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23 · Friday, May 11, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Spring Home & Garden Rona experts help you achieve the lawn you've always dreamed about More and more people turn to ecological maintenance practices. By respecting a few principles, you can obtain a beautiful lawn without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Here is a maintenance program respectful of the environment that will provide you with a green dense lawn, more resistant to stresses such as drought and pests and less invaded by weeds. Spring is a very good time to carry out repair work on your lawn. All these operations should be made when the ground is thawed and is no longer soaked. Soil analysis ­ Soil composition may vary greatly from one region to another. Soil analysis will inform you on its composition. Knowing the chemical composition allows you to provide the appropriate amendments and nutrients required to promote good grass growth while improving its resistance to pests. Spring cleaning ­ The first gardening operation when winter is over consists of removing all debris left by winter on your lawn with a leaf rake and to compost them. This operation promotes a better recovery of your lawn and to start or continue your compost production! Dethatching ­ Dethatching consists of removing the excess of thatch made of old roots and underground stems accumulated under the healthy lawn. A certain amount of thatch is required as it forms a cushion that gives the lawn more resistance to trampling. Thatch also serves as an insulator, retains water, and reduces temperature fluctuations and losses of evaporation of water from the soil. When to dethatch? · When thatch is thicker than 2.5 cm. Dethatching promotes deep rooting and allows the lawn to be more resistant to drought, insects and diseases; · The best time to dethatch is in spring and/or early fall. In spring, it is recommended to dethatch when the soil is sufficiently dry and before the grass turns green. How to dethatch? · You can use a dethatching rake or a mechanical dethatcher, equipped with vertical blades that pierce the layer of thatch and bring the debris to the surface. Aeration ­ A compact soil affects root growth and the lawn becomes sparse which promotes the establishment of weeds. This procedure consists of removing cores (plugs) of soil with a mechanical aerator or a manual tool. It improves oxygenation as well as a better penetration of water and nutrients. For good results, holes should have a depth of about 15 cm. Topdressing and reseeding ­ Topdressing consists of applying enriched topsoil or compost on the entire surface of the lawn. This procedure has the same advantages as aerating by improving the fertility and soil structure. Often underestimated, yet it should be done every year in spring. This helps to reduce fertilization inputs and watering frequencies. After topdressing, it is recommended to overseeding to keep the lawn dense to reduce the establishment of weeds. The best time to reseed is after the last frost is past in spring or at the beginning of fall. Selecting grass seed : · Select a grass seed mix adapted to the sunlight conditions of your yard; · Use a grass seed mix with endophytes. They act as a repulsive on some garden insect pests. Grass seeds with endophytes are available in the RONA ECO lawn Care Kit; · It is also possible to use grass seeds with mycorrhizas. This growth supplement helps the lawn to be more resistant to heat, drought and insects. How to topdress and reseed? · First, proceed by aerating the soil; · Remove all established weeds; · Spread 0.6 to 1 cm of topsoil or compost on the entire surface of the lawn. Beyond 1 cm thick, the topsoil may suffocate the grass; · Over seed the entire surface to increase the density of a sparse lawn. Before seeding, mow at 5 cm to promote seed germination. Maintain surface moist during the15 days following seeding to promote germination; · To repair a damaged patch of lawn, simply remove the dead patch, loosen up the soil or add some good soil, seed, water and apply a thin layer of peat moss to better retain moisture. Water regularly until the grass is established until complete seeds germination. Comfortably seated, bare feet in the grass, the soft scent of new mown grass in the air and... enjoy the summer. Pick up all your home needs at Rona this Saturday, May 12 and save from 10 to 100 per cent off of all your in-store purchases with their scratch and save event . There are two convenienct Oakville locations to serve you: 399 Speers road and 2311 Royal Windsor Drive. Advertorials Windows Lighting Cabinets Dinnerware Accent Furnishings Tile Faucets Small Appliances Cookware Sinks Counter Tops Cabinet Hardware Glassware Rugs Large Appliances Hardwood Flooring Virtually everything for your kitchen. Except the retail markup. 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