What is the Best Lawn Care Schedule for Ontario?

Spring is around the corner, and it’s time to prepare your lawn for the bountiful season. As lawn care specialists, we are often asked: what is the best lawn care schedule for Ontario? Here’s our guide for mowing, watering, and fertilization.

Mowing lawn care schedule for Ontario

It is common for grass to grow tall at the end of winter and early spring as temperatures get warmer. Mow the grass at the height of 2.5 to 3 inches. Mowing high allows the grass to develop extensive deep root systems and form thick blooms. Cutting high enables the soil to retain most of the moisture collected during winter. 

Sharpen the mower blade before cutting and keep it sharp at all times. Sharp blades cut the grass cleanly, ensuring that it recovers quickly and starts to grow. Leave the lawn clippings on the lawn to decompose and release the nitrogen back to the soil. Spread out the grass evenly with a rake because thick layers can smoother the grass during the wet season. 

Watering lawn care schedule for Ontario

Water the grass in late winter and early spring when the ground is dry. Ensure the water penetrates deep into the ground to a depth of at least one inch. Only water when the lawn needs it because too much water can dampen the ground destroying roots and causing diseases. 

You can tell the ground is dry if the grass develops a brownish color. Water the lawn once every week during the dry period. Water your lawn early in the morning to reduce water losses due to wind and evaporation. Supply more water to grass growing near trees and shrubs because they absorb some of the moisture. Water the lawn often if the soil is compact or the ground is sloppy. 

Fertilization lawn care schedule for Ontario

Apply compost to your lawn because it is rich in nutrients and also helps the soil preserve moisture. Apply it at the start of spring by mixing it with soil and raking a thin layer over the lawn. Use compound fertilizers with balanced ratios of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The three elements are essential for vibrant root formation, vegetative growth, and resistance to environmental stressors. 

Use slow-release fertilizers because they last long in the soil and reduce the risk of leaching. We recommend moderate fertilization for spring because the rain can erode excessive fertilizer. Apply fertilizer when it rains at the start of spring because fertilizers release nutrients more easily when the moisture and temperature levels are high. 

Now that you know the optimal lawn care schedule for Ontario, let us know if you need any help this season! Lawn Troopers provides tactical precision with every mow! Contact us to request a quote that fits your needs today.