Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn in Saskatoon
Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Lawn in Saskatoon
Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Saskatoon can be a breeze with the right tips and a little bit of fun! At Mow & Snow, we specialize in lawn mowing and snow removal, making sure your yard looks its best year-round. Whether you're dealing with weeds, figuring out the best time to water, or wondering about aerating, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top tips to keep your Saskatoon lawn looking fabulous all season long.
Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Saskatoon can be a breeze with the right tips and a little bit of fun! At Mow & Snow, we specialize in lawn mowing and snow removal, making sure your yard looks its best year-round. Whether you're dealing with weeds, figuring out the best time to water, or wondering about aerating, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top tips to keep your Saskatoon lawn looking fabulous all season long.
Easy
Watering Wisely
Watering your lawn might seem simple, but doing it right makes all the difference!
Deep and Infrequent Watering
Instead of a daily sprinkle, give your lawn a good soak once or twice a week. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week including rainfall. Place a rain gauge near your sprinkler system and time how long it takes for the water line to reach 1 inch. Then you can add a timer to your watering system that will turn off automatically!
Deep and Infrequent Watering
Instead of a daily sprinkle, give your lawn a good soak once or twice a week. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week including rainfall. Place a rain gauge near your sprinkler system and time how long it takes for the water line to reach 1 inch. Then you can add a timer to your watering system that will turn off automatically!
Deep and Infrequent Watering
Instead of a daily sprinkle, give your lawn a good soak once or twice a week. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week including rainfall. Place a rain gauge near your sprinkler system and time how long it takes for the water line to reach 1 inch. Then you can add a timer to your watering system that will turn off automatically!
Best Time to Water
Early morning (before 10 AM) or late evening (after 6 PM) is the best time to water. This way, less water evaporates, and your lawn gets the most benefit. Avoid watering during the hot midday sun – it's not good for your lawn or your water bill!
Best Time to Water
Early morning (before 10 AM) or late evening (after 6 PM) is the best time to water. This way, less water evaporates, and your lawn gets the most benefit. Avoid watering during the hot midday sun – it's not good for your lawn or your water bill!
Best Time to Water
Early morning (before 10 AM) or late evening (after 6 PM) is the best time to water. This way, less water evaporates, and your lawn gets the most benefit. Avoid watering during the hot midday sun – it's not good for your lawn or your water bill!
Signs of Over/Under-Watering
Look out for wilting or yellowing grass – these can be signs of too much or too little water. A good rule of thumb is if your footprints stay on the grass after you walk on it, it’s time to water.
Signs of Over/Under-Watering
Look out for wilting or yellowing grass – these can be signs of too much or too little water. A good rule of thumb is if your footprints stay on the grass after you walk on it, it’s time to water.
Signs of Over/Under-Watering
Look out for wilting or yellowing grass – these can be signs of too much or too little water. A good rule of thumb is if your footprints stay on the grass after you walk on it, it’s time to water.
New Lawns
If you have newly seeded or sodded grass, water lightly every day to keep the soil moist until the grass is established. Gradually reduce frequency as the grass matures.
New Lawns
If you have newly seeded or sodded grass, water lightly every day to keep the soil moist until the grass is established. Gradually reduce frequency as the grass matures.
New Lawns
If you have newly seeded or sodded grass, water lightly every day to keep the soil moist until the grass is established. Gradually reduce frequency as the grass matures.
Expert Tip
To ensure even watering, use a sprinkler that distributes water uniformly. Check for areas that may be getting too much or too little water.
Remember, a well-watered lawn is a happy lawn!
Expert Tip
To ensure even watering, use a sprinkler that distributes water uniformly. Check for areas that may be getting too much or too little water.
Remember, a well-watered lawn is a happy lawn!
Expert Tip
To ensure even watering, use a sprinkler that distributes water uniformly. Check for areas that may be getting too much or too little water.
Remember, a well-watered lawn is a happy lawn!
Easy
Proper Mowing Techniques
Proper Mowing Techniques
Keeping your lawn neat and tidy isn't just about looks – it’s crucial for its health too!
Mow Regularly
Regular mowing helps maintain your lawn's health. Aim to mow about once a week, but never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
Mow Regularly
Regular mowing helps maintain your lawn's health. Aim to mow about once a week, but never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
Mow Regularly
Regular mowing helps maintain your lawn's health. Aim to mow about once a week, but never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
Correct Height
Different grass types prefer different heights, but a good rule is to keep your grass around 2.5 to 3 inches tall. This height allows the grass to grow strong roots and crowd out weeds.
