TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LAWN

EARLY SPRING LAWN CARE

Keep off the lawn in the spring until the ground has dried and is firm to walk on.
Rake up debris, dead grass, leaves, etc.
Roll "frost bumps" with a light roller.
Aerate the lawn annually in high traffic area, every other year usually sufficient in low use areas.
Apply a premium slow release lawn fertilizer.
If crabgrass was a problem last year apply a premium slow release lawn fertilizer with a crabgrass preventer.

LATE SPRING

Apply grass seed to repair damaged areas or thicken existing lawn
Apply a premium slow release lawn fertilizer.
Following mowing suggestions listed below.

SUMMER LAWN CARE

Following watering and mowing suggestions listed below.
Apply a premium slow release lawn fertilizer.

FALL LAWN CARE

Fall is the best time to apply grass seed to repair damaged areas or thicken existing lawn
Following watering and mowing suggestions listed below.
Apply a premium winterizing fertilizer.
Grass seed germination is not compatible with weed control products used on lawns. They cannot be applied with in 6 week of each other. As a general rule - seed in the spring and weed in the fall or weed in the spring and seed in the fall.

WATERING

Most lawns require a minimum of 2.5cm (1") of water per week during the summer.
In dry conditions, water heavily once a week as opposed to a daily sprinkling (daily sprinkling encourages shallow roots, which will increase the chance of burn during hot spells)
Try to wet the entire root zone.
Do not water at night – the chance of fungus developing is increased.
Use a rain gauge or aluminum pie plate to measure if the correct amount of water is being applied.

MOWING

Ensure mower blade is sharp to prevent frayed appearance.
Mow to 5cm to 7.5cm (2"-3") in spring and fall
Raise mower another 1cm (½") during hot weather to improve drought resistance.
Never remove more than 1/3rd of the grass blade at one mowing.
Change direction of the cut each time to keep coarse grasses under control and ensure an even surface.

AERATION

Dethatching is no longer a recommended practice on home lawns. It creates openings for weed germination and causes stress to the existing turf. Aeration is now recommended for decreasing thatch as well as compaction.
Aeration will increase the amount of air, water and nutrients getting to the soil, which will strengthen grass roots and help create a healthier lawn.
Aeration should be done annually in high traffic areas.
Aeration before an application of fertilizer will allow nutrients easier access to root systems.

FERTILIZER APPLICATION

Read the complete label before using.
Remove debris, toys, etc from the lawn.
Use a good broadcast spreader with an accurate flow setting.
Wash and lubricate spreader after use.
Fill the spreader on the drive or walk and not on the lawn.
Sweep up spilt fertilizer.
Shut off the spreader when stopping or turning.
Apply half of the required fertilizer in one direction on the lawn (i.e. north/south). Apply the remaining fertilizer across the lawn (i.e. east/west). This will help to provide even coverage and prevent streaking from missed spots and overlap.
Do not apply Weed & Feed when rain is expected.
Do not water the lawn for 48 hours after applying Weed & Feed
Store any remaining fertilizer in a cool dry place.
Wash after using fertilizer.

SOIL pH OR ACIDITY
Soil pH is defined as "potential hydrogen" but a more accurate description is "hydrogen ion concentration". It is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Soil amendments such as lime, gypsum and sulphur in conjunction with fertilization are typically used to help adjust pH of soil. In general, a pH of 7.0 (neutral) is most desirable for overall nutrient availability. A low pH (acidic soils) can be corrected using a lime. A high pH (alkaline soils) can usually be corrected by adding sulphur or ammonium or other acidifiers like aluminum sulphate. Remember that a soil pH of 5.0 is ten times more acidic than a soil with a pH of 6.0.