In Kirkland,
pesticides are prohibited. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your lawn in an eco-friendly and smart way. You will save time and money … while protecting your health, that of your children and your environment!
Mowing
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After mowing your lawn, keep grass clippings on the soil for grasscycling, a natural way to fertilize your lawn. In order to speed up the decomposition of the grass clippings, use a mulching lawn-mower or go over the grass clippings with a regular lawn-mower.
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It is important not to cut the grass too short, because it will become more vulnerable to drought and weed invasion. It is preferable to keep your lawn at a height of about 7.5 cm. However, the first mowing in the spring and the last mowing in the fall must be shorter (5 cm).
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It is not advisable to cut wet grass.
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It is not usually necessary to water your lawn before the month of June. After that, you can do so when you feel the soil is dry.
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In general, a well-maintained lawn will survive summer droughts quite well without having to be irrigated.
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Water your lawn early in the morning or late at night to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly. Under the sun, 20 to 50 % of the water evaporates before even touching the soil.
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Think about reusing rain water for watering your lawn and garden.
Seeding
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Seed or over-seed with different hardy varieties of grasses (fescue, ryegrass or clover) in order to strengthen your lawn and provide ground cover for sparser areas.
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The months of May and the period from mid-August to mid-September are the best times for seeding.
Seasonal maintenance
SPRING
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Rake your lawn to remove dead grass and improve water absorption.
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Seed the areas that have been damaged in the winter.
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Start by mowing the grass at a height of 5 cm to stimulate growth.
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Use a 100% natural fertilizer.
SUMMER
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Mow the lawn at the highest level possible (7.5 cm).
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Mow the lawn every two weeks (if possible).
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Keep the lawn dormant or water based on dry soil conditions.
END OF SUMMER (mid-August to early September)
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Aerate the lawn if soil is too compacted.
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Over-seed your lawn, especially if sparse, then cover with a think layer of compost or top soil. Water to help the compost penetrate deep between the grass blades.
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Use a 100% natural fall fertilizer.
FALL
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Avec la tondeuse, déchiquetez les feuilles mortes. Si la couche de feuilles est trop épaisse, ramassez-les et compostez-les.
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Mow the lawn one last time to a height of 5 cm.