Correct Height
Different grass types prefer different heights, but a good rule is to keep your grass around 2.5 to 3 inches tall. This height allows the grass to grow strong roots and crowd out weeds.
Correct Height
Different grass types prefer different heights, but a good rule is to keep your grass around 2.5 to 3 inches tall. This height allows the grass to grow strong roots and crowd out weeds.
Change Mowing Patterns
Switching up your mowing direction each time you mow helps prevent soil compaction and encourages even growth.
Change Mowing Patterns
Switching up your mowing direction each time you mow helps prevent soil compaction and encourages even growth.
Change Mowing Patterns
Switching up your mowing direction each time you mow helps prevent soil compaction and encourages even growth.
Sharp Blades
Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving it ragged and more susceptible to disease.
Sharp Blades
Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving it ragged and more susceptible to disease.
Sharp Blades
Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving it ragged and more susceptible to disease.
Grass Clippings
Leave the grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil. However, if the grass is very long or wet, it’s better to collect and compost the clippings to avoid clumping and thatch buildup.
Grass Clippings
Leave the grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil. However, if the grass is very long or wet, it’s better to collect and compost the clippings to avoid clumping and thatch buildup.
Grass Clippings
Leave the grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and return valuable nutrients to the soil. However, if the grass is very long or wet, it’s better to collect and compost the clippings to avoid clumping and thatch buildup.
Expert Tip
Mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass can clump together and cause uneven cuts, which may lead to disease.
A well-mowed lawn not only looks great but also thrives!
Expert Tip
Mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass can clump together and cause uneven cuts, which may lead to disease.
A well-mowed lawn not only looks great but also thrives!
Expert Tip
Mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass can clump together and cause uneven cuts, which may lead to disease.
A well-mowed lawn not only looks great but also thrives!
Intermediate
Weed Control
Weeds can be pesky, but with the right approach, you can keep them away!
Regular Weeding
Pull weeds as soon as you spot them to prevent them from spreading. Focus on removing the entire root to prevent regrowth.
Regular Weeding
Pull weeds as soon as you spot them to prevent them from spreading. Focus on removing the entire root to prevent regrowth.
Regular Weeding
Pull weeds as soon as you spot them to prevent them from spreading. Focus on removing the entire root to prevent regrowth.
Preventing Weed Growth
Keep your lawn healthy and dense to crowd out weeds. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing create a hostile environment for weeds.
Preventing Weed Growth
Keep your lawn healthy and dense to crowd out weeds. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing create a hostile environment for weeds.
Preventing Weed Growth
Keep your lawn healthy and dense to crowd out weeds. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing create a hostile environment for weeds.
Identify Common Weeds
Learn to identify common weeds in Saskatoon, such as dandelions, crabgrass, and clover. Each weed may require a different removal technique.
Identify Common Weeds
Learn to identify common weeds in Saskatoon, such as dandelions, crabgrass, and clover. Each weed may require a different removal technique.
Identify Common Weeds
Learn to identify common weeds in Saskatoon, such as dandelions, crabgrass, and clover. Each weed may require a different removal technique.
Use Herbicides When Necessary
For tough weeds, consider using a selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming your grass. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
Use Herbicides When Necessary
For tough weeds, consider using a selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming your grass. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
Use Herbicides When Necessary
For tough weeds, consider using a selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming your grass. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
Mulch and Cover Bare Spots
Use mulch in garden beds and cover any bare spots in your lawn to prevent weed seeds from taking root.
Mulch and Cover Bare Spots
Use mulch in garden beds and cover any bare spots in your lawn to prevent weed seeds from taking root.
Mulch and Cover Bare Spots
Use mulch in garden beds and cover any bare spots in your lawn to prevent weed seeds from taking root.
Expert Tip
If weeds are overwhelming, consider hiring a local weed control service to professionally treat your lawn and give it the care it needs.
Stay vigilant and keep those weeds in check!
Expert Tip
If weeds are overwhelming, consider hiring a local weed control service to professionally treat your lawn and give it the care it needs.
Stay vigilant and keep those weeds in check!
Expert Tip
If weeds are overwhelming, consider hiring a local weed control service to professionally treat your lawn and give it the care it needs.
Stay vigilant and keep those weeds in check!
Intermediate
Grass Type Selection
Grass Type Selection
Choosing the right grass for your lawn makes a big difference in how well it grows and looks.
Choosing the right grass for your lawn makes a big difference in how well it grows and looks.
