03/17/2026
🌱 Your Spring Lawn Prep Checklist — Start Here
The snow is gone and the ground is thawing out. That means it's time to shake off the winter and get your lawn set up for a strong season. Here's exactly what I'd recommend working through over the next few weeks:
1️⃣ Clear the Debris
Start with a walk around the yard. Rake out any leaves, dead material, and fallen branches that have been sitting under the snow all winter. Your lawn needs to breathe — this is step one for a reason.
2️⃣ Dethatch
Thatch is the layer of dead grass and organic material that builds up between the soil and the living grass. A thin layer is fine, but anything over half an inch starts blocking water and nutrients from getting through. A good dethatching rake takes care of it.
3️⃣ Aerate
If your lawn gets heavy foot traffic or drains poorly, aeration is a must. It loosens compacted soil so air, water, and nutrients can actually reach the roots. Core aeration (which pulls small plugs of soil) is the most effective method — especially here in Ontario where clay-heavy soil is common.
4️⃣ Smooth Out Lumps and Low Spots
Frost heaving over winter can leave your lawn uneven. Top up any low areas with a good lawn repair mix — a blend of peat, compost, and topsoil works great. A smooth, even surface makes everything else easier.
5️⃣ Overseed
Bare or thin patches from last season won't fix themselves. Spread seed over problem areas, lightly rake it in so it's just barely covered, and keep it consistently moist while it germinates. Don't mow those areas until the new grass is at least 2–3 inches tall.
6️⃣ Fertilize
After a long winter your lawn is running on empty. Apply a spring-specific fertilizer once soil temperatures hit around 12°C — don't just go by the calendar. A slow-release blend with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is the move. And don't overdo it — too much nitrogen causes fast, weak growth that's more prone to disease.
7️⃣ Water
Once your seed and fertilizer are down, give the whole lawn a solid soak. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist through germination. Spring rain will do a lot of the work for you, but keep an eye on dry stretches.
8️⃣ Get on a Cutting Schedule
Once things start growing, consistency matters. During the peak of the growing season you may be cutting once or twice a week. Never cut more than a third of the blade at once, and aim to keep your grass between 2.5 and 3 inches — short enough to look clean, tall enough to stay healthy.
---
Work through this list over a few weekends and your lawn will be in great shape heading into summer. And if any of this feels like more than you want to tackle on your own — that's exactly what I'm here for. 😄
Spring cleanups and seasonal maintenance contracts are booking now. Send me a message or give me a call at (416) 770-0515 or send me a DM and let's get you on the schedule.
