Lawn Care

Lawn Care
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Simple Secrets for a Great Lawn

If you want a lawn that will make your neighbours green with envy, follow these important guidelines:

Choose the right grasses: The best type of grass for your yard (or parts thereof) will depend on your climate, shade and soil conditions. Talk to your nursery expert about the best choices. In general, cool-season grasses survive harsh winters but tend to suffer during summer months while warm-season grasses thrive in the summer sun. Toronto has a relatively temperate climate, but we can have cold winters and hot dry summers.

Bare spots: Over-seed bare spots with the correct type of grass in the early spring.

Water appropriately: It's better to water deeply to encourage root growth as opposed to watering frequently. Pulling weeds when the soil is well-soaked is quite effective and a great idea -- believe me, it can actually be relaxing!

Fertilize: Apply a nitrogen fertilizer in late spring and summer and be sure to water in thoroughly, all in accordance with the application instructions. A late fall application should be done as well. Again, ask a local nursery person about specific recommendations.

Mow properly: Don't let the grass grow too long -- mow it when it reaches about one third taller than its optimum height. During the hot summer months, don't cut the grass too short.

Compost: Don't put your grass clippings in the garbage and don't turn them over to the city for composting! If you cut frequently enough, just leave the clippings on the ground to return the nitrogen to the soil. If you happen to be a little late mowing, rake the areas of heavy clippings and put them in your compost -- you do have one don't you?!

Aeration: If you have heavy clay soil and decide to aerate, don't just let the clay "plugs" work their way back into the holes again. Now's the time to spread your compost on the lawn. Stir up a wheelbarrow-full at a time. Spend a few minutes cutting up larger chunks of the composted leaves and grass with your shovel. If you're a perfectionist, you can even pass it through a very coarse screen. (Of course, the older the compost, the less preparation required.) Spread the compost evenly on the lawn and rake thoroughly. The porous organic material from your compost will gradually work its way into the holes left by the aerator. You now have a degree of permanent natural aeration in your hard-as-a-rock clay soil.

Pull Weeds: As I've said -- pulling weeds when the soil is wet is relaxing and effective if you have the right attitude! And much better for the health of the community than having the weed guys come around. But don't pull weeds in the hot sun unless you're covered up.

From The Scarboro Heights Record V9 #4

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