Thinking about sprucing up your yard this weekend, and not sure where to start? Wondering where lawn and weeding services come into play? While lawn care can be one of the most rewarding tasks a homeowner can undertake, the order of operations matters more than many may think.
Below, let’s learn more about what the proper order of springtime lawn care here in the Ottawa Valley truly entails. Read on!
#1: Spring Clean Up
Proper lawn care starts with a clean slate before getting to the good part. Once the snow melts, it often leaves behind twigs, leaves, matted grass, and other debris that should be cleared before any other work can begin.
Simply take your rake and do a few passes over your lawn. This will not only remove any debris that’s been accumulating over the winter but also help lift any flattened grass and improve overall airflow. Once this light cleanup is complete, you’ll be better set up for the rest of your lawn care tasks ahead.
#2: Dethatching Your Lawn
To get a lawn that looks stunning on the surface, it’s important to think about what’s growing underneath as well. One of the best ways to do this is to dethatch your lawn at the beginning of spring. But why? What exactly is thatch?
Thatch is the layer of old organic matter that sits between soil and healthy grass. It’s typically made up of aged grass roots, stems, and other matter that hasn’t been fully broken down by organisms, leading to the buildup.
Thatch is normal in lawns across the Ottawa Valley, and isn’t harmful in small amounts (around ½ inch). That said, excessive buildup of thatch layers can hinder lawn health if left unchecked. Thick thatch can make it more difficult for roots to grow past it and can prevent water, nutrients, and sunlight from penetrating deeply. Homeowners can dethatch with a rake to help break up this layer, supporting healthy lawn growth.
#3: Lawn Aeration
After several long months under the snow, even lawns need a little help waking up from winter dormancy. One of the effective, proven ways to do this?
Lawn aeration.
Lawn aeration involves puncturing small holes in the lawn’s top layer to allow nutrients, water, and air to reach deeper into the lawn. These small holes should be evenly spaced throughout the lawn, typically 2 to 6 inches apart. While it varies from case to case, most lawns will typically have between 20 and 40 holes per square foot.
As a general rule, having your lawn aerated at least once a year can help promote healthier nutrient absorption, stronger soil structures, and more efficient water drainage.
#4: Weed Control & Prevention
Weeds are often the bane of homeowners and can take advantage of early spring conditions. Just like clockwork, it’s common for weeds to show up as warmer spring temperatures begin to rise. Though there are dozens of different weed species that grow in Ontario, common types include dandelions, clover and crabgrass.
No one likes weeds, especially lawns. Weeds compete with grass for sunlight, water, and valuable nutrients. Fortunately, early intervention goes a long way in mitigating weed growth. Whether taking care of it yourself or using professional weeding services, early intervention can help keep weeds at bay and prevent them from spreading further.
#5: Routine Maintenance
After all the hard work you’ve put in, consistency is key to keeping your lawn in top shape.
Routine lawn care tasks include:
- Mow, mow, mow your lawn at least once a week (depending on growth)
- Water at least once a week, ensuring even coverage across the lawn
- Keep up with fertilization to support healthy grass growth
Additionally, you’ll also want to keep an eye on your lawn to make sure no issues arise during this time. By catching issues early, you can set yourself up for success and avoid larger problems that require extensive lawn repair later in the season.
Looking For Lawn Help This Spring?
Give your grass the gift of care this springtime. From comprehensive weeding service to lawn repairs, ongoing maintenance and beyond, NeighborScape is the Ottawa Valley’s go-to provider for exceptional lawn care.
Explore our lawn maintenance packages and services today.
