Essential Winter Lawn Care Tips for Edmonton Residents

Embrace Winter: Keep Your Edmonton Lawn Radiant All Year

 

Edmonton’s cold and snowy winters pose a unique set of challenges for maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn. While the blanket of snow might make it seem like lawn care is unnecessary during these months, proper winter lawn care is crucial to ensure that your lawn stays resilient and comes back strong when spring arrives. Let us delve into essential winter lawn care tips compiled specifically for Edmonton residents.

1. Late Fall Cleanup: Prepare for the Cold

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, taking care of a few key tasks can set the stage for a successful winter lawn care regimen:

Mowing and Trimming (Late October – Early November):

Give your lawn a final trim before it heads into winter dormancy. Shorter grass is stiff and more resistant to ice and snow damage. Mowing the grass to a shorter height prevents it from matting down under the snow, reducing the risk of snow mould. It promotes top grass health come spring and helps to keep it greener throughout the winter.

Leaf Removal (Late October – November):

Leaves and thatch left on the lawn can block the light and trap moisture, which may lead to snow mould and other fungal infestations. Clear fallen leaves from your lawn to prevent them from smothering the grass and fostering disease.

Aeration and Overseeding (Late October – Early November):

The ideal time to aerate your lawns in Edmonton is the fall. Do consider aerating and overseeding your lawn. Aeration is excellent for reducing compaction, allowing water and fertilizer to sink in deeper, and supporting healthy root growth. Overseeding helps to protect against lawn weeds. Overseeding generously with the right grass seed helps to build up that lush look of greenery.

Fertilization (Late October):

Schedule a fall lawn fertilizer application one to two weeks after your last mowing and aeration and just before the ground starts to freeze. Once the weather turns cold, the fertilizer will remain in the soil and feed your lawn’s roots all winter long. Fertilization during the winter replaces the nutrients your soil loses in the dry summer heat.

2. Early Winter: Protecting Against Winter Diseases & Other Measures

During winter, your lawn enters a period of dormancy, but that does not mean you can neglect it entirely. Precipitation, freezing temperatures and other elements can affect your lawn’s health during this dormant season.

Snow Mold Fungicide Application (November):

Snow mould is very often a cause for concern in snowbound regions like Edmonton. Application of a snow mould fungicide to your lawn before the first significant snowfall helps to counter the growth of snow mould and other diseases under the snow cover.

Minimize Foot Traffic:

Restrict foot traffic on your lawn to the minimum during the winter. Avoid walking on frozen grass as much as possible. The soil is most vulnerable to compaction during the winter months and it may take months to recover from the damage.

Gentle Snow Removal:

Clear snow from high traffic areas. Take care, however, not to pile it onto the lawn. Piled snow can choke the grass and waterlogging can set in as it begins to melt and create conditions favourable for disease development.

3. Late Winter: Preparing for the Thaw

As winter gradually releases its grip, certain actions can help your lawn transition smoothly into the upcoming growing season:

Inspect for Rodent Damage (March):

Once the snow starts thawing, look out for signs of rodent activity on your lawn. These creatures can cause damage to grass and plants during winter foraging.

Monitor Moisture Levels (February – March):

If there is a thaw, check out the soil moisture levels. Excessive moisture as a result of snow melting can lead to disease issues. Check out low spots and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged soil. Fill holes and puddles with compost or topsoil or provide drainage so excess water does not stand on the lawn.

4. Early Spring Care: Nurturing Growth

Giving your lawn a great start in spring will save you a lot of headaches later in the season! Spring brings with it the promise of new growth. Tending to your lawn during this transition period can yield remarkable results:

First Mowing (Late March – Early April):

Start mowing gently when the ground is dry enough and the grass begins to grow. Cut at the proper height depending on the type of grass. This will remove dead growth and encourage sunlight penetration.

Raking (Late March – Early April):

Gently rake the lawn to remove debris, lingering fall leaves, matted grass clumps and dead grass blades that did not survive winter. Raking also helps to remove thatch. Do not rake too aggressively, as the grass is still delicate. Rake when soil is not soft and muddy, or you may end up pulling healthy grass crowns.

Core Aeration (Early April):

Follow up with another round of aeration to enhance soil structure and root health. Apart from improving drainage, aerating the lawn in the early spring allows the grass to get the nutrients and water it needs to grow. It prevents the grass from getting too compacted during the spring and summer.

Fertilization (Early April):

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer roughly three weeks after the grass starts greening to provide essential nutrients for the upcoming growing season. This aids in recovery from winter stress and promotes lush green growth.

Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn throughout the winter months in Edmonton requires proactive care and attention to detail. By following these essential winter lawn care tips, Edmonton residents can ensure that they have a thriving lawn bursting with colour and healthy growth as the snow melts and spring arrives. Remember, a little investment in winter care can yield impressive dividends in the form of a vibrant and resilient lawn all year round.

Winter Lawn Care Schedule

Mastering Winter Lawn Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Edmonton Homeowners

Winter Lawn Care Schedule

Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn in Edmonton’s harsh winter climate requires careful planning and timely action. As the temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, it is easy to assume that lawn care takes a back seat until spring. However, proper winter lawn care is essential to prepare it for survival during the winter and get it back in shape vigorously once the warmer months arrive.

We have put together a comprehensive guide to creating a winter lawn care schedule tailored to Edmonton’s unique climate in order to help you overcome the challenges of winter lawn care.

1. Late Fall: Preparing for the Freeze

Before the first snowfall, there are crucial steps to take to prepare your lawn for the coming winter:

Aeration and Overseeding (Late September – Early October):

This is the right period to start lawn aeration and overseeding. September with its cooler temperatures and increased moisture has the right conditions for rejuvenation of cool-season grasses like rye and blue grasses. In the fall months, shoots start to grow again and nutrients are stored in the long roots for the winter. Aerating the soil improves water and nutrient penetration, while overseeding helps fill in thin areas. This process promotes healthy grass growth when spring sets in. Seed-to-soil contact can be improved by core aerating before spreading seed.

Fertilization (Late October):

Fertilization helps to improve poor quality grass or maintain good quality grass more than any other single management practice. Two applications of fertiliser are ideal in the fall. The first application should be made in early fall. Apply a slow-release, winter-specific fertilizer e.g., nitrogen and potash, to provide essential nutrients for your grass. This strengthens the roots and ensures a strong start once temperatures rise.

Dethatching (Early October)

Thatch carries disease-causing organisms such as snow mould. Lawns with an abundance of thatch are more prone to winter injury. This is the ideal period for thatch control. It is carried out in two major ways – core aeration and dethatching. Core aeration works by breaking up the thatch and bringing up soil, which contains microorganisms, that help break down the thatch. De-thatching is done by a machine that cuts into the thatch vertically, bringing up the debris, which is then raked up and disposed of.

Mowing (Late October):

Before the winter sets in, trim the lawn grass to a shorter height. Long grass can trap moisture and lead to winter fungal diseases and snow mould. It can also suffocate your lawn in the spring making it harder to recover from the winter. Shorter grass is stiff and more resistant to ice and snow damage

2. Early Winter: Protecting Against Frost and Snow Mold

As winter deepens, your focus should shift to protecting your lawn from frost and snow mould:

Leaf Cleanup (Late October – November):

Clear fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering the grass and promoting snow mould growth. Alternatively, mulching the leaves with a mulching mower can provide natural insulation. By mulching the leaves into small bits, you allow the leaves to decompose easier, thus providing valuable nutrients to the grass blades.

Snow Mould Prevention (November):

Apply a preventive fungicide to prevent the growth of snow mould, a common cold-weather lawn disease. This step is especially important in areas with heavy snowfall like Edmonton which makes it particularly susceptible to snow mould.

3. Mid-Winter: Minimizing Traffic and Compaction

With winter in full swing, your lawn enters a period of dormancy. The goal now is to minimize any damage while the grass lies dormant:

Keep the lawn clear throughout the Winter:

Do not leave anything behind on the lawn. Put away sprinklers, hoses, garden furniture, yard toys and decorations. If something is left on lawn surface, the grass will get matted down during the winter months. With the added moisture of rain and snow, this can also make the perfect environment for pests and mould infestation which could damage the lawn.

Keep Off the Lawn:

Avoid walking on the lawn as much as possible, especially when it is frozen. This can compact the lawn and kill the grass. Never allow anyone to park a truck or a car on your lawn. Using the lawn as a parking lot is the fastest way to kill the good grass and make room for crabgrass and other types of weeds.

Clear Snow Accumulation:

Gently remove snow from high-traffic areas like driveways to prevent compaction and damage. Heavy piles of snow can cause stress to the lawn and waterlogging can set in as large piles melt. Use a plastic shovel or a snow blower set at a high height to avoid scraping the grass.

4. Late Winter: Preparing for Spring Awakening

As the end of winter approaches, your focus turns to preparing your lawn for the eventual transition to spring:

Monitor Moisture Levels (February – March):

In case of a winter thaw, be vigilant about moisture levels. Waterlogged soil can lead to disease. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Check out low spots where puddles keep the soil wet. Fill holes and puddles with compost or topsoil or provide drainage so excess water does not stand on the lawn.

