5 Spring Lawn Care Must-Dos for Alberta Homeowners

dantepruden174
Jun 1
2 min read

Get Ahead of the Game (and the Weeds)

Alberta winters are tough. Your lawn’s been smothered under snow, ice, and maybe even road salt for months. Spring is when your yard wakes up — and what you do in April and May sets the tone for the whole season.

Here are five essentials to help your lawn recover, thrive, and look sharp heading into summer.

1. Rake Like You Mean It

Forget the light fluff — this isn’t just about leaves. Use a stiff rake to break up matted grass, pull out dead thatch, and expose the soil to sun and air.

Bonus: Raking early also helps prevent snow mold from spreading.

2. Dethatch if You See a Spongey Layer

If your lawn feels soft and bouncy underfoot, or you can see a thick, brown layer choking the soil, it’s time to dethatch.

Rent a de-thatcher or use a rake with dethatching tines
Best done before the first mow
Don’t overdo it — once every year or two is usually enough

3. Aerate Compacted Soil

Winter snow, foot traffic, and snow blowers can compact your soil, making it hard for air, water, and nutrients to get to the roots.

Aerating:

Creates little holes for airflow
Loosens up clay-heavy soil
Makes fertilizer more effective

You can rent a core aerator or hire a pro — it’s a 1-day job with big payoff.

4. Overseed Bare or Thin Spots

Alberta lawns take a beating. Reseeding patchy areas early gives grass time to establish before the summer heat hits.

Use a seed blend made for Northern climates
Rake the area first
Keep it moist for 2–3 weeks
Combine with topdressing or light fertilizer for best results

5. Feed It — But Not Too Fast

Don’t throw down a high-nitrogen fertilizer right away. Use a balanced or slow-release mix so your grass grows strong, not just fast.

Look for an even ratio (like 16-16-16)
Apply once the lawn is actively growing and you've mowed at least once
Water it in thoroughly

Final Word: Spring is Prime Time

This is the season where the work actually matters. Miss spring, and you’re playing catch-up all year. Get ahead of weeds, give your lawn room to breathe, and feed it slow and steady.

Need a Hand?

If you’re short on time (or just want pro results), Acres Lawncare offers full spring cleanups, dethatching, aeration, overseeding, and more.