Leaf mulching involves shredding leaves with a lawnmower and using them as mulch on your gardens and lawn. Mulching leaves directly back into the turf has proven to be a cost and time effective means of leaf disposal and does not negatively impact turf performance.
View the video produced by the Beaconsfield Environmental Advisory Committee to learn more.
Ecological Lawn Care Tips
Spring
- Avoid working on a wet lawn.
- Spread lime on the lawn.
- Sharpen the lawnmower blade each spring.
- Raise the lawnmower blade to at least 7.5 cm (three inches).
- Rake in the late spring to remove debris and brown patches.
- Remove weeds by hand
- Aerate the lawn.
Summer
- Deep infrequent watering promotes deep strong roots. Watering too often may cause disease by starving the soil of oxygen.
- Grass naturally protects itself from periods of drought by becoming dormant, and can survive several weeks in this state. It will simply regain its normal colour once the humid weather returns.
- Some experts say lawns don’t need watering at all in our region. If you feel you must water your lawn, please water deeply and infrequently.
During a dry period, avoid fertilizing and mowing your lawn.
Fall
- Aerate the lawn.
- Overseed the lawn with a mix that is high in bluegrass and fescue grass seed. Apply 10 pounds per thousand square foot (4.5 kg per 92.9 sq-m) and spread as evenly as possible. Lightly rake the lawn to help the seeds settle down.
- Top dressing: In early fall, top dress the lawn with a thin layer of compost or good garden soil, and add grass seed to take care of any thinned-out areas.
- Fertilizing: Clippings left on the lawn are rich in nitrogen and provide easy and free fertilization. Fertilizing in early fall promotes vigorous lawn growth the next spring. Use the fallen autumn leaves as natural fertilizer for next year’s garden.