Lawn Care Tips
SPRING
Early Spring - Mid February to Late March If needed, apply a moss control product when temperatures reach approximately 10 degrees Celsius Within 7 to 10 days the moss should have died - now is the time to aerate and rake out the dead moss Apply a Dolopril® lime - allow up to 4 weeks for the lime to break down before fertilizing At end of March apply a spring fertilizer If you are planning to do a lot of overseeding, use a turf starter fertilizer and apply seed around mid April, after last frost
Mid Spring - Mid April to Late May Start with the weeding right away - most weed killers need temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius for them to work properly, so in early season best results will come from hand weeding By mid May a weed killer can be applied - this could be in the form of a weed and feed, available in granular as well as a hose end spray, or a liquid weed killer can be used for specific weeds as a spot spray. It is very important to know how to use these products properly. There are products that kill only specific weeds, and products that will kill everything. It is your responsibility to read the label thoroughly, and if you still have questions, visit your local garden centre where certified staff will be able to help you. Organic spray, such as vinegar can be used to suppress weeds - it will kill the foliage, but will not kill the roots Once weeds have died and are removed, the patches can be filled in with seed A regular weeding program should be maintained throughout the rest of the year, whether you choose to hand weed, spray or use a combination of both Your best defense against weeds is a healthy, well maintained lawn By end of May, it should be time for another spring fertilizer application
WHY AERATE?      The purpose is to drive air channels deep into turf to break through the compaction layer and allow oxygen and water to the root zone. This allows carbon dioxide to escape, which inhibits the passage of water to roots, and is replaced by oxygen that the roots need to grow. Aeration also breaks up matted area at soil level, and allows better drainage, therefore less moss problems.
WHY LIME?      Liming raises the pH in the soil making it more alkaline. This helps prevent moss growth. It takes about 4 weeks after application for the lime to breakdown in the soil, and will allow fertilizer to work better once it is applied. If your soil is normally very acidic, it is best to apply lime in the fall and early spring.