SASKATOON – Spring has arrived – and melting snow across the city reveals brown grass and debris from a long winter.
It’s time to start thinking about how to rejuvenate that lawn.
“People are starting to look forward to spring and look forward to a nice green garden and go outside,” said Dwayne Nyholt, owner of Weed Man.
“I would let it get a little warmer before you stir it up too much,” said First Choice Lawn Care LTD. Owner Nathan McFarland.
Here are five tips to freshen up and revitalize your lawn, straight from the lawn experts.
Remove any remaining snow and rake off mold and debris.
“Go into areas where it doesn’t melt and dry out fast enough and then maybe shovel it off the lawn,” said Nyholt. “After it has dried a bit, take your leaf rake, rake it up, shake it up a little; This will help reduce all of the snow mold on the lawn.
“You could rake it by hand, of course we use weight machines,” said McFarland. “Just expose the earth underneath and let the sun go down there.”
Cut grass short and remove dead grass
“Cut it off about three times, each time lowering your other blade as deep as you can without scalping the lawn,” said Nyholt. “This cleans everything and all deposits on the lawn well, saves you from having to rake the lawn and makes it fit for spring.”
Student Lawn Pros owner Nathan Groat says that straw can also be removed by power rakes.
“If you have more than half an inch of dead grass, it is good to scarify or rake your lawn so that nutrients and water can reach the roots of your grass,” he said.
To aerate the lawn
“Especially if you have heavily compacted grass, e. For example, from children playing on your lawn or from people walking on it, ”said Groat. “That also helps to supply the soil with water and nutrients.”
McFarland says you should make sure your lawn is thawed for ventilation.
“Looks like a big dog party when you’re done,” said Nyholt.
Be careful with fertilizer
“Probably the best way to do this is to give us a call,” said Nyholt. “Otherwise, use a nice broadcast spreader, read the instructions and don’t overdo it, just use it correctly.”
“Usually early May to mid-May,” said Groat. “This provides the lawn with the nutrients it needs to wake up from the season. Always be sure to follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s recommendations to make sure you’re not fertilizing too much, which can scorch the lawn. “
McFarland recommends adding more fertilizer in the fall.
“I prefer to fertilize on the snow as late as possible, just to give it that extra kick in spring,” he says.
Do not be stingy when it comes to sowing
“Doing springtime is a really good time of year, if not fall it’s another great time,” said Groat. “The seed continues to grow even if the lawn freezes.”
“Pets destroy our lawn, that’s for sure. I have two dogs of my own and they leave lots of brown stains in your yard, ”said McFarland. “Add a little soil, toss some seeds and water as needed, usually once a day, it will take off and germinate pretty quickly.”
Nyholt also recommends overseeding in places with excessive snow, snow mold, or salt damage.
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