Late summer lawn fertilizer is just one way to keep your grass vibrant and green this August, but what else is on the chore list for Edmonton lawns? The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of lawn care—far from it! In fact, it’s the perfect time to double down on your efforts to ensure your lawn stays lush and healthy well into the cooler months. From mastering watering schedules to battling weeds and prepping for fall, this blog will guide you through the essential steps to keep your lawn looking its best. Stick around for some expert lawn care tips, and discover how you can enjoy a beautiful yard all the way through to the first frost.

Keep Calm and Water On

When the August heat kicks in, your lawn can quickly become thirsty and stressed, so consistent watering is key if you want to keep it looking lush and green. Generally, your lawn should receive about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during these late summer days, unless there are water restrictions in your area. Remember, though, that not all watering methods are created equal.

Watering Techniques:

Early Morning Watering: Watering your lawn in the early morning minimizes evaporation and allows your grass to absorb moisture before the midday heat.

Deep and Infrequent: Opt for deep, infrequent watering sessions rather than daily sprinkling to encourage your lawn’s roots to grow deeper, making it more drought-resistant.

Check Soil Moisture: Use a screwdriver to check the moisture level of your soil. If it goes in easily, your lawn is sufficiently watered.

Fertilizing for The Perfect Lawn

If your lawn is losing its vibrant green, looking patchy, or has weeds moving in, it’s crying out for another dose of fertilizer. Late summer is an excellent time to give your lawn a helping hand in recovering from summer stress so that it can shine into fall, especially if you missed a spring application. But not all fertilizers are created equal; only the best fertilizers for late-summer lawn care will do! 

Fertilizing Tips:

Choosing the Right Fertilizer: Look for a balanced fertilizer containing a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to help your lawn retain its colour and strength as the weather changes. Granular, slow-release fertilizer is the best for lawn applications.

Application Timing: Apply fertilizer during the cooler parts of the day—either early morning or late evening—and avoid applying before a heavy rain, as it can wash away the nutrients. Ensure your lawn is watered before applying, and do not apply fertilizers during extreme heat spells.

Spread Evenly: Use a spreader to ensure even distribution and avoid creating patches that could lead to over-fertilization. 

Battling Late Summer Weeds

As summer winds down, weeds can become a major nuisance. These unsightly late-summer invaders compete with your grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight, so becoming a master weeder is essential if you want to keep your lawn looking pristine.

Weed Control Tips:

Identify Common Weeds: In Edmonton, common late-summer weeds include dandelions, clover, and crabgrass. Knowing what you’re dealing with is half the battle!

Manual Removal: Hand-pulling weeds is effective for small patches, but make sure to remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.

Herbicide Use: For larger infestations, use a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds while sparing your grass. Apply on a calm day to prevent drift and damage to other plants, and ensure you follow all of the manufacturer’s directions and wear protective clothing.

Managing Lawn Pests

Late summer isn’t just a time for weeds; it’s also prime season for lawn pests. These critters can cause significant damage if left unchecked, so it’s essential to stop them before they move in. 

Pest Management Tips:

• Common Lawn Pests: In Edmonton, you’ll likely encounter grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms, all of which can wreak havoc on your lawn if not dealt with promptly.
• Identification: Look for signs of pest damage, such as brown patches, thinning grass, or birds pecking at the lawn (a sign they’re hunting for grubs).
• Treatment: Depending on the pest, you may need to apply a targeted insecticide. For grubs, a preventative treatment in late summer can be effective. For chinch bugs, ensure your lawn is well-watered, as they thrive in dry conditions.

Prepping for Cooler Days Ahead: Edmonton Garden Tips

As we transition into fall, it’s important to prepare your lawn for the winter months ahead. Proper preparation now will ensure your lawn emerges healthy and strong next spring. Fall in love with your lawn all over again by getting it ready for the cooler months!

Fall Prep Tips:

• Aeration: Aerate your lawn to alleviate soil compaction and improve water and nutrient absorption. Lawn aeration is especially beneficial for Edmonton’s clay-heavy soils.
• Overseeding: Overseeding in late summer or early fall can help fill in bare spots and improve the density of your lawn. Choose a grass seed mix suitable for Edmonton’s climate, such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass.
• Topdressing: Apply a thin layer of compost or topsoil after aerating to enhance soil quality and promote healthy grass growth.
• Late Summer Lawn Fertilizer: Use a slow-release fertilizer to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay strong through fall and winter.

Maintaining a lush, green lawn with a late summer lawn fertilizer and these expert tips will allow you to enjoy your green oasis longer before the frost sets in. For more expert Edmonton lawn care tips and tricks, or to pick up the supplies you’ll need to get started, stop by and visit us at Salisbury Greenhouse today!