5 Secrets to The Perfect Lawn

There is unspoken competitiveness between neighbors as we strive to have the best lawn on the block come summer. Obtaining the perfect lawn comes with its challenges, especially with the drastic fluctuations in weather we tend to see living in Alberta. This may make you feel like your lawn goals are unrealistic, but, we are here to tell you otherwise!

Here are the top 5 tips for a lush and healthy lawn all summer long.

1. Feed your grass more than once.

Many homeowners fertilize their lawn early in the season alongside the first cut to promote a healthy start to the season. While nourishing your lawn in the early stages is great, feeding your lawn throughout the season fosters luxurious growth and prolonged health. We recommend feeding your lawn on 4 separate occasions for the best results. When considering what products are best, opt for compost apart from other materials. Compost  is a great way to provide your lawn with all natural and healthy nutrients it needs to thrive. Aside from its nutritional benefits, opting for compost saves money and the environment. 

2. Mowing is time-sensitive.

We have all made the mistake once or twice of giving the lawn a bit of a buzz cut. Hacking the grass blades leads to an unhealthy lawn that can be hard to recover. Thankfully, not for you! When mowing your lawn, timing is very important. As warmer weather approaches, longer grass tends to strengthen as it protects the roots allowing for growth under the scorching sun. It is important to remember during the heat waves to prevent mowing to protect the lawn and deep-set roots.

Throughout the season, we recommend mowing your lawn to a height of 2 ½” – 3” and avoiding cutting any shorter. This length promotes growth, repels insects, and leaves a tough environment for weeds.

When it comes to mowing, remember, mow high and keep an eye out for heatwaves.

3. Water strategically

Overwatering or watering incorrectly can be detrimental to your lawn. When you see the neighbor watering every day you might think, “wow, they take care of their lawn”, when they may be doing more harm than good. Watering your lawn no more than once a week is a good rule of thumb to follow to prevent over-saturation. Overwatering your lawn leads to mold and diseases that can spread and kill your grass. Overwatering can also lead to the prevention of oxygen getting into the soil. Lack of oxygen in the soil leads to an unhealthy environment and will limit growth. When watering, apply 1”-2” of water to ensure hydration absorbs through to the roots. Failing to water deep enough will prevent growth and create an environment fit for weeds!

4. Seed more than you would think.

Grass has a hard time throughout the frozen months which is why come spring our lawns never look the same. They have thinned out, have dead spots, and may have receded around the perimeter. Overseeding over top of your existing lawn is a great way to address problem areas and thicken the entirety of your lawn. When it comes to seeding, most think that only addressing areas of concern is enough to replenish the appearance of your lawn. Unfortunately, this can lead to unevenness and unresolved spots throughout. Ensure you are overseeding the entirety of the lawn for maximum growth and preventative measures against weeds.

Early fall and late spring are ideal times to seed your lawn as the soil is warm and the air is cool. During May here in Alberta, the soil has thawed, and the ground begins to warm which is an optimal time for seeding. An additional benefit to spring seeding is the lack of weeds present. Minimal weeds during the spring when seeding helps prevent further intrusion and provides ample time to enjoy your new luxurious lawn. 

5. Weed control is key

Managing weeds is a tedious task and may take a few seasons to get under control so be realistic with your goals. By taking care of your lawn through the tasks above, you are already in great shape for weed management. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages deep root growth allowing your grass to grow long and thick leaving little room for weeds. Any weeds that do break through and begin making a home need to be hand-pulled deep by the root to prevent regrowth. More problematic areas may need an application treatment to get under control before general handpicking is required. Through consistent health and maintenance year after year, you will see less weed growth as the health of your lawn strengthen. 

When it comes to the appearance of your landscaping, lawns make the first impression. Maintaining a beautiful landscape is dependent upon the look and health of your lawn. This is the first part of your property people will notice and can make or break the appearance of your home. 

There is a difference in materials when it comes to nutrients and quality. Using compost in place of chemical fertilizers and overseeding with a high-quality grass seed can make all the difference. Give your lawn extra TLC this year and use natural, high-quality materials. You can shop all products through our website as well as connect with our team for more insight into quality yard maintenance.