Inspect for Rodent Damage (March):

In the last weeks of winter, check for signs of rodent activity. Rodents can cause damage to grass and plants during winter foraging.

5. Early Spring: Transitioning to Active Growth

As the snow begins to melt and temperatures rise, your lawn slowly awakens from its winter slumber. Taking the time to help your lawn wake up properly when spring arrives reduces problems later.

First Mowing (Late March – Early April):

As soon as the soil dries out a bit and the grass begins to grow, mow it gently to remove any dead growth and allow sunlight to reach the soil.

Raking (Late March – Early April):

Lightly rake the lawn in the early spring to remove any remaining debris and promote even growth. Remember to be gentle, as the grass is still fragile. Carefully clear away leaves and dead grass. This will break up any matted areas caused by snow mould which can smother new growth.

Wash Away Any Salt Residue (Late March – Early April):

At the beginning of spring, hose down your garage, driveway, sidewalk and even the edges of your lawn to ensure its salt free. The salt and other de-icing products used to clear roads and sidewalks can pile up in your lawn over the winter, causing damage to vulnerable grasses. Give your late winter lawn a good rinse to flush out salts and prepare your grass to absorb its spring treatments.

Core Aeration (Early April):

Follow up with another round of aeration to further improve soil health and promote strong root growth. Aerating the lawn in the early spring can help improve drainage and allow the grass to get the nutrients and water it needs to grow. It prevents the grass from getting too compacted during the spring and summer.

Fertilization (Early April):

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to kick-start active growth. This helps your lawn recover faster from the onslaught of the harsh winter. After aerating, as soon as the snow melts and the soil temperatures start warming up, give your grass a feed to energize growth for the spring. Lawn fertilizer is a special mix of nutrients that is absorbed by the roots and used as food by the plant over a period over time.

In conclusion, the winter is a harsh challenge for any lawn. Drawing up a winter lawn care schedule for your Edmonton property involves careful consideration of the local climate and understanding the specific needs of your grass type. By adapting the above guidelines to your lawn’s unique characteristics, you can make sure that your lawn emerges from winter healthier, stronger and ready to thrive in the coming growing season. Remember, a little winter care goes a long way in nurturing a beautiful lawn all year round.

Spring Lawn Care Edmonton

Spring Lawn Care Edmonton

Are you seeking spring cleanup in Edmonton? Our experts at Green Sprout Lawn Care can help!  We offer spring lawn care Edmonton solutions that can help you maintain your lawn the way it should be.

Whether for spring clean or summer season, we are one of the trusted companies to call upon when it comes to lawn care and maintenance services. We have been offering lawn care solutions for 30+ years.   Everything we do is centered around our customers, with unmatched commitment towards delivering premium quality service at superior value – and thanks to our diverse team of professionals, quality has never been compromised. We have not just earned the trust of our customers, but we are also depended upon by others – which says a lot about the level to which we’ve established credibility amongst Edmontonians.

 

Spring Clean Up in Edmonton – What does that involve?

All spring lawn care is done in preparation for the summer. But, spring is a time to trouble shoot your lawns, flower beds and landscaping so that when summer finally arrives, grass will be thick with healthy green turf and flowers, shrubs and trees will look their best.  Lawn care and landscaping companies are always looking to promote their services in the spring.  The reason is simple; through the summer the main tasks are mow, trim, edge grass and maintain the beauty of your lawn and yard.  But, this process is actually started in the spring when the list of jobs to do is much longer.   Proper preparation in the spring will have an appreciable impact on your lawn quality from top to bottom, throughout the growing season.

That simple fact makes it important; so what steps should you take? To start, you need to make sure that the services of the company you hire are of high quality, reliable, knowledgable, and at affordable rates too!  We have a certified yard service crew with plenty of knowledge about how to identify the problems correctly so that it doesn’t turn into anything more aggravating than what needs immediate attention first!

 

The list of spring jobs in Alberta

In Alberta, our rotating seasons means that with the change of weather and onset of spring, you will suddenly have a long list of jobs to complete in your yard and around the outside of your house.

