What Season is Best for Lawn Care?

With summer just around the corner, you may be planning to prepare your lawn for the warmer months. As seasoned landscape and lawn care experts, we are often asked by our clients about the best season for lawn care in Ontario. 

We’ve compiled a simple guide for the ideal schedule for mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn. By sticking to a regular maintenance and care schedule, you give your lawn everything it needs to be lush and healthy all spring and summer long. 

When Should I Mow My Lawn?

As the winter ends and spring begins, it is common for grass lawns to grow relatively tall as the temperatures increase. In most cases, we advise mowing your grass to a height of two and a half to three inches tall. By leaving your grass a little higher, you allow it to create deep root systems and strong blades, as well as enable the soil to retain as much moisture as possible. 

Before you mow, make sure you sharpen the blade of your mower, allowing it to cleanly cut the grass and avoid unnecessary damage to your lawn. We also recommend leaving the grass cuttings on your lawn and using a rake to spread it in an even layer over the entire space. 

When to Start Watering a Lawn in Canada?

You can begin to water your lawn as soon as early spring, though we advise waiting until the ground is visibly dry before watering. During dry periods, watering your lawn once per week is usually sufficient, ensuring the water penetrates the soil at least an inch deep. 

Watering your lawn first thing in the morning often offers the most benefits, as water loss caused by wind or evaporation is at its lowest during that time of day. It is also important to supply more water to areas of your yard where trees and shrubs are growing, as they absorb a significant amount of moisture. If your yard has ground that is overly compacted or loose, you may want to water your grass more often. However, you must also be careful not to over-water as this can cause dampness in the ground, which can destroy root systems and open the door to disease. 

When Should I Put Fertilizer on My Lawn? 

You should fertilize your lawn once the rainy season of spring begins, as more nutrients are released when moisture levels are high and temperatures are warmer. You can begin by mixing the fertilizer with soil and using a rake to apply a thin layer over your entire lawn. We recommend using a compound fertilizer that contains potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which support growth, strong root formation, and protection against environmental stress. 

Slow-release fertilizers are popular as they remain longer in the soil and don’t need to be reapplied as often. Light to moderate fertilization is ideal for the spring and summer months, as the heavy rains that are common in the spring months can erode excessive fertilizer.

What Time of Year Should You Treat Your Grass?

For most lawns, it is recommended that they be treated twice each year, once in early spring and once in early fall. This practice is typically sufficient for lawn care in Ontario as it protects the grass and soil during the hot and humid months, as well as during the cold and dry seasons. 

When to Topdress a Lawn in Ontario? 

Topdressing involves adding a thin layer of high-quality, nutrient-rich soil to your lawn. This practice improves soil quality by contributing nutrients, aiding in moisture retention, and promoting root health. 

To maximize the benefits of topdressing your lawn, we recommend planning to complete this task in the fall, ideally following an aeration treatment. While topdressing can also be done in the spring, it can promote the establishment of weeds and other unwanted growth. 

Lawns that aren’t regularly watered are at a higher risk of developing poor soil conditions and stand to benefit the most from top dressing. With that being said, all lawns can benefit from the addition of essential nutrients and support, ensuring your grass continues to grow and thrive all summer long. 

Call the Experts 

If you’re still unsure about the best lawn care schedule for your outdoor space or are looking to outsource your landscape maintenance tasks this spring and summer, give us a call! We’d be happy to provide some expert advice or a lawn and garden quote to help you enjoy your lawn and gardens without spending every sunny weekend weeding and mowing!