A good spring cleanup doesn't just make your yard look nice — it sets up the entire growing season. Skip it, and you'll fight compaction, thatch, and weeds all summer. Here's the complete checklist for Calgary homeowners.
1. Clear winter debris. Branches, leaves, and trash that accumulated over winter need to go first. A clean surface lets you see what the lawn actually needs.
2. Dethatch (power rake). Thatch is the dead layer of grass between the green growth and the soil. Too much thatch (more than 1 cm) suffocates the lawn and invites disease. Power raking removes it so water and nutrients reach the soil.
3. Core aerate. Calgary's clay soil compacts easily, and compaction is the enemy of a healthy lawn. Core aeration pulls small plugs of soil, relieving compaction and letting air, water, and fertilizer reach the root zone. This is the single best thing you can do for a tired lawn.
4. Edge garden beds. Crisp, defined edges on perennial beds make the whole landscape look intentional and stop grass from creeping into your beds. Refresh the weed barrier while you're at it.
5. Overseed thin spots. Aeration creates the perfect seedbed. Overseed thin or bare areas right after aerating for the best germination.
6. First fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release spring fertilizer once the grass is actively growing to green it up and thicken it.
7. Haul away the debris. All thatch, leaves, and debris should be carted off and recycled — not left to smother the lawn. At Jayz Landscaping & Snow Removal, 100% of organic waste is hauled and recycled at approved green-waste facilities.
That's a complete spring cleanup. Do it right once, and your lawn rewards you all season. Book yours as part of our spring & fall cleanup package.