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fall lawn care

May 22, 2026

Fertilizing Programs by Season: Spring to Fall

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, General, Landscaping, Outdoor Living fall lawn care, lawn fertilization, lawn nutrient management, lawn treatment programs, professional lawn care services, residential landscaping, seasonal lawn care, spring fertilizing, summer lawn maintenance, turf health

A healthy lawn doesn’t happen from a single application or quick treatment. In the Greater Toronto Area, changing weather conditions, temperature swings, and heavy foot traffic all affect how grass grows throughout the year. That’s why effective fertilization programs are built around the seasons—not just a one-time service.

For both residential and commercial properties, the right fertilization schedule helps lawns stay greener, thicker, and more resilient from spring through fall.

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Spring: Recovery and Early Growth

After a long Ontario winter, lawns are usually compacted, stressed, and lacking nutrients. Early spring fertilization programs are designed to wake the lawn back up and encourage healthy root development after snow melt and colder temperatures.

This is also when weeds begin competing for space and nutrients. A proper spring application helps strengthen the turf before weed growth becomes aggressive. For commercial properties especially, this first stage sets the tone for curb appeal heading into the busy spring and summer months.

Fertilizing Programs by Season Spring to Fall2

Early Summer: Maintaining Strength

As temperatures rise, lawns begin dealing with heat stress, heavier use, and inconsistent rainfall. Fertilization programs during early summer focus on maintaining steady growth without overstimulating the lawn during hotter weather.

This stage is important for keeping turf healthy and evenly coloured while helping it resist thinning or dry patches. Commercial sites with constant pedestrian traffic or residential lawns used heavily during the summer benefit from consistent nutrient support during this period.

By late summer, many lawns across the GTA begin showing signs of stress from heat, drought conditions, or wear and tear. This is often when thinning areas, discoloration, and compacted soil become more noticeable.

Late-season fertilization applications help the lawn recover and rebuild strength before fall. Combined with watering and proper mowing practices, this step can make a significant difference in how turf performs heading into cooler weather.

Fertilizing Programs by Season Spring to Fall1

Fall: Preparing for Winter

Fall is one of the most important stages in any fertilization program. Cooler temperatures allow grass to focus more energy on root growth rather than top growth, making it the ideal time to strengthen the lawn before winter arrives.

A fall fertilizer application helps store nutrients for the colder months ahead and supports a healthier green-up the following spring. Skipping this stage often leaves lawns weaker and slower to recover once winter ends.

Why Consistency Matters

One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is treating lawn care as a reactive service instead of a seasonal program. Effective fertilization programs work because they follow the natural growth cycle of the turf throughout the year.

Whether it’s a residential property, retail plaza, office building, or condominium site, a planned approach produces stronger, healthier, and more consistent results over time.

Looking to improve the health and appearance of your commercial property this season? Speak with an MPS Account Manager today to build a customized fertilization program for your commercial property in the Greater Toronto Area.

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Commercial fall cleanup team with leaf blowers and a rake collecting leaves at a business property

September 19, 2025

The Complete Guide to Fall Garden Cleanup

Jenna Commercial Landscaping, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Patio commercial grounds maintenance, fall garden cleanup, fall lawn care, fall pruning and trimming, irrigation winterization, leaf and debris removal, mulch installation, snow and ice management

Fall is one of the most important seasons for garden and landscape maintenance. Whether you have a residential yard or manage commercial property grounds, preparing your outdoor spaces before winter helps protect plants, keeps your property safe, and makes spring upkeep much easier.

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This guide breaks down the essential steps for a thorough fall garden cleanup—plus a reminder about our services for commercial properties.

Why Fall Cleanup Matters

Leaves, branches, and dead plant material may seem harmless, but if left over winter, they can cause problems:

– Disease and pests:

Decaying leaves and debris create a perfect home for insects and plant diseases.

– Winter damage:

Untrimmed plants can break under the weight of snow and ice.

– Curb appeal:

Clean, well-kept grounds leave a positive impression, especially for businesses.

Commercial fall cleanup crew mowing turf along a sidewalk with a zero turn mower at a business park

Step-by-Step Fall Garden Cleanup

1. Clear Leaves and Debris

Rake or blow leaves from lawns, gardens, and walkways. Leaves left on grass can trap moisture, leading to mold and bare patches. In commercial areas, keep walkways clear to prevent slips and maintain accessibility.

2. Prune and Trim

Cut back perennials that have died back for the season, remove dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees, and shape hedges. This keeps plants healthy and prevents breakage in winter storms.

3. Weed and Edge Beds

Pull any remaining weeds before the ground freezes. Edging garden beds now gives them a crisp look through winter and makes spring planting easier.

4. Mulch and Protect Plants

Add mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to protect roots from temperature swings. For delicate plants, consider burlap wraps or protective covers to guard against harsh winds and frost.

5. Remove Annuals and Prepare Planters

Pull out dead annuals from garden beds and pots. Empty and clean planters to prevent cracking in freezing temperatures.

6. Lawn Care

Give your lawn a final cut, keeping grass about 2–2.5 inches high. If possible, aerate and apply a fall fertilizer to strengthen roots before dormancy.

7. Check Irrigation and Outdoor Fixtures

Shut down and drain irrigation systems to prevent frozen pipes. Inspect outdoor lighting for safety and visibility during shorter days.

Special Considerations for Commercial Properties

For businesses, fall cleanup is about more than just appearance—it’s about safety and protecting your investment. Clear walkways, well-lit entrances, and hazard-free parking areas keep employees and customers safe. Plus, maintaining healthy landscaping now reduces costly repairs or replacements in the spring.

Commercial properties also often have larger landscapes, meaning more debris to remove, more trees to prune, and bigger lawns to prepare. Professional crews have the equipment, manpower, and expertise to handle these jobs efficiently and without disruption to daily operations.

Final Tip

Don’t wait until the first frost—starting your fall cleanup early ensures plants are protected and your property stays in great shape all winter long.

For Commercial Grounds Maintenance Only

If you manage a commercial property and want a worry-free, professional fall cleanup, our team can help. We provide full-service grounds maintenance for businesses, including seasonal cleanups, turf care, pruning, and snow and ice management.

Residential homeowners—sorry! We don’t offer residential fall or spring cleanups, snow plowing, or ongoing grounds maintenance.

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Commercial fall cleanup technicians raking leaves and debris from shrub beds at an office property