Most of our years, spring yard cleanup can begin in April but will extend until May when the likelihood of frost is over.  The crucial jobs are ones we can assist you with.  Begin your yard and lawn prep with the following:

      • Removing garbage and debris that was blown in over the winter
      • Raking out dead foliage from gardens, lawns and flower beds
      • Pruning and trimming trees, shrubs and perennials
      • Removing thatch and leaves from lawn

It is important to then follow up with the following:

  • Aerating your lawn
  • Fertilizing your lawn
  • Seeding bare areas in lawn
  • Adding compost, fertilizer and nutrients to garden and flower bed soils
  • Checking for pests and removing anything that encourages pest numbers or issues like mold and fungus
  • Trim trees that have evidence of fungus growth
  • Till, turn or loosen compact soils
  • Ensure that perennial plants are not covered by debris, mulch or dead foliage
  • Ensure that early blooming perennials are uncovered and are fertilized and watered based on weather conditions and melting snow.

 

Questions about Spring Yard Care:

 

When should I fertilize my Alberta lawn in spring?

Here in Alberta, it’s best to start fertilizing a month before grass really starts growing which is generally between April and May. Other considerations include what type of grass you have, the fertilizer you’re using, and whether you are applying (or need to apply) weed treatments.

Each species of grass can require different types of fertilizer and care for the spring.  Our experts will know the exact type of grass you have and what it requires.  But in general, the most common grass species found in Edmonton lawns are Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass.  Most seed found at your local stores will contain a blend of grass seeds that are ideal for the local climate.

 

What should I put on my lawn in early spring?

Fertilizer provides the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Labels on store-bought fertilizer will tell you the percentage of each of those nutrients. Look for a ratio of about 4 (nitrogen) -1 (phosphorus) -2 (potassium).  We recommend slow-release fertilizer.

Use a spreader to accurately and evenly spread your fertilizer.  Hand spreading can cause burns to skin.  Most spreaders are adjustable and can be fine tuned to ensure that the type of fertilizer you have chosen is spread consistently.  Ask questions about whether liquid or pellet fertilizer is right for  you.  There are synthetic or natural organic fertilizers as well.  Depending on how  you feel about these topics, not every store will be able to provide the products you are looking for.

You can have your soil tested or purchase a soil test kit.  This will tell you the state of your soil and exactly what it requires for nutrients.  Looking on the internet can help however, it seems there is a myriad of answers as to which fertilizer to use.  This is where soil testing will assist you in your purchase.

 

When should I start spring lawn cleaning?

When temperatures have been warm enough so that the ice and frost are out of the surface of the lawn, the grass is beginning to turn green and the possibility of spring frosts and snow storms are mostly gone.  In Alberta, this typically means after the Victoria Day long weekend in May.

Flexible Landscape Care Options

Green Sprout Lawn Care

780-477-8776

Acreage, Commercial and Residential Lawn Care Services

Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Strathcona County, Parkland County, Leduc County and all areas in-between.

Let us make your lawn beautiful!

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY

 

Sherwood Park Lawn Care

Are you looking for Sherwood Park or Strathcona County lawn care services? For over 30 years, Green Sprout Lawn Care has been serving Sherwood Park and the surrounding Strathcona County areas. We’ve been assisting clients in maintaining and creating well-kept lawns that catch your eye. Our team of highly trained professionals is committed to ensuring that your lawn demands are met. We’ve had a lot of happy customers in Sherwood Park and the surrounding areas. Green sprout Lawn Care will assist you with everything from designing a beautiful outside landscape to making your fantasy a reality. Commercial and residential lawn upkeep are among our offerings.

 

Sherwood Park Lawn Care

 

Why Should You Hire Greensprout Lawn Care in Sherwood Park?

  • Reputable, well-trained professionals
  • Cost-Effective
  • Sherwood Parks Best Lawn Maintenance Service

 

The following are some of the lawn care services we provide (links provided for further info):

 

Cutting Grass in Sherwood Park

In Sherwood Park, we cut for both small and larger lawn care clients. Green Sprout Lawn Care offers trimming services for residential, acreage and commercial properties. We ensure that the grass is trimmed and that grass clipping left behind from cutting your lawn is removed off walkways and driveways every visit. When you hire Green Sprout Lawn Care, you can be confident that our staff will be on time, well-trained, and complete the job correctly.

We also provide Vacation lawn cutting services while you are away.

Some other services we offer:

An add on service we can provide is fertilizer treatments to keep your grass looking lush and healthy all season long. Our fertilizer is evenly distributed across your lawn, resulting in lush, green grass. Our weed control services will keep your grass weed-free, as well as any walks, patios, or driveways that may have weeds growing through cracks in the concrete. We can easily clear any unattractive weeds from your property using our weed control products. We can eliminate broadleaf weeds as well as nuisance grasses like crabgrass and quack grass, depending on the type of weed.

