The snow is all gone …. oh, it’s back.
Welcome to spring in Calgary! It’s a mixed bag of a season.
You have questions and we have answers!
This month, we will answer some of your most pressing home and yard maintenance questions.
Let’s get started!
When should I fertilize my lawn in spring?
Typically, you should fertilize your lawn every six to eight weeks. When your lawn grows and gets cut, the nutrients in the soil get depleted and need to be replenished. As a rule of thumb, you would feed your lawn once in the early spring, once in the late spring, once in late summer and then one time in the fall just before the snow gets here again.
Oh, man. What are we even doing talking about snow coming again? We’re just getting rid of it!
You should start fertilizing your lawn when the soil temperature reaches 13C. This is when lilacs begin to blossom. If you want to get really fancy, you can buy a soil thermometer.
When should you start lawn care in spring?
Late spring.
Because spring is such a volatile time of year in Canada, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re absolutely sure there will not be any more snow for the season.
So, August basically.
We kid.
Keep an eye on the forecast in your area and when it looks like the coast is clear, you can start doing early spring maintenance like giving your lawnmower a tune up by changing the oil and air filter, cleaning any built up debris and sharpening the blade.
Clean up your lawn by walking over it and picking up any branches, twigs and garbage. When it has dried out enough, give it a rake.
Fill in any bald patches with seed and water them thoroughly each day and avoid mowing those patches until the grass is the same height as the surrounding grass.
Consult your lawn’s seed bag for care instructions on how long to leave the grass. A general rule of thumb is that you don’t want to cut off any more than ⅓ of the grass’s height.
Edge your flower beds when the ground is nice and soft in spring by cutting a two to three inch deep V-shaped trench around them.
What type of fertilizer should you use for your lawn in spring?
20-5-10 is a good fertilizer mixture to use in spring. That means 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphate and 10% potassium. The rest of the bag will be filler that is meant to guarantee even spreading.
Are coffee grounds good for your lawn?
Your grandmother may have sworn by coffee grounds on the lawn, but the truth is the best thing to do with your coffee grounds is to put them in your compost pile and then use the compost by spreading a thin layer on the lawn and using a rake to work it into the ground before watering it.
Alternatively, you can also use coffee grounds as a filler for nitrogen fertilizer. Again, use a rake to work them into the ground rather than laying on top of the lawn.
What does iron fertilizer do for lawns?
If your grass is looking more on the yellow side than green, it may be lacking in iron. Consult your local lawn expert about how you can get some iron into your lawn. They will most likely recommend an iron supplement to go with your fertilizer to give your lawn a deep emerald green colour.
When should I get shutters or awnings for my home?
Right now!
Okay, we snuck that last one in, but seriously, spring is a fantastic time to invest in some new awnings or shutters for your home. If you were wishing for a shady spot where you could sit while still enjoying the outdoors last summer, why not treat yourself and get some awnings for your deck. Roll it out during the day when it’s hot and retract it in the evening when it’s cooler.
Please contact us to set up a time to discuss all your awnings and shutter needs.