What to Do This Spring for a Healthy Summer Lawn
Spring lawn care in Chilliwack sets the tone for the entire summer. With our wet winters, compacted soils, and heavy spring growth, lawns that aren’t prepared early often struggle once warmer weather hits.
Whether you’re maintaining an existing yard, moving into a new build, or simply don’t want to deal with ongoing mowing and upkeep, taking the right steps in spring can make all the difference.
Here’s how local homeowners can get their lawn ready for a healthy, resilient summer.
Start With Drainage and Soil Health
One of the most common lawn issues in Chilliwack isn’t lack of water, it’s too much of it.
After winter:
- Check for pooling or soggy areas
- Look for compacted soil where grass struggled to grow
- Address low spots before they turn into muddy patches
Improving grading or soil structure early helps roots establish properly and prevents long-term damage.
Clean Up Winter Damage
Before grass can grow evenly, it needs room to breathe.
Spring cleanup should include:
- Removing fallen debris and dead grass
- Raking out compacted areas
- Clearing edges along driveways and patios
This allows sunlight, water, and nutrients to reach the soil more effectively.
Repair Thin or Damaged Areas Early
Bare patches rarely fix themