SPRING STEPS TO THE PERFECT SUMMER LAWN

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When to Start: Approx. March-April (Depending on region)  Average Daytime Temps: 7-12˚C 

Rake up and compost or dispose of leaves, branches and twigs that have appeared over the winter. Pull up thatch (dead grass) which helps your lawn get access to spring rain, sunlight and all the great nutrients you’re about to feed it.

Fertilizer:

Using a Scotts® Lawn Spreader, apply Scotts® Turf Builder® GreenMax™ Lawn Food in the early Spring. This will help promote strong grass roots and ensure an early green-up. Since Scotts® Turf Builder® GreenMax™ Lawn Food contains a 5% iron charge it means it can give you a quick and deep green in as little as three days. See? The season has barely started and you’re already the envy of your neighbours. 

Pre-Emergent: 

If you have weeds present from previous seasons, apply some Scotts® Turf Builder® Weed Prevent to your lawn early in the season. Although this won’t kill any weeds you currently have, this will help prevent new weeds from popping up on bare spots that may have formed over the winter. 

Mow regularly, provided no more than one third of the grass blade is removed in a single mowing. A

Adjust mowing height in accordance with these seasonal guidelines:

• Spring: For your first mow of the year, adjust the height of the blades to 5 cm, to clean up your lawn after winter.
• Summer: Maintain mowing height at 8       cm; longer grass will be more drought-resistant and therefore require       less watering.
• Fall: Your last mow should be at       5 cm, which will reduce the risk of disease.

Rake out any thatch and add about an inch of top soil before adding seed. Lightly rake in seed and dampen the area, then add peat moss to cover (protect birds from eating the seeds). 

You can also try a coating of Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair and water every day for one week. Ideally water until it reaches mow-able height (1½” - 2”). It contains a mulch mixture that absorbs 6 times its weight in water and is easy to detect when it’s dried out – simple to use!

Overseeding does three things: thickens up your lawn (which helps crowd out weeds), cycles dead grass with new healthy grass, and makes your lawn look thick, full and lush. 

When: Average daytime temperature is at least 15˚C

Tip: Adding a layer of top soil before applying your grass seed will increase your chances of success. It gives your new seeds some loose, nutrient-rich soil to latch onto and feed off of.

Although it may appear as easy as turning the water on and walking away, effectively watering the lawn is a bit of an art. Keep in mind some basic recommendations that can be helpful and ensure effect watering is taking place. 

Apply 1 Inch of Water Per Week:

Water 1 or 2 times each week depending on soil conditions. 

Deep and Infrequent Watering:

This encourages grass roots to grow deep into the soil. Deeper roots allow plants to better survive stressful periods as the top surface of soil begins to dry out. Light frequent watering promotes shallow rooting and leaves the plants susceptible to drought conditions. 

Water in the Early Morning:

Watering before the sun comes up is the most ideal time. Watering at night leaves the grass plant moist for an extended period of time and susceptible to harmful diseases. Avoid watering during the day as this increases the risk of excessive evaporation. 

Increase Frequency:

Adjust the watering schedule throughout the season, especially when the lawn is most actively growing. If weather conditions become extreme and drought pressures exist more frequent applications will be required (ask about Weather Intelligent Watering - it makes these seasonal adjustments for you!). 

Water Evenly: 

Irrigation system sprinklers can do a very effective job supplementing the lawn with water in between natural rainfalls. Perfectly placed sprinklers increase water efficiency make sure each area receives equal water. 

Avoid Overwatering:

Only replace the amount of water that was lost by the plant. Overwatering does more than just run up water bills and deplete water supply. Grass plants become weak and more susceptible to insect and disease pressures.