Seasonal Lawn Maintenance Guide for BC
Maintaining a healthy, green lawn year-round requires adjusting your care routine to the changing seasons. At Western Turf Farms, we understand the unique challenges posed by BC’s diverse climates, from the rainy West Coast to the dry BC Interior. Whether you’re in Abbotsford, Vancouver, or Kelowna, this guide will help you keep your lawn looking its best, season by season.
Spring Lawn Care
Spring is the ideal time to refresh your lawn after winter and prepare it for the growing season. Here’s what you need to do to get your lawn ready for the warmer months:
Rake and Remove Debris
Clear your lawn of leaves, twigs, and any leftover winter debris to allow sunlight and air to reach the grass.
Overseed
If your lawn has bare spots or thinning areas, overseed with a suitable grass seed blend such as Select Seed or Supreme Seed. This helps promote thick, healthy grass growth.
Fertilize
Apply a slow-release fertilizer such as 18-18-18 to support root development and long-term growth. This is especially important for regions like Abbotsford and Langley, where spring brings heavy rains.
Aerate
For compacted lawns, consider aerating to allow better water and nutrient absorption. This is particularly helpful in high-traffic areas or areas with heavy clay soils, like Richmond and Surrey.
Watering
Once the weather warms up, water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
Summer Lawn Care
Summer in BC can range from mild along the coast to hot and dry in the interior. Adjust your lawn care practices accordingly:
Watering
For coastal areas like Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Surrey, water your lawn 1-2 times per week, ensuring deep watering. In drier areas like Kamloops or Kelowna, you may need to water more frequently, especially if you’re using drought-tolerant sod like TWCA-Certified Drought Tolerant Sod or Enviro Organic Sod.
Mowing
Keep your lawn at a height of about 3 inches to help retain moisture and provide shade for the soil. In hotter areas, avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can stress the lawn.
Fertilize
Apply a lighter, nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g., 24-4-8) in early summer to encourage green growth without overstimulating during the hottest months.
Watch for Pests
Be vigilant for signs of Chafer Beetle in regions like the Lower Mainland. Consider Tall Fescue Sod, which has a strong root system that resists pests.
Fall Lawn Care
Fall is the time to prepare your lawn for the coming winter and ensure it’s strong enough to survive the colder months:
Overseed
Early fall is an excellent time to overseed with a durable grass blend like Supreme Sod. This allows new grass to establish before winter sets in.
Aerate and Dethatch
For lawns with heavy traffic or compacted soil, aerating and dethatching helps improve drainage and nutrient absorption. This is particularly useful in areas with clay-heavy soil, like Surrey and Richmond.
Fertilize
Apply a fall fertilizer high in potassium (e.g., 15-5-30) to strengthen roots and help your lawn store energy for the winter. This is especially helpful in colder regions like Kamloops and Kelowna.
Rake Leaves
Keep your lawn clear of leaves to prevent fungal growth and ensure your grass continues to get adequate sunlight.
Winter Lawn Care
In most parts of BC, winter is a time for lawn dormancy, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your turf:
Limit Traffic
Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen or wet lawns, as this can damage the grass and compact the soil.
Snow Coverage
In regions with snow, like Kelowna or Kamloops, snow can act as an insulating layer. However, avoid piling snow heavily on one area to prevent suffocation of the grass.
Monitor for Drainage Issues
In areas like Abbotsford and Vancouver where winter brings heavy rain, watch for water pooling. If necessary, improve drainage by adding topsoil or soil amenders in the spring.
BC’s diverse climate means lawn care will vary depending on your location. Here’s a quick overview of how to adjust your routine:
West Coast (Vancouver, Nanaimo, Abbotsford)
Frequent rain means you can cut back on watering but may need to focus on drainage and moss control.
BC Interior (Kelowna, Kamloops)
Hot, dry summers require more attention to drought-tolerant sod varieties and consistent watering.
Lower Mainland (Surrey, Richmond, Langley)
With milder winters and consistent rainfall, focus on aeration and controlling weeds and pests like the Chafer Beetle.
Tips for Different BC Regions
Resources for Lawn Care & Maintenance
For more detailed guidance on caring for your lawn throughout the year, explore our resources:
