At Earth Smart Property Solutions, we understand that not everyone hires a lawn care company for lawn fertilizer and weed control. Maybe your lawn is small and manageable, you live in a rural area where service options are limited, or you’re a seasoned green thumb who enjoys the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Whatever your reason, we respect the DIY spirit — and we’re here to help you get great results.
(And hey — if you’re nailing it and love being outdoors, we’re always looking for skilled, hard-working people to join our seasonal team!)
We’ve been helping homeowners, acreage owners, and businesses in Calgary, Red Deer, and surrounding areas with fertilizer and weed control since 1994. Whether you’re new to lawn care or a weekend warrior, here are our top pro tips to help your lawn thrive.
In this post:
Granular vs. Liquid Fertilizer
Granular vs. Liquid Fertilizer: Choosing the Best DIY Lawn Fertilizer in Alberta
Both granular and liquid fertilizers can produce great results. It really depends on your tools, lawn size, and comfort level.
-
Granular: Typically applied using a push spreader, granular fertilizer is easy to control and great for slow-release feeding. Just be sure to calibrate your spreader and overlap your passes to avoid streaking
.
-
Liquid: Applied with a backpack sprayer or hose-end attachment, liquid fertilizer provides fast absorption and can be combined with weed control. It’s ideal for more experienced users and those who want quicker results.
DIY Spray Techniques
DIY Lawn Spraying Techniques: How to Prevent Stripes and Missed Spots
Missed spots or uneven application are common mistakes with DIY lawn spraying.
Here’s how the pros avoid them:
-
Overlap Passes: Whether spraying or spreading, slightly overlap each pass to ensure complete coverage.
-
Watch for Drift: On windy days, liquid sprays can drift, reducing accuracy and potentially damaging garden plants.
-
Use Visual Markers: Our commercial rigs use chalk lines or foam to mark where we’ve sprayed. For DIYers, consider flags or cones to keep track of where you’ve been.
When to Fertilize and Spray
Timing is Everything: When to Fertilize and Spray for Weeds
One of the most common DIY pitfalls is poor timing. Here’s what we recommend:
-
Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer 3–5 times per season, starting in early spring and finishing in early fall. This keeps your lawn consistently fed and promotes deep root growth. Check out this blog for more tips on when you should schedule, “Your April to September Lawn Care Game Plan“.
-
Weed Control: Apply when weeds are actively growing — usually late spring and early summer. Midday applications on calm, dry days ensure the product sticks and works effectively.
-
Watering: Don’t water too soon after applying weed control sprays. Let it sit for at least 6–12 hours (or as directed on the label) before watering or mowing.
When to Call a Pro
When DIY Might Not Cut It
Even confident DIYers sometimes need a hand. Here’s when hiring a professional lawn care company might make sense:
-
Larger Properties: If you have a big lawn or an acreage, our boom trucks make quick work of large areas, with precise application and built-in guidance systems for even coverage. You can learn more about these services here or request a quote here.
-
Persistent Weeds: Some invasive weeds are tough to control with store-bought products. We use commercial-grade weed control that targets broadleaf and other problem species. You can learn more about our vegetation control services here.
-
Time Constraints: Life gets busy. If lawn care keeps falling off your to-do list, it might be time to outsource it.
Final Thought: DIY with Confidence
If you’re tackling your lawn care yourself this season — good on you! We love seeing homeowners take pride in their yards. Just remember: proper timing, accurate application, and good equipment make all the difference.
And if you ever need advice — or decide to let someone else take the reins — Earth Smart Property Solutions is just a call or click away. We’re here to keep Calgary and Red Deer lawns green, lush, and weed-free all season long.
Need help or have questions?
Need assistance with your lawn care? Contact Earth Smart Property Solutions for professional services in Calgary and Red Deer. Expert advice or a free lawn care quote, we are happy to help!
Recent Comments