Climate Compatibility
Select grass varieties that thrive in Saskatoon’s climate. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are excellent choices due to their resilience to cooler temperatures.
Climate Compatibility
Select grass varieties that thrive in Saskatoon’s climate. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are excellent choices due to their resilience to cooler temperatures.
Climate Compatibility
Select grass varieties that thrive in Saskatoon’s climate. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are excellent choices due to their resilience to cooler temperatures.
Soil Type
Consider your soil type when choosing grass. Sandy soils drain quickly, so grasses that tolerate dry conditions are best. For clay soils, choose grasses that can handle poor drainage.
Soil Type
Consider your soil type when choosing grass. Sandy soils drain quickly, so grasses that tolerate dry conditions are best. For clay soils, choose grasses that can handle poor drainage.
Soil Type
Consider your soil type when choosing grass. Sandy soils drain quickly, so grasses that tolerate dry conditions are best. For clay soils, choose grasses that can handle poor drainage.
Sunlight Exposure
Evaluate the amount of sunlight your lawn receives. Some grasses, like fine fescue, tolerate shade well, while others, like Bermuda grass, need full sun.
Sunlight Exposure
Evaluate the amount of sunlight your lawn receives. Some grasses, like fine fescue, tolerate shade well, while others, like Bermuda grass, need full sun.
Sunlight Exposure
Evaluate the amount of sunlight your lawn receives. Some grasses, like fine fescue, tolerate shade well, while others, like Bermuda grass, need full sun.
Maintenance Requirements
Different grasses have varying maintenance needs. Kentucky bluegrass requires more water and fertilizer, while tall fescue is more drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Maintenance Requirements
Different grasses have varying maintenance needs. Kentucky bluegrass requires more water and fertilizer, while tall fescue is more drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Maintenance Requirements
Different grasses have varying maintenance needs. Kentucky bluegrass requires more water and fertilizer, while tall fescue is more drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Expert Tip
Mix different types of grasses to create a resilient areas of lawn that can withstand varying weather conditions and foot traffic.
Expert Tip
Mix different types of grasses to create a resilient areas of lawn that can withstand varying weather conditions and foot traffic.
Expert Tip
Mix different types of grasses to create a resilient areas of lawn that can withstand varying weather conditions and foot traffic.
Intermediate
Thatch Management
Thatch Management
Thatch buildup can prevent your lawn from getting the nutrients it needs.
Thatch buildup can prevent your lawn from getting the nutrients it needs.
What is Thatch?
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that accumulates between the soil and the grass blades. While a small amount is beneficial, too much can hinder water, air, and nutrient absorption.
What is Thatch?
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that accumulates between the soil and the grass blades. While a small amount is beneficial, too much can hinder water, air, and nutrient absorption.
What is Thatch?
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that accumulates between the soil and the grass blades. While a small amount is beneficial, too much can hinder water, air, and nutrient absorption.
How to Identify Thatch Buildup
If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it or you notice a thick, brown layer just above the soil, you likely have thatch buildup. Thatch over half an inch thick should be removed.
How to Identify Thatch Buildup
If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it or you notice a thick, brown layer just above the soil, you likely have thatch buildup. Thatch over half an inch thick should be removed.
How to Identify Thatch Buildup
If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it or you notice a thick, brown layer just above the soil, you likely have thatch buildup. Thatch over half an inch thick should be removed.
Why It’s a Problem
Excessive thatch can make your lawn look dead by blocking essential nutrients, water, and air from reaching the roots, leading to weak and unhealthy grass. Try to avoid thatch build up of half an inch or more for a healthy lawn.
Why It’s a Problem
Excessive thatch can make your lawn look dead by blocking essential nutrients, water, and air from reaching the roots, leading to weak and unhealthy grass. Try to avoid thatch build up of half an inch or more for a healthy lawn.
Why It’s a Problem
Excessive thatch can make your lawn look dead by blocking essential nutrients, water, and air from reaching the roots, leading to weak and unhealthy grass. Try to avoid thatch build up of half an inch or more for a healthy lawn.
How to Remove It
Dethatch your lawn in early spring or fall using a thatching rake or a dethatching machine. Rake up the debris and dispose of it.
How to Remove It
Dethatch your lawn in early spring or fall using a thatching rake or a dethatching machine. Rake up the debris and dispose of it.
How to Remove It
Dethatch your lawn in early spring or fall using a thatching rake or a dethatching machine. Rake up the debris and dispose of it.
Expert Tip
Regular aeration can help prevent thatch buildup by improving soil structure and promoting healthy root growth.
