How to Take Care of Your Lawn in Toronto

If you’ve ever struggled to keep your lawn green through a dry Toronto summer or watched it get patchy and tired after winter, you’re not alone. Maintaining a healthy lawn in Southern Ontario takes more than just mowing—it’s about understanding the soil, the climate, and how grass grows through the seasons.

As a landscape designer, I’m often asked how to get that lush, vibrant look without over-watering or relying too heavily on fertilizers. This article breaks down what you need to do—month by month—to take care of your lawn in Toronto.

Spring Lawn Care in Toronto (April–June)

Spring is your lawn’s reboot season. It’s when everything wakes up and sets the tone for the months ahead.

✅ What to do:

• Rake out winter debris: Remove leaves, dead grass, and any salt-damaged areas.

• Aerate if needed: Especially if your lawn feels compacted. Aeration improves airflow and water absorption.

• Overseed thin spots: Use a mix of grass seed that suits Toronto’s climate—typically Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescue.

• Apply slow-release fertilizer: Mid to late April is ideal.

• Start mowing: Keep blades sharp and never cut more than one-third of the height.

🔗 For garden care during the same season, check out our Spring Garden Guide.

Summer Lawn Care in Toronto (July–August)

Toronto summers can be hot and dry, which means your lawn needs different care than in spring. The City of Toronto has a guide on water efficient landscaping, but here are key tips that we recommend.

☀️ Key tips:

• Water deeply, not daily: Aim for 1 inch per week, ideally in the early morning.

• Raise your mower blade: Longer grass shades roots and reduces evaporation.

• Avoid fertilizing during heat waves: It can stress your lawn.

• Weed control: Spot-treat weeds or pull manually. Healthy grass will crowd most weeds out naturally.

🔗 Need help designing a yard that’s lower maintenance in summer? Our Backyard Landscaping Ideas guide is packed with climate-smart tips.

Fall Lawn Care in Toronto (September–November)

This is the most important lawn care season—and the one most homeowners ignore.

🍁 Fall lawn priorities:

• Core aerate the soil: If you didn’t do it in spring, now is your last chance.

• Overseed and fertilize: This is the best time to thicken your lawn and encourage root growth.

• Dethatch if needed: A thin layer is fine, but too much can smother your lawn.

• Keep mowing: Right up until the first hard frost.

• Leaf management: Don’t let leaves sit too long—they block sunlight and cause disease.

Winter Lawn Prep (Late November)

There’s not much to do in winter—but a few smart habits can protect your lawn until spring.

❄️ Winter tips:

• Avoid walking on frozen grass: It can cause damage to brittle blades.

• Don’t pile snow from the driveway onto the lawn: Especially if the snow is mixed with road salt.

• Sharpen your mower blades: So you’re ready to go when spring hits.

🔗 Want to design a yard that’s easier to maintain across seasons? Our Garden Pest Management Guide also includes tips on winter prep.

Choosing the Right Grass Type

Toronto lawns do best with cool-season grasses that handle both sun and partial shade.

Best lawn grass types for Toronto:

• Kentucky Bluegrass: Dense, lush, but water-hungry.

• Perennial Ryegrass: Quick to germinate, great for overseeding.

• Fine Fescue: Shade-tolerant and drought-resistant.

Mixes that include all three offer the best all-around performance in our region.

From left to right: Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Fine Fescue.

Common Toronto Lawn Problems (and Fixes)

❌ Problem: Brown patches

Fix: Could be drought, pests, or fungus. Water deeply, inspect for grubs, and avoid over-fertilizing.

❌ Problem: Weeds taking over

Fix: Improve lawn density through overseeding. Only use herbicides if necessary and spot-treat.

❌ Problem: Moss or thin grass in shade

Fix: Thin tree canopy if possible. Add shade-tolerant fescues.

Final Lawn Care Tips

• Sharpen mower blades twice a year.

• Adjust mowing height by season—higher in summer, lower in fall.

• Use compost or topdress thin areas in spring or fall.

• Install edging to define lawn borders and reduce creeping weeds.

A well-cared-for lawn doesn’t just look good—it supports pollinators, cools your yard, and adds to your home’s value. Want help turning your patchy grass into a green oasis? Contact us for a custom lawn or full backyard design consultation.

Resources

• Landscape Ontario. (2023). Lawn Care Best Practices.

• The Spruce. (2023). Lawn Maintenance Calendar.