Hey Ontario! The sun’s finally getting warmer, the days are stretching longer, and it’s time to get your outdoor space ready for the season ahead. While the weather in early spring might still be unpredictable, late April through early May is the sweet spot for prepping your lawn — and that’s exactly what we’re covering in this next step of your Summer Prep Checklist.
The Spider Guys know that a healthy lawn does more than just look great — it helps control pests, boosts your property’s appeal, and gives you a lush place to relax all season long. Whether you’re planning backyard barbecues, barefoot games with the kids, or quiet evenings on the patio, your lawn sets the stage for summer memories.
Let’s dive into some essential spring lawn care tasks that will help you build the perfect green foundation — and keep the bugs at bay.
Why Spring Lawn Care Matters in Ontario
In Southern Ontario, winter can leave your lawn compacted, patchy, and cluttered with dead grass or leftover debris. As soon as daytime temperatures stabilize and the ground dries out enough to walk on without sinking in, it’s go time.
Late April to early May is an ideal window to give your lawn some much-needed TLC. Acting now helps:
Encourage strong root development before summer heat hits.
Eliminate pest hiding spots before they multiply.
Promote even, healthy growth across your entire yard.
Plus, early intervention helps avoid larger problems down the road — like weeds taking over or grubs damaging your turf from below.
Step-by-Step Lawn Prep List for Late April to Early May
1️⃣ Rake and Clear: Sweep Away the Winter Mess
Over the winter, lawns accumulate dead grass, fallen leaves, small branches, and other organic debris. While it might not seem like a big deal, this layer can actually smother new growth and create the perfect environment for pests to thrive unseen.
Here’s why you need to rake thoroughly:
Removes thatch buildup — a dense layer of dead material that can block air and moisture.
Exposes bald spots in need of reseeding.
Helps prevent mold or fungus from developing after snowmelt.
Even if you raked in the fall, a spring pass with a flexible garden rake is key. It loosens compacted soil just enough to let grass “breathe” — and opens the door for fresh seed and fertilizer to work effectively.
Pest Alert: Debris piles are prime shelter for grubs, ants, spiders, and earwigs. A clean lawn = fewer hiding places = fewer pests.
2️⃣ Overseed Bald or Patchy Areas
Ontario winters can be tough on turf. Between freezing, snow cover, salt exposure, and the occasional heavy foot traffic, you might notice bare patches where grass has thinned or died out completely.
This is your moment to fix it with overseeding — the process of adding new seed over existing grass to thicken the lawn.
How to overseed:
Use a quality seed blend suited for Southern Ontario’s climate — look for Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or fescues.
Loosen the topsoil slightly with a rake or cultivator for better seed contact.
Spread evenly, especially over bare or high-traffic areas.
Water lightly and consistently until new grass begins to sprout (typically 7–14 days).
Pro Tip: Overseeding helps your lawn grow dense, which naturally blocks out weeds and creates a hostile environment for surface-dwelling insects.
3️⃣ Apply a Light Fertilizer Boost
Once your lawn is cleared and seeded, it’s time to give the roots something to snack on. Spring fertilizing helps jumpstart growth just as the weather warms up.
But go easy — too much fertilizer can scorch new growth or cause uneven patches. In early spring, a light application of a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer is ideal. It encourages root development without overstimulating leaf growth too early.
Look for products labeled for spring use, and avoid “weed and feed” combos this early unless you’re also targeting specific problem weeds.
How to apply:
Use a broadcast spreader for even coverage.
Avoid fertilizing just before heavy rain, which can wash nutrients away.
Water lightly after applying to help the product absorb into the soil.
Fertilizing + overseeding go hand-in-hand — this combo creates the ideal environment for thick, healthy grass that can crowd out pests and resist damage all summer long.
Pest Pro-Tip: A Dense Lawn Acts Like a Bug Bouncer
Believe it or not, healthy grass is one of the best natural defenses against lawn pests. When your turf is thick, it becomes harder for insects like grubs, chinch bugs, and ants to burrow, breed, or feed.
Here’s how your early spring efforts pay off:
Raking removes the nesting material pests love.
Overseeding creates competition for space and food.
Fertilizing boosts grass health, making it more resistant to damage from pests or disease.
Grubs, for example, thrive in weak, sparse lawns. But in a dense root system, they’re more likely to die off or be eaten by natural predators. Plus, thick turf helps reduce mosquito-friendly puddles caused by uneven watering or low spots.
If you’re already dealing with pests from last season, or you notice patchy brown spots despite your prep, now’s the time to call in a pest control pro. Early treatment is cheaper and more effective — and keeps your summer free from frustration.
Quick Recap: Spring Lawn Care Checklist
Here’s your handy step-by-step summary for Southern Ontario lawn prep in late April through early May:
✅ Spring Lawn To-Do’s:
Rake and Clear Debris
🍂 Sweep away dead grass and leaves to reduce pest hiding spots and improve air flow.Overseed Bald Spots
🌾 Plant fresh grass seed to fill in gaps and build a thick, even surface.Apply Light Fertilizer
⚗️ Use a slow-release spring fertilizer to nourish roots and encourage strong, healthy growth.
🐜 Pest Pro-Tip:
A thick lawn acts like a natural barrier — discouraging grubs, reducing ant activity, and helping repel common backyard bugs. Less space for pests means more space for fun.
Final Thoughts: Put in a Little Work Now, Enjoy the Whole Summer
Your lawn is more than just a patch of green — it’s a place where you relax, play, entertain, and make memories. Taking a few simple steps now will pay off in the form of lush grass, fewer pests, and less stress in July and August.
We’ll be sharing more summer prep content in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for the next item on your checklist. And if you have any questions — whether it’s about lawn care, irrigation, or pest control — don’t hesitate to reach out.
Until next time, happy raking!