Spring Lawn Care in St. Catharines: 5 Essential Steps to a Healthy Yard
After a long Niagara winter, your lawn is finally ready to wake up—but it needs the right care to bounce back strong. Whether you're a DIY lawn lover or looking for expert help, getting your lawn off to a good start in the spring sets the tone for lush, green grass all season long.
As a local lawn care company based in St. Catharines, we know exactly what Niagara Region lawns need this time of year. Here are five essential steps to kickstart a healthy, vibrant lawn this spring:
1. Start with a Good Rake-Out
Winter can leave behind dead grass, leftover leaves, and thatch buildup. Giving your lawn a thorough raking helps:
Remove debris and matted grass.
Prevent mold and disease.
Improve airflow and sunlight exposure to the soil.
Use a spring-tine rake to gently loosen and lift thatch without damaging new grass shoots.
2. Dethatch If Needed
Too much thatch (a layer of dead grass and roots) can choke your lawn by preventing water and nutrients from getting through. If your lawn feels spongy or you see more than ½ inch of thatch, it’s time to dethatch.
Pro Tip: In St. Catharines, late April to early May is a great time to dethatch before new grass growth kicks in fully.
3. Aerate for Healthier Soil
Compacted soil is common after a snowy, icy winter. Aerating your lawn—either by renting a core aerator or hiring a professional—relieves soil compaction and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots.
This is especially important if your yard gets heavy foot traffic or has clay-based soil (which is common in parts of Niagara).
4. Fertilize with Purpose
A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring feeds your lawn when it needs it most. Choose a product tailored for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, which are common in St Catharines.
If you're unsure about soil health, a soil test can help determine exactly what your lawn needs.
5. Don’t Rush the First Mow
Wait until the grass is at least 3 inches tall before your first cut. Mow high (around 2.5 to 3 inches) and never remove more than ⅓ of the grass blade at once.
Be sure your mower blade is sharp—dull blades tear grass, leading to stress and browning.
Bonus Tip: Book a Spring Lawn Assessment
Not sure where to start? At [Your Company Name], we offer free spring lawn assessments for homeowners in St. Catharines and surrounding areas. Our local experts can evaluate your lawn’s condition and recommend a personalized plan to get it back in shape.
Ready to Get Started?
Let’s make your lawn the greenest on the block this year.
Book your spring service online here
Stay tuned for our next post:
👉 “The Ultimate Guide to Lawn Aeration in St. Catharines”