Seasonal Lawn Care Guide for Ontario Homeowners
Ontario's climate presents unique challenges for lawn care — short growing seasons, harsh winters, and humid summers require a different approach than warmer climates. This guide covers what to do and when, plus how to find reliable lawn care in the GTA.
Spring (April–May): The Most Important Season
Spring lawn care sets up your lawn for the entire year.
1. Dethatching and raking (April)
Remove the dead grass (thatch) that built up over winter. Excessive thatch blocks water and nutrients from reaching roots. In Ontario, this is typically done in late April when soil is no longer frozen.
2. First fertilization (Early May)
Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (25-3-6 or similar) once soil temperature reaches 10°C. This feeds the lawn for 6–8 weeks.
3. Overseeding bare patches (May)
Winter salt, ice, and foot traffic leave bare spots. Mix in topsoil and overseed with a grass mix suited for Ontario (Kentucky bluegrass + perennial ryegrass is standard).
4. Pre-emergent weed control (May)
Apply before soil temps hit 13°C to prevent crabgrass and other annual weeds from germinating.
5. First mow (Mid-May)
Set your mower to 3 inches. Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade height at once.
Summer (June–August): Maintain and Monitor
Mowing frequency: Every 5–7 days during peak growing season. Raise the height to 3.5 inches in hot weather — taller grass shades roots and retains moisture.
Watering: 1 inch per week, preferably in the morning. Deep, infrequent watering develops stronger roots than daily shallow watering.
Second fertilization: Late June or early July. Use a balanced fertilizer (15-5-10 or similar).
Watch for grubs: Japanese beetle grubs peak in July–August. If sections of lawn are dying despite water, pull back the sod — if you see white grubs, treat with nematodes.
Hiring a Lawn Care Provider in GTA
What's typically included in a lawn mowing service:
- Mow to specified height (usually 3–3.5 inches)
- Edge along driveway, walkway, and garden beds
- Trim around obstacles
- Blow clippings from hard surfaces
Average lawn care costs in GTA:
| Service | Cost | |---|---| | Lawn mowing (avg. lot) | $50–$80/visit | | Lawn mowing (large lot) | $80–$120/visit | | Fertilization (full season) | $200–$400 | | Dethatching | $100–$200 | | Aeration | $100–$180 | | Landscaping project | $300–$2,000+ |
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Snow Removal: Book Now for Next Winter
The best snow removal providers in Ajax, Pickering, and surrounding areas get booked up in October. If you want a reliable seasonal contract, start looking in September.
Seasonal rates in the GTA range from $300–$600 for a standard driveway and walkway, with per-visit rates of $40–$80 for on-demand service.
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