Creating your backyard paradise

With lockdowns still in place as spring comes in, our backyards are going to be a bigger part of our lives. Our outdoor greenspaces are in fact more crucial than ever. It’s our own little bit of connection to nature, and in Calgary – with our let’s say “unpredictable” spring weather patterns – taking care of the lawn needs a little more TLC.

We asked Lori Heidt, CEO of Weed Man Lawn Care Alberta what was the most important thing for homeowners to be aware of for lawn care. “Make sure all the snow, ice and standing water is off the lawn before attempting to rake or you will do more damage. Our recommendation is to do a light hand rake with a flexible leaf rake. We are not a fan of power raking as it has been our experience that it does more damage to the lawn than good.”

Here are her Top Five tips:

1. Number One is always Water! Our rainy season generally occurs from April to June but for the most part the summer months are very dry. A healthy lawn requires one-inch of water once per week. This usually means one hour everywhere (90 per cent of the service calls we do each year are from lack of water). Water early in the day between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. for best results.

2. Fertilize with a high-quality slow-release fertilizer. Your lawn will only take up as much nutrients as it needs at the time of fertilizing and will still need nutrients throughout the season. I always give the analogy of taking you out for a big buffet lunch and then telling you “make sure you eat enough food because you won’t eat for another 6 weeks”. That’s what happens when you use a quick release fertilizer.

3. Aerate! Aeration is quite possibility the single best thing you can do for your lawn each year. Our recommendation is to do it in the fall as you get more bang for your buck with deeper plugs being pulled at that time of year, we also leave the plugs on the lawn to break down over winter.

4. Mow height, most lawns are made up of a blend of Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue. Both of those species like to be left at a height of three inches. Cutting your lawn too short will often lead to disease or other issues. Keep the mower blade razor sharp, sometime this means sharpening it a couple times a season. A dull blade is harmful to the grass as it rips the grass as opposed to a clean cut.

5. Overseeding, this is the best way to re-invigorate your lawn and add new cultivars to help your lawn withstand drought and disease better. Keep in mind the areas you are trying to seed is important. Fescue loves shade while Bluegrass loves sunshine.