Top Pro-Tips

Seal of the University of California, including a shield with a book and wheat sheaves, surrounded by a Latin inscription.

  1. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth: apply 2.5 cm (1”) of water every week to 10 days unless it rains.

  2. Do not cut grass too short. Set your blade at 8 cm (3”) or higher. Use a sharp blade and mow often. This could mean twice a week in Spring. 

  3. Leave clippings on the lawn when you mow. This will provide up to 50% of your lawn's need for nitrogen. Mulch mulch mulch!

  4. Top dress your lawn with 1 cm of compost or 50/50 every year. This can be combined with over-seeding.

  5. Thatch that is thicker than 1.5 cm (1/2") can impede the flow of water, air and nutrients into the soil. Power rake only when necessary.

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Aeration

Diagram showing comparison of soil and root structure before aeration, after core removal, and 6-8 weeks later. The first panel shows compacted soil with shallow roots, the second panel shows nutrients entering soil after core removal, and the third panel shows new, deeper roots indicating increased lawn density.

Aeration is a critical step to open your soil and allow water, nutrients, and oxygen to FUEL your grass plant's roots.

  • Loosens compacted soil

  • Brings helpful microbes to the surface

  • Allows your soil to breathe

  • Provides seeds with ideal germination conditions

  • Helps to breakdown thatch

Our soils North of Saskatoon are clay heavy and require regular aeration to promote healthy soils which in turn promote healthy turf.

Quick tip - Aerate 1-2/year or skip this step entirely. You will only see the benefits when done consistently and when you do see the benefits you WILL see the benefits!

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