Spring is approaching, and if you want a lush, green lawn this summer, timing is everything. In Alberta, the best time to start lawn care is once the snow has melted and the ground has thawed. Working on your lawn too early can cause soil compaction and damage tender grass shoots, while waiting too long allows weeds to take over.
Follow this spring lawn care timeline to set your lawn up for success!
Early Spring (Late March – April)
✅ Wait Until the Ground Has Fully Thawed
- If the soil is still frozen or too wet, walking on it can cause compaction, making it harder for roots to grow.
- A simple test: stick a screwdriver into the soil—if it goes in easily, the ground is thawed enough to start working.
✅ Start Cleaning Up
- Remove leaves, twigs, and dead grass to allow sunlight, air, and water to reach the soil.
- Be gentle when raking to avoid pulling up tender new grass shoots.
✅ Inspect for Snow Mold or Winter Damage
- If you notice matted grass or gray/white patches, you may have snow mold. Lightly raking these areas helps break up the mold and promotes air circulation.
Mid to Late Spring (April – May)
✅ Aerate the Lawn
- If your soil feels hard and compacted, aeration is essential to improve root growth, water penetration, and nutrient absorption.
- Best done in April or early May before heavy spring growth.
✅ Apply Spring Fertilizer
- Early fertilization jumpstarts healthy growth and strengthens your lawn against summer heat.
- Choose a slow-release fertilizer with nitrogen for long-lasting results.
✅ Overseed Thin or Bare Areas
- If winter damage or pet spots have left your lawn thin or patchy, overseeding helps it fill in before weeds take over.
- Use a high-quality grass seed mix suited for Alberta’s climate and water regularly for best results.
✅ Start Mowing at the Right Height
- Once grass reaches 3 inches, begin mowing at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches.
- Mowing too short can stress your lawn and make it more vulnerable to weeds.
When to Apply Weed Control?
✅ Pre-Emergent Weed Control
- Apply in early spring (before weeds sprout) to prevent weeds like dandelions and crabgrass from germinating.
✅ Post-Emergent Weed Control
- If weeds have already appeared, apply targeted weed control in mid to late spring to eliminate them before they spread.
Let Us Help You Get Your Lawn Spring-Ready!
At Earth Smart Property Solutions, we offer a variety of spring lawn care services to help prepare your lawn for a beautiful, green summer:
🌱 Lawn Fertilizer and Weed Control
🌱 Mowing
Contact us today to book your lawn care service and get a head start on a healthier, greener lawn this season!
If you have any questions or concerns about your lawn, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of lawn care professionals in Calgary or Red Deer and they’d be happy to help answer any questions that you may have.
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