Late Fall & Early Winter (October – December)
Gutter cleaning should happen in late October before temperatures freeze. Clogged gutters form ice dams that back water under your shingles, causing interior damage that costs thousands to repair. Yard cleanup removes debris that harbours moisture and mold all winter, matted leaves block light and trap fungal spores. Snow removal contracts should be locked in during October, not January, when most providers are already at capacity.
Brooks averages over 120 cm of snow per season
Chinook winds can melt and refreeze the same snow multiple times, making ice management often more critical than snowfall volume. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Spring (March – May)
Wait until the ground is no longer frozen and the soil isn't soggy before starting cleanup. Rake out winter debris, remove dead perennial growth, and assess any damage from snow mold. The first lawn mow should wait until grass reaches 8–10 cm, first cut at highest mower setting, never removing more than one-third of the blade.
Summer (June – August)
Keep mowing height at 7–8 cm through summer to shade the root zone and retain moisture. The University of Saskatchewan Turfgrass Institute recommends never cutting more than one-third of the grass blade per mow. Mid-summer is also a great time to schedule junk and clutter removal before fall projects begin.
Early Fall (September – October)
Fall is the most productive time for lawn recovery, cooler temperatures let grass fill bare spots and strengthen roots before dormancy. Consistent mowing in September helps your lawn go into winter in the best shape possible. Gutter cleaning returns in late October.
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Sources
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Brooks Climate Normals 1981–2010, climate.weather.gc.ca
- University of Saskatchewan Turfgrass Institute, Lawn Care in Prairie Climates, usask.ca
- Government of Alberta, Home Lawn Care Guide, alberta.ca
- Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation, "Snow Mold in Lawns", alberta.ca