Aeration can also be added to your Spring and Fall packages.  Aeration of your grass is one of the most beneficial things you can do for it, and it should be done at least once a year. During deep core aeration, “plugs” are removed from the lawn. Nutrients, water, and oxygen can then enter the roots of your grass through these deep core holes, allowing them to properly develop. Green Sprout Lawn Care recommends grass aeration in addition to over-seeding to inhibit weeds and promote a thick, green lawn.

These are only a small sample of the options our customers can choose from.  Please see our Services page for further information on what we offer our valued clients.

At Green Sprout, you can rest confident that your lawn and lawn maintenance needs will be met with the highest level of excellence. We guarantee that you will be delighted with our services. Give us a call right now!

780-477-8776

GET A FREE QUOTE


GREEN SPROUT LAWN CARE

 

EDMONTON & AREA LAWN CARE SERVICES
“LET US MAKE YOUR LAWN BEAUTIFUL!”

Green Sprout Lawn Care has served Edmonton and surrounding areas for 30 years.

We currently serve customers in Edmonton, Beaumont, Leduc, Nisku, Morinville, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Strathcona County and Parkland County and all areas in between.

We specialize in commercial and acreage property care. Our awesome yard care is also available for residential homes in Edmonton and surrounding cities and towns as well. While lawn care services are our main focus, we want you to know that we do much more than that!

 

 

Edmonton Lawn Maintenance

Are you seeking lawn maintenance services in Edmonton and the greater surrounding areas? Green Sprout Lawn Care has been servicing Edmonton and surrounding areas for over 30 years. We have been helping clients maintain and create clean-cut lawn care that visually grabs your attention. Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to making you satisfied with your lawn and landscaping needs. We have served many satisfied clients within Edmonton and the surrounding areas. From designing a beautiful outdoor landscape to turning your dream into reality; Green Sprout Lawn Care is here to help. Our services include commercial, acreage and residential lawn maintenance services.

Why Greensprout Lawn Maintenance in Edmonton?

 

  • Highly Trained Professionals
  • Reputable
  • Cost-Effective
  • Flexible
  • Best Lawn Maintenance service in Edmonton

Our Lawn Maintenance Services Include:

 

 

Cutting for Residential & Commercial Clients in Edmonton

In Edmonton, Green Sprout Lawn Care provides cutting services for residential, acreage and commercial properties. We make sure the grass is mowed and sidewalks and driveways are free of grass clippings left behind from cutting your lawn every visit. When you choose Green Sprout Lawn Care, you can be assured our crews will arrive on time, be well-trained, and do the job right.

Additionally, we offer lawn cutting services if you are on Vacation, as well as bi-weekly lawn mowing.

Our Lawn Maintenance in Edmonton

We offer fertilization and weed control services to keep your lawn lush and healthy throughout the season. Our fertilizer is applied evenly throughout your lawn, ensuring lush, green grass. You can rely on our weed control services to ensure that your lawn is weed-free, as well as any paths, patios, or driveways that may have weeds growing from cracks in the cement. Using our weed control products, we can effectively eliminate any unsightly weeds from your property.  We have selected fertilizer and weed control products specifically designed for the most common lawns and weeds in Alberta.   The most common we see are a variety of broadleaf weeds as well as nuisance grasses like crabgrass and quack grass. 

Deep Core Aeration in Edmonton

Deep core aeration is one of the best things you can do for your lawn and should be done every year. “Plugs” are pulled from the lawn during deep core aeration. In this way, nutrients, water, and oxygen reach the roots of your grass to help them grow fully. In addition to over-seeding after aeration, Green Sprout Lawn Care also recommends lawn aeration because it will greatly assist in discouraging weeds and disease growth.  Aeration is a well known treatment to provide a thick, green lawn.

Contact Us For Edmonton Lawn Maintenance Services

At Green Sprout, you can be assured your lawn and lawn maintenance needs are taken care of in the utmost quality-assured way. We guarantee you will be extremely satisfied with our services. Give us a call today!

780-477-8776

Contact us for a Quote


GREEN SPROUT LAWN CARE

 

EDMONTON & AREA LAWN CARE SERVICES
“LET US MAKE YOUR LAWN BEAUTIFUL!”

Green Sprout Lawn Care has served Edmonton and surrounding areas for 30 years.

We currently serve customers in Edmonton, Beaumont, Leduc, Nisku, Morinville, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Strathcona County and Parkland County and all areas in between.

We specialize in commercial and acreage property care. Our awesome yard care is also available for residential homes in Edmonton and surrounding cities and towns as well. While lawn care services are our main focus, we want you to know that we do much more than that!

 

See our Services page for all that we offer!