Spring is just around the corner and with the warm weather fast approaching our team is gearing up for the growing season! Here are some tips about lawn care and information about our services.

 

A beautiful lawn starts with preparation in the spring. Spring clean-up removes all the debris from winter and helps encourage a strong healthy lawn. Key components of spring clean-ups include raking, dethatching, and aeration. Detaching and aeration improve nutrient exchange to the lawn root zone. Nutrients are what promote healthy, deep roots which are crucial for a strong, lush lawn.

 

The spring is the ideal time to start fertilizing. In the spring we use fertilizer high in nitrogen (N) to promote a beautiful green colour. The other key components of fertilizer are phosphorus (P) which is crucial for healthy root growth, and potassium (K) for stress resistance. Fertilisation treatments should be done at least three times during the growing season. Differing soil conditions and preferences for organic or inorganic fertilizer means each lawn deserves a custom approach to fertilization to develop into its most vibrant self.

 

Grass height has a surprisingly important effect on the overall health of a lawn. The ideal height for a lawn in our Alberta summers is between 2.5 - 3 inches. Mowing too short can weaken the root system and stress lawns during hot and dry summer months. Weak root systems allow unwanted weeds to take hold and create sparse, patchy grass. We encourage grasscycling, which is the practice of mowing without bagging grass clipping. The grass clippings left on the lawn break down and become nutrients for an established lawn. The spring is also the ideal time to overseed and top-dress a lawn. The cooler temperatures and frequent rain are ideal for seed germination and help fill in a patchy lawn. Top dressing is the process of spreading a layer of nutrient-dense fresh soil over an existing lawn. These practices, especially following detaching, set a good foundation for a healthy, dense lawn.

 

Weeds are a lawn’s biggest enemy. The best way to control weeds is to have a healthy and strong root system to prevent invasion before it starts and choke out existing weeds. Use the techniques above to create the strongest lawn possible. Some of the most common weeds in Alberta are dandelion, canada thistle, clover, and quackgrass.

 

There are other outdoor tasks that should be done in the spring. Pruning shrubs and bushes, ornamental grasses and generally cleaning up garden beds creates a healthy, fresh start for outdoor spaces. We partner with knowledgeable arborists to ensure the health of your trees and bushes. The spring is a good time to think about other landscaping-related services such as mulch or decorative rock top ups. At Badger Landscaping we offer space rejuvenation on large and small scales to improve the aesthetics and function of outdoor spaces.