Fall is the best time to prepare next year’s lawn
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/08/2021 (654 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Mowing the lawn has been a bit easier this summer due to the ongoing drought. The grass has been growing slower and slower as each week goes by. You may have also noticed your boulevard turning brown or tall weeds sprouting up near the curb. In this hot, dry weather, it seems the only plants growing are the nuisance ones.
Whether or not we enjoy yardwork, residents in the city of Winnipeg are responsible for maintaining the city boulevards at the front and/or sides of their homes. There are a few exceptions for those who live on regional thoroughfares or when the boulevard is more than 20 feet between the road and sidewalk or property line.
I thought I would share some tips that I found useful for keeping my own boulevard and lawn healthy:
The upcoming fall season is the best time of year to repair any dead or sparse patches that need new grass. Use a small hand rake to scratch up the areas and patch with a mix of grass seed and topsoil. You will need to keep checking the spots and water lightly as needed. The advantage of seeding in fall is the natural morning dew helps grow your grass quicker.
I have also found that using a local grass seed is much superior to anything purchased from big box hardware stores. These box store seed blends are not hardy for our climate and often do not make it through Winnipeg winters. Ask for Winnipeg-produced grass seed at a local garden centre, where it is usually sold in bulk. It is very economical and you will not have to continually patch your lawn.
Fall is also a great time to pull any dandelions or weeds that have popped up over the summer. You can use a variety of tools that pull them out from the root. Another option is to consider a weed spray or booking a treatment with a local lawn care service. There are many environmentally friendly spray options to choose from now that control weeds.
Finally, it is very important to fertilize your grass a few times every year. Fall is the most important time of the year to apply lawn fertilizer and it strengthens your grass against next year’s weeds. A healthy lawn will begin to choke out weeds itself. Purchase a fall fertilizer and apply with a push spreader, following the bag’s instructions. Fall fertilizer is also vital for protecting your grass from winter kill and also preparing it for a healthy next summer.
I hope you find these lawn tips helpful and enjoy the rest of our beautiful Manitoba summer.
Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com
Daniel Guenther
Garden City community correspondent
Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com