With the end of summer and the 2018 landscaping season coming to a fast close in the next couple months, we wanted to
take a moment to review some “winterizing” tools and tips for your landscaping.

Tips For Laying Sod Before Frost or Snow:

All sod should be rolled out flat prior to it being laid and then evened out during installation.
Following installation, the sod should be heavily irrigated so it can organically root, laying the sod
in this manner enhances the longevity and durability of the lawn which we need in Calgary’s
unpredictable climate.

Note: It is important to note that the sod should rest for up to 2-3 weeks after installation so that it roots properly into the ground, meaning there should be no foot traffic on the newly laid sod.

At Sungreen Landscaping we always try to lay new sod before the first couple Calgary frosts or snow, cold temperatures jeopardize the growth of new sod. If we are working on your project in the fall we often suggest laying your new sod in the spring to optimize the life, growth and rooting of the grass.

Existing sod:

It is important to water your lawn consistently, we suggest creating a regular schedule where you can dedicate a few hours a week to deeply water your lawn, your sod will need more water during hot Calgary summer days and less water when the temperatures begin to drop.

Note: Remember you do not want to over water your lawn, over watering will drown the sod and have adverse effects on the growth of the sod.

Aeration & Fertilization:

Additional options to enhance the well-being of your lawn are aeration and fertilization. Maintenance practices such as these will optimize the life and health of the lawn, we advise aerating in the fall or spring in Calgary. Aeration creates
holes in the ground that alleviates compaction of the soil, allowing air, water and nutrients to reach the roots of the lawn.

Fertilizer “feeds” your lawn; the nutrients it requires which will increase and enhance the growth cycle of the sod. Fertilization can also help the lawn resist against weeds and environmental stresses. Proper maintenance such as consistently cutting your lawn, aeration and fertilization will help your lawn thrive through the Calgary winter
months and help its regrowth in the spring.

How To Maintain Perennials Over The Winter:

After the first frost, when your plants begin to yellow and die, begin preparing your beds for winter. Take the time to cut plants back and clean up the debris in the beds. Going into the winter season with a well-maintained bed is crucial for the plants.

Did you know: when your soil freezes the plants will continue to process organic matter and nutrients in the soil, and that winter is actually a very important time for the growth and rooting of perennial plants. In fact, snow protects the plants and insulates the soil, so consistent, cold winters where the ground stays frozen are better for your plants!

Get rid of those weeds:

We expect that you have been taking care of your weeds throughout the summer season but if you didn’t, make sure to remove them before winter rolls in. In short, weeds will take resources away from your trees, shrubs and perennials over the winter and removing weeds is the only way to prevent them from coming back in the spring. Additionally, make sure to put weeds in the trash or burn them in your final fall bonfires, weeds are resilient and often remain viable
when composted.