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HRM Pesticide Control

Seasonal Tips to Help Maintain a Healthy Lawn

 

HRM uses a pesticide free management program on all of its properties (fields, parks, playgrounds, open spaces, etc.)

For more information please refer to By-Law P-800 - Pesticides, Herbicides

and Insecticides or visit: http://www.halifax.ca/pesticides/

DURING SPRING

  • Aerate the lawn by punching holes throughout the lawn to let air, Healthy Lawn Imagewater, fertilizer, and lime get to the roots and the soil.
  • Adding lime will reduce the amount of acid in the soil, make your grass grow stronger, and cut down on the accumulation of weeds. Most soil in Nova Scotia is acidic, therefore, it’s best to test your soil, retrieve the PH level, and add Lime if needed.
  • Raking or de-thatching can make for a healthier lawn. Thatch is dead grass and other plants that build up on the surface of the soil, and once the thatch gets to be more than 1cm (1/2 inch) thick, it then becomes a home for insects and can also prevent water from getting to the roots.
  • Fertilize your lawn either three times a year (May, early July, and September) using a light application rate with a top-quality fertilizer; or fertilize once a year (in early September) with a top-quality fertilizer.
  • Anytime a bare or thinning spot appears in your lawn, over seed by adding grass seed to these spots. If you are unsure as to what grass seed is best for our climate, visit your closest garden center and they will help choose the proper seed.

 

DURING SUMMER

 

  • Keep your grass 6-8 cm long (2½ - 3 inches) and only cut a third of the height each time you mowgrass – longer grass is healthier grass!Keeping your mower blade sharp will allow the grass to grow better and protect the grass from tearing.
  • Your lawn only needs to be watered after there’s been a dry spell or if it’s turning yellow and crunches when walked on. When this occurs, you will need to give your lawn a good long soak, which if done correctly, should take about an hour and a half and should only be done once a week (morning or night)
  • When bare or thinning spots appear, over seed by adding grass seed.

DURING FALL

  • September is a good month to fertilize.
  • During the months of October and November, add lime and compost. The compost acts as a natural fertilizer and will keep your soil healthy.
  • Add grass seed when a thinning or bare spot appears, this can be done anytime during the fall.

 

For more information: Grass Cycling & Mulch Mowing

 
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