How to Care for Your Lawn in Calgary: Seasonal Tips for a Healthy Yard

During spring and summer, your water use can jump by up to 20%—mostly due to outdoor watering activities. If you’re searching for a reliable grass cutting service near me or wondering how to upgrade your lawn care in Calgary, you’re in the right place. Follow these expert lawn care tips to keep your yard lush, green, and water-wise all season long.

1.Mow Smart for Stronger Grass

Mowing is more than just trimming your lawn—it’s about promoting healthy growth. Here’s how to mow the right way:

• Keep your grass at least three inches long to encourage deeper roots and moisture retention.
  
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn (known as grasscycling) to return nutrients to the soil.
  
• Mow regularly, but never remove more than one-third of the blade height.
  
• Always use sharp mower blades for cleaner cuts.
  

Need help keeping up with mowing? Our Lawn Mowing and Trimming Service offers regular care to maintain a neat, healthy yard.

2.Aerate to Let Your Lawn Breathe

Over time, soil becomes compacted, especially with heavy foot traffic. This prevents water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching the roots.

• Core aeration removes small plugs of soil to improve airflow and nutrient absorption.
  
• The best times to aerate in Calgary are late spring (May–June) and early fall (September).
  
• Aeration also helps prepare your lawn for overseeding and fertilizing.
  

Want deeper roots and better resilience? Book Core Aeration Services with our team for best results.

3.Dethatch When Needed

Thatch is a layer of dead stems and roots between the grass and soil. A thin layer is okay, but more than ½ inch can choke your lawn.

• Use a manual rake or power dethatcher to remove heavy thatch buildup.
  
• Early spring is the best time to dethatch, just as your lawn begins to green up.
  

After dethatching, it’s ideal to fertilize or overseed for faster recovery.

4.Fertilize and Overseed for a Fuller Lawn

A thin or patchy lawn may need overseeding to grow thick and healthy again.

• Use a high-fescue grass seed blend suited for Calgary’s climate.
  
• Fertilize with a slow-release, organic fertilizer in early summer or fall.
  
• Overseed after aeration or dethatching for best seed-to-soil contact.
  

Ready to revitalize your turf? Check our Overseeding and Fertilization Services for expert care.

5.Water Wisely and Efficiently

Watering is essential, but overwatering can waste money and harm your lawn.

• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
  
• Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall.
  
• Consider drought-tolerant grass varieties like fescue or microclover.
  
• Use mulch and ground covers to reduce evaporation and retain soil moisture.
  

For even more water-wise tips, visit YardSmart or explore xeriscaping ideas that align with Calgary’s dry summers.

6.Seasonal Care for Year-Round Health

Your lawn care doesn’t end in summer:

• In fall, let grass grow a little longer before winter dormancy.
  
• In winter, avoid walking on frozen turf to prevent damage.
• Come spring, start fresh with a cleanup and early mowing.
  

Looking for help with seasonal care? Check out our Spring & Fall Property Cleanup Services to give your lawn a strong start.

FAQs

Q1: When should I start mowing my lawn in Calgary?

You can begin mowing in early to mid-May when the grass reaches about 3–4 inches in height. Avoid mowing when the grass is wet or during peak heat.

Q2: How often should I aerate my lawn?

In Calgary, lawn aeration is best done twice a year: once in late spring (May–June) and again in early fall (September).

Q3: What’s the best fertilizer for Calgary lawns?

Use a slow-release organic fertilizer with a 23-3-3 NPK ratio. Compost is also great for Calgary’s clay-heavy soil.

Q4: How do I tell if my grass is dormant or dead?

Dormant grass turns uniformly brown and bounces back with water and cooler temps. Dead grass pulls out easily and usually forms patchy spots.