When the snow finally melts, most Edmonton lawns look tired, flat and patchy. The good news is that a few simple steps in spring make a big difference to how your grass looks all summer.
1. Wait for the ground to dry
Walking on or raking soggy ground compacts the soil and can pull out healthy grass. Give your lawn time to dry out after the melt, usually late April or early May.
2. Clean up winter debris
Remove leaves, sticks, gravel and litter that built up over winter. Sand and gravel from the road often collect along the lawn edge and should be swept back onto hard surfaces.
3. Rake out matted grass
Snow mold can leave grey or pink matted patches. A light raking lifts the grass, lets air reach the soil and helps those patches recover on their own.
4. Consider aeration
If your lawn gets heavy foot traffic or the soil feels hard, core aeration in spring opens up the soil so water, air and nutrients can reach the roots.
5. Fill in bare spots
Bare patches are an open invitation for weeds. Loosen the soil, add a thin layer of topsoil and overseed with a grass mix suited to Alberta. Keep the area moist until the new grass is established.
6. Make the first mow a light one
Wait until the grass is about 8 cm tall before the first cut, and only take off the top third. Make sure the mower blades are sharp so the cut is clean.
7. Set up a regular mowing schedule
Once growth picks up in late May and June, weekly mowing keeps your lawn even, thick and healthy. It also helps stop weeds from getting a foothold.
Book your spring clean-up and weekly mowing at the same time. Your lawn gets a fresh start and stays on schedule all season.
JSC offers spring clean-ups and weekly lawn mowing across Edmonton, Leduc, Beaumont and St. Albert. Request a free quote.