Lawn care: seasonal mowing, watering and overseeding

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

A healthy lawn does not need to stay bright green through every dry spell. Let the weather, soil and local water rules guide your routine rather than watering automatically.

Spring

Wait until the ground is firm enough to avoid compacting wet soil.
Rake gently, remove heavy debris and repair bare patches when conditions suit seed.
Sharpen the mower blade and inspect hoses or irrigation equipment for leaks.

Mowing and watering

Keep grass high enough to shade the soil and avoid removing a large share of the blade at once. Fine clippings can usually stay on the lawn when they do not form clumps. Water less often but more deeply, preferably when evaporation is lower. Municipal bylaws may restrict watering days, hours, sprinklers or new lawns; check before watering.

Summer and fall

During heat and drought, grass may slow down or go dormant. Avoid using extra water solely to maintain colour. Late summer or early fall is often a useful time to overseed, aerate compacted areas and repair worn spots. Shred or remove thick leaf mats before winter.

Reduce upkeep

Replace some lawn with locally suitable ground cover, garden beds or other plantings if that better fits your site. Check municipal rules before applying fertilizers or pesticides.

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Sources and limits

Water-use, fertilizer and pesticide requirements are municipal; verify current local rules.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.