Expert Tip
Regular aeration can help prevent thatch buildup by improving soil structure and promoting healthy root growth.
Expert Tip
Regular aeration can help prevent thatch buildup by improving soil structure and promoting healthy root growth.
Advanced
Fertilizing Correctly
Feeding your lawn the right way ensures it stays green and healthy.
Nitrogen Fertilizer
Lawns primarily need nitrogen. A common granular fertilizer recommendation is 27-14-0 or 26-13-0 in mid-May, and 34-0-0 in early July and mid-August.
Nitrogen Fertilizer
Lawns primarily need nitrogen. A common granular fertilizer recommendation is 27-14-0 or 26-13-0 in mid-May, and 34-0-0 in early July and mid-August.
Nitrogen Fertilizer
Lawns primarily need nitrogen. A common granular fertilizer recommendation is 27-14-0 or 26-13-0 in mid-May, and 34-0-0 in early July and mid-August.
Alternative Fertilization Methods
Lawn Clippings: Leave clippings in place to decompose and provide nitrogen. Using a mulching blade can help break them down faster.
Clover: Mix 5% clover into your lawn seed. Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil naturally.
Compost: Apply a thin layer (1 cm or 1/3") of compost anytime for slow-releasing nutrients and organic matter.
Corn Gluten Meal: Acts as a weed inhibitor and contains about 10% nitrogen. Avoid using it if you’re overseeding.
Alternative Fertilization Methods
Lawn Clippings: Leave clippings in place to decompose and provide nitrogen. Using a mulching blade can help break them down faster.
Clover: Mix 5% clover into your lawn seed. Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil naturally.
Compost: Apply a thin layer (1 cm or 1/3") of compost anytime for slow-releasing nutrients and organic matter.
Corn Gluten Meal: Acts as a weed inhibitor and contains about 10% nitrogen. Avoid using it if you’re overseeding.
Alternative Fertilization Methods
Lawn Clippings: Leave clippings in place to decompose and provide nitrogen. Using a mulching blade can help break them down faster.
Clover: Mix 5% clover into your lawn seed. Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil naturally.
Compost: Apply a thin layer (1 cm or 1/3") of compost anytime for slow-releasing nutrients and organic matter.
Corn Gluten Meal: Acts as a weed inhibitor and contains about 10% nitrogen. Avoid using it if you’re overseeding.
Granular Fertilizer Application
Timing: Fertilize in spring after the grass has been cut a few times. Avoid fall fertilization to prevent improper hardening for winter.
Application Technique: Measure your lawn area and divide the fertilizer amount in half. Apply in two passes, first north-south, then east-west, to ensure even distribution. Water the lawn after fertilizing to wash nutrients into the soil.
Granular Fertilizer Application
Timing:
Fertilize in spring after the grass has been cut a few times.
Water your lawn 24-48 hours before fertilizing so the soil stays moist but the grass is dry.
AVOID fall fertilization in Saskatoon to prevent improper hardening for winter.
Check out this article from the University of Saskatchewan for Saskatchewan's best lawn fertilizing practices.
Granular Fertilizer Application
Timing: Fertilize in spring after the grass has been cut a few times. Avoid fall fertilization to prevent improper hardening for winter.
Application Technique: Measure your lawn area and divide the fertilizer amount in half. Apply in two passes, first north-south, then east-west, to ensure even distribution. Water the lawn after fertilizing to wash nutrients into the soil.
Expert Tip
Conduct a soil test every 2-3 years to determine the specific nutrient needs of your lawn and tailor your fertilizing schedule accordingly. You can purchase a soil testing kit from your local home improvement store or online for $10-$30.
Expert Tip
Conduct a soil test every 2-3 years to determine the specific nutrient needs of your lawn and tailor your fertilizing schedule accordingly. You can purchase a soil testing kit from your local home improvement store or online for $10-$30.
Expert Tip
Conduct a soil test every 2-3 years to determine the specific nutrient needs of your lawn and tailor your fertilizing schedule accordingly. You can purchase a soil testing kit from your local home improvement store or online for $10-$30.
For more detailed information on lawn care, you can refer to the University of Saskatchewan’s lawn care advice.
University of Saskatchewan. (n.d.). Lawns and alternatives. Retrieved from https://gardening.usask.ca/gardening-advice/sorted-by-plant/lawns.php#Toptips
For more detailed information on lawn care, you can refer to the University of Saskatchewan’s lawn care advice.
