the seeds of weeds from germinating without affecting already existing and established plants. This will stop the spread and growth of weeds.

9)  Rake

It might seem counterintuitive to rake in the spring but vegetation that hasn’t broken down or decomposed will leave a layer of dead organic material on top of your grass known as thatch. By raking thatch away, you can stop snow mold from being produced, a fungus that destroys grass as the snow melts, but also allow the nutrients that feed your grass to access their roots — essential for a healthy, lush, green lawn.

10) Remove debris

Remove any organic or synthetic material from your lawn to fight against soil compaction that results in bare spots and uneven terrain.