Introduction
After a long Canadian winter, your lawn needs the right care to come back healthy, green, and strong. For homeowners in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and surrounding Ontario areas, spring lawn care is the most important step to achieving a beautiful yard for the rest of the year.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a complete spring lawn care checklist to help your grass recover from winter damage, prevent weeds, and promote thick, healthy growth.
Why Spring Lawn Care Is So Important
Winter can leave behind:
- Compacted soil
- Dead grass and debris
- Weeds ready to grow
- Thin or patchy areas
Proper spring maintenance helps:
- Improve soil health
- Strengthen grass roots
- Prevent weeds and pests
- Create a greener, thicker lawn all summer
Step-by-Step Spring Lawn Care Checklist
1. Clean Up Winter Debris
Start by removing:
- Fallen leaves
- Twigs and branches
- Dead grass buildup
This allows sunlight, air, and water to reach the soil properly.
2. Inspect for Lawn Damage
Check your lawn for:
- Bald or thin patches
- Mold or fungus spots
- Animal damage
Early detection makes repairs easier and cheaper.
3. Aerate Your Lawn (Very Important in Ontario)
Over the winter, soil becomes compacted, preventing roots from getting oxygen and nutrients.
Lawn aeration:
- Loosens compacted soil
- Improves water absorption
- Helps fertilizers work better
???? In Niagara, spring and fall are the best times for aeration.
4. Overseed Thin or Bare Areas
Overseeding fills in:
- Patchy spots
- Thin grass areas
- Worn-out sections
This helps create a thicker, healthier lawn that naturally blocks weeds.
5. Apply Spring Fertilizer
Fertilizing in early spring:
- Boosts root growth
- Improves lawn color
- Strengthens grass for summer heat
Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for cool-season grasses, which are common in Ontario.
6. Control Early Weeds
Spring is when weeds begin to grow.
Early weed control:
- Prevents weeds from spreading
- Reduces the need for heavy chemicals later
- Keeps your lawn looking clean and healthy
7. Start Mowing at the Right Height
Never cut more than ⅓ of the grass height at once.
For most Niagara lawns:
- Ideal mowing height: 2.5 – 3 inches
- Mow regularly but not too short
Short mowing weakens grass and invites weeds.
When to Hire a Professional Lawn Care Service
Spring lawn care can be time-consuming and requires proper equipment and knowledge.
Hiring a professional helps with:
- Core aeration & overseeding
- Fertilizer programs
- Weed control
- Full spring cleanups
At Simply Grounds, we provide professional spring lawn care services across Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start spring lawn care in Niagara?
Late March to early May is ideal, once the ground has thawed and temperatures are consistently above freezing.
How often should I fertilize in spring?
Most lawns benefit from one fertilizer application in early spring and another in late spring.
Is aeration really necessary?
Yes. In Ontario’s climate, aeration greatly improves soil health and helps prevent compaction and drainage problems.
Final Thoughts
Following this spring lawn care checklist will give your yard the best possible start for the season. With proper cleanup, aeration, overseeding, and fertilizing, your lawn can stay thick, green, and healthy all year long.
Need Help with Spring Lawn Care in Niagara?
Let the professionals handle it.
Simply Grounds offers complete spring lawn care services including:
- Spring cleanups
- Lawn aeration & overseeding
- Fertilizing programs
- Weekly lawn maintenance
???? Contact us today for a free quote and get your lawn summer-ready!