University of Saskatchewan. (n.d.). Lawns and alternatives. Retrieved from https://gardening.usask.ca/gardening-advice/sorted-by-plant/lawns.php#Toptips
For more detailed information on lawn care, you can refer to the University of Saskatchewan’s lawn care advice.
University of Saskatchewan. (n.d.). Lawns and alternatives. Retrieved from https://gardening.usask.ca/gardening-advice/sorted-by-plant/lawns.php#Toptips
Advanced
Aeration
Aerating your lawn helps it breathe and promotes healthy growth.
What is Aeration?
Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more healthy lawn.
What is Aeration?
Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more healthy lawn.
What is Aeration?
Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more healthy lawn.
How to Know if You Need to Aerate
If your lawn has high foot traffic, feels compacted, or has poor drainage, it may benefit from aeration. Another sign is if water puddles on the surface instead of soaking in.
How to Know if You Need to Aerate
If your lawn has high foot traffic, feels compacted, or has poor drainage, it may benefit from aeration. Another sign is if water puddles on the surface instead of soaking in.
How to Know if You Need to Aerate
If your lawn has high foot traffic, feels compacted, or has poor drainage, it may benefit from aeration. Another sign is if water puddles on the surface instead of soaking in.
Benefits of Aeration
Aeration reduces soil compaction, improves water and nutrient absorption, and promotes strong root growth.
Benefits of Aeration
Aeration reduces soil compaction, improves water and nutrient absorption, and promotes strong root growth.
Benefits of Aeration
Aeration reduces soil compaction, improves water and nutrient absorption, and promotes strong root growth.
When to Do It
Spring: Aerate in early spring for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue to help them recover from winter.
Fall: Aerate in early fall for cool-season grasses to strengthen roots before winter.
Late Spring through Early Summer: Aerate warm-season grasses during their peak growing period.
Frequency: Aerate annually if you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil. For sandy soil or well-growing lawns, aerate every 2-3 years.
When to Do It
Spring: Aerate in early spring for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue to help them recover from winter.
Fall: Aerate in early fall for cool-season grasses to strengthen roots before winter.
Late Spring through Early Summer: Aerate warm-season grasses during their peak growing period.
Frequency: Aerate annually if you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil. For sandy soil or well-growing lawns, aerate every 2-3 years.
When to Do It
Spring: Aerate in early spring for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue to help them recover from winter.
Fall: Aerate in early fall for cool-season grasses to strengthen roots before winter.
Late Spring through Early Summer: Aerate warm-season grasses during their peak growing period.
Frequency: Aerate annually if you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil. For sandy soil or well-growing lawns, aerate every 2-3 years.
Expert Tip
After aeration, apply fertilizer and water the lawn to help the grass recover and fill in the holes quickly.
Expert Tip
After aeration, apply fertilizer and water the lawn to help the grass recover and fill in the holes quickly.
Expert Tip
After aeration, apply fertilizer and water the lawn to help the grass recover and fill in the holes quickly.
Tired from all the work?
Download the Mow & Snow app today and book your lawn care services in Saskatoon with just a few taps. More free time, less yard work – it’s that simple!
Why Choose Us?
Save Time
Spend your weekends having fun, not doing yard work. Or, during the week, enjoy your evenings doing what you love instead of battling the lawn.
Save Time
Spend your weekends having fun, not doing yard work. Or, during the week, enjoy your evenings doing what you love instead of battling the lawn.
Hassle-Free
Book with a few taps and let us do the rest. No more stressing over yard work!
Hassle-Free
Book with a few taps and let us do the rest. No more stressing over yard work!
Top-Notch Results
Your yard will look amazing without you lifting a finger. Impress your neighbors without breaking a sweat!
Top-Notch Results
Your yard will look amazing without you lifting a finger. Impress your neighbors without breaking a sweat!
Top-Notch Results
Your yard will look amazing without you lifting a finger. Impress your neighbors without breaking a sweat!
Secure Payments
Pay securely and easily with Stripe. No fuss, just trust. Stripe is one of the most trusted payment processors!
Secure Payments
Pay securely and easily with Stripe. No fuss, just trust. Stripe is one of the most trusted payment processors!
Secure Payments
Pay securely and easily with Stripe. No fuss, just trust. Stripe is one of the most trusted payment processors!
Satisfaction Guarantee
We’re not happy until you’re thrilled. We make sure you love the results, every time.
Satisfaction Guarantee
We’re not happy until you’re thrilled. We make sure you love the results, every time.
Real-Time Updates
Get instant updates and notifications about your service. No more guessing games!
Real-Time Updates
Get instant updates and notifications about your service. No more guessing games!