After the long winter, your lawn needs a little love to regain its vigour and beautiful green colour. Good spring maintenance is key to a dense, healthy lawn that will better withstand the challenges of summer. At Botanix, we're here to help! Follow these essential steps to get the season off to a good start.
1. Spring cleaning: clean up your lawn
Why? To remove debris (dead leaves, branches, rocks) accumulated over the winter and allow light and air to reach the soil. This also helps prevent diseases like snow mould.
How? Use a flexible leaf rake or a lawn broom. Rake gently to avoid pulling out young, fragile grass shoots.
2. Dethatch (or power rake): let your lawn breathe
Thatch is the layer of organic matter (grass clippings, dead roots) that accumulates at the soil surface, between the grass blades and the earth. A little is good, but too much is harmful!
Benefits of an ideal thatch layer (approx. 1 to 2 cm):
- Contributes organic matter and minerals as it decomposes.
- Protects the base of grass blades and roots from extreme temperature variations.
- Provides slight cushioning against foot traffic.
- Helps reduce soil erosion and water evaporation.
When to dethatch? When the thatch layer becomes too thick (generally more than 2 cm), it can smother the lawn. Scratch the soil a bit to check the thickness. Spring, when the grass begins active growth, is a good time if necessary.
Why dethatch (if thatch is excessive)? Too much thatch prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots and can promote disease.
How? With a dethatching rake (for small areas) or a power rake/mechanical dethatcher (more efficient for large yards). Run the tool over the entire surface to remove excess thatch.
Benefits of dethatching (if thatch > 2 cm):
- Better penetration of water and fertilizer to the soil.
- Promotes deeper root growth.
- Improves air circulation.
- Makes the lawn less susceptible to diseases and insects that thrive in trapped moisture.
3. Aerate the soil: a breath of fresh air for the roots
Over time, especially in clay or heavily compacted soils, the ground becomes compacted. Aeration helps loosen the soil.
Signs you need to aerate:
- Water tends to pool on the surface and struggles to penetrate.
- Weeds indicating compaction appear (e.g., plantain, knotweed).
- The lawn looks tired and thin despite fertilization.
- Few or no earthworms are visible (they prefer aerated soil!).
When to aerate? In spring or fall. Avoid doing it during peak summer heat. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
How? Ideally, use a core aerator that removes small plugs ("cores") of soil. Leaving the cores on the lawn to decompose returns organic matter to the soil.
Benefits of aeration:
- Improves the circulation of air, water, and nutrients to the roots.
- Stimulates beneficial soil microorganism activity.
- Promotes deeper, more vigorous root growth.
- Helps reduce excessive thatch buildup.
4. Topdress: feed the soil surface
Topdressing involves spreading a thin layer of enriched lawn soil or compost over the lawn. It's an often-overlooked step, but very beneficial!
When to topdress? Ideally every spring, after aerating (the holes help the topdressing penetrate) and before seeding, if necessary.
How? Spread a thin layer (about 0.5 to 1 cm) of quality lawn topdressing soil or well-rotted compost over the entire surface. Use a rake to spread it evenly.
Benefits of topdressing:
- Adds organic matter and improves soil structure.
- Increases natural fertility, potentially reducing fertilizer needs.
- Improves water retention, which can decrease watering frequency.
- Helps level minor surface imperfections.
- Promotes thatch decomposition.
- Helps the lawn recover better from stress (drought, disease).
5. Fertilize: give your lawn the right fuel
To start the season right, your lawn needs nutrients! A well-fertilized lawn is denser, greener, and resists pests and weeds better.
When to fertilize in spring? When the grass has resumed active growth (after the first few mows).
Which fertilizer to choose? Opt for a "spring specific" or "starter" fertilizer. These fertilizers are often high in nitrogen (N) to promote greening and rapid blade growth.
The Botanix 4-Step Program: Make your life easier! Our program is designed to provide the right nutrients at the right time throughout the season. Step 1 is perfect for spring!
Start the season off right with the 4-step BOTANIX program
How to apply? Carefully follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, especially the recommended application rates for your area. Use a spreader for even application.
6. Seed or overseed: fill patches and thicken the lawn
Spring is the ideal time to repair bare spots or thicken up a somewhat sparse lawn.
When to seed? When the soil has warmed up (soil temperature around 10-15°C) and there's no longer a risk of heavy frost. Spring and late summer are the best times.
Which seed to choose? Select a mix suitable for your yard: sun exposure (full sun, partial shade, shade), type of use (heavy foot traffic or not), and adapted to your climate.
How to do it?
- Prepare the soil: Lightly rake the surface, especially in bare spots.
- Seed: Distribute seeds evenly. For small areas, do it by hand; for large areas, use a spreader. Follow the recommended application rate.
- Seed-to-soil contact: Rake lightly to slightly bury the seeds and ensure good contact with the soil. You can also add a very thin layer of topsoil over them.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) until germination and the establishment of young seedlings.
Frequency: Overseeding (lightly reseeding the entire surface) every 2-3 years helps keep a lawn dense and young.
7. Inspect and act against white grubs
White grubs (larvae of chafer beetles or June bugs) can cause significant damage. Spring is a good time to check for their presence, although damage is often more visible in late summer or fall.
Signs of infestation: Patches of yellowed, then brown grass that lifts easily like a carpet. Increased presence of skunks or birds digging in the soil to eat the grubs.
How to check? Carefully cut and lift a few patches of lawn (about 30x30 cm or 1 sq ft) in suspicious areas. Count the C-shaped larvae in the soil just below the roots. More than 5-10 grubs per square foot may warrant action.
What to do? If an infestation is confirmed, solutions are available (beneficial nematodes, specific treatments).
How to get rid of grubs in the lawn
Ready for a spectacular lawn?
By following these key spring maintenance steps, you give yourself the best chance of enjoying a beautiful lawn all summer long. A healthy lawn is your best defence against weeds, drought, and insects!
Feel free to visit our experts. They can advise you on the best products and techniques for your specific situation!
