After a harsh winter in Saskatoon, your lawn will most likely show signs of wear and damage ranging from bare patcher to compacted soil. Restoring your lawn is crucial for achieving a healthy, lush green look during warmer seasons.
In this article, we’ll overview everything you need to know about restoring your lawn after a harsh winter season, from what damage winter causes to a step-by-step restoration guide. So, let’s dive into it.
Damage Winter Causes to Your Lawn
Winter can cause significant damage to your lawn, especially in cold climate regions like Saskatoon. One of the most noticeable effects is winterkill, where grass turns yellow or brown due to prolonged freezing temperatures and lack of sunlight.
Snow mold, a fungal disease, can also develop in areas with excessive snow cover or poor airflow, leading to unsightly patches. Ice damage can compact the soil, making it harder for grass roots to receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients.
In a nutshell, winter can cause significant damage to your lawn, and it needs to be addressed on time to avoid further complications.
Step-by-Step Lawn Restoration Guide
As far as we are clear on what types of damage cold winter seasons can cause to your grass, let’s understand an actionable step-by-step guide on avoiding that damage or dealing with it efficiently.
Assess Your Lawn’s Condition
Start by assessing your lawn’s initial condition to understand where you stand and what your further actions should be.
- Look for bare patches, discolored areas, and signs of winterkill.
- Check for compacted soil, poor drainage, or excessive thatch buildup.
- Identify potential mold or fungal issues caused by lingering snow.
Remove Debris, Leaves and Dead Grass
Move forward with cleaning your lawn by removing dirt and debris.
- Remove fallen leaves, branches, and other debris left by winter storms.
- Clear away dead grass to allow new shoots to emerge.
- Ensure the lawn surface is clean before starting aeration or overseeding.
Rake Your Lawn
Do not forget about the importance of raking for your lawn’s health and better absorption of nutrients by the soil.
- Use a leaf rake or dethatching rake to loosen compacted grass.
- Be gentle to avoid damaging new shoots trying to emerge.
- Focus on matted areas where snow mold or excess thatch has built up.
When it comes to raking, you must be quite accurate to avoid more damage yet finalize the process efficiently. The safest bet is to hire professionals for power raking as they know how to handle different types of grass.
Aerate for Better Soil Health
Move forward with lawn aeration.
- Use a core aerator to create small holes in compacted soil.
- Improve root development by increasing oxygen and nutrient absorption.
- Aeration is especially beneficial if your lawn experiences heavy snow cover.
Once again, you can trust professionals to handle the process to ensure effective practice.
Overseed for Efficiency Repair of Bare Patches
Another effective way to restore grass after harsh winter is to overseed it.
- Choose a grass seed blend suited for Saskatoon’s climate.
- Spread the seed evenly over bare or thinning areas.
- Keep the soil moist to encourage germination and new growth.
Watering Strategies for a Healthy Lawn
You can achieve a healthy lawn by watering it properly. Many lawn owners make mistakes when it comes to watering by either watering the grass too much or not enough. So, here are a few tips for you.
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep-root development.
- Early morning watering prevents evaporation and fungal growth.
- Adjust watering frequency based on rainfall and soil moisture levels.
Mowing Best Practices After Winter
Mowing correctly helps stimulate healthy growth without stressing the lawn.
- Set your mower blade to a higher setting for the first few cuts.
- Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
- Keep mower blades sharp to prevent tearing and stress on the grass.
Benefits of Professional Lawn Care Services
Expertise
Professionals understand Saskatoon’s climate, soil conditions, and grass types, allowing them to apply the best recovery techniques. Their expertise helps prevent issues like winterkill, compacted soil, and disease, ensuring a healthier lawn.
High-Quality Equipment
Lawn care services use commercial-grade aerators, seeders, and fertilizers that produce better results than standard tools. These high-quality products improve soil health, boost grass growth, and speed up lawn recovery.
Time and Effort Savings
Restoring a lawn after winter requires ongoing care, from aeration to fertilization. Hiring professionals saves you time and effort while ensuring each step is done correctly for the best results.
Customized Lawn Care Plans
Every lawn has different needs based on soil condition, grass type, and past care. Professionals create personalized plans to address specific challenges, ensuring the best approach for a full and healthy recovery.
Measurable Results
Professional lawn care services deliver faster improvements with expert techniques, targeted treatments, and regular monitoring. Your lawn regains its strength and stays green and healthy throughout the growing season.
Choose Yard Dawgs for a Healthy Lawn All Year Long
If you are looking for comprehensive lawn care solutions in Saskatoon, then you are in the right place. Yard Dawgs offers everything your lawn needs to be healthy and lush.
From restoring winter-damaged grass to maintaining lush, green growth during the growing season, our expert team provides tailored solutions for every lawn. Contact us to find out more about what we have to offer and how we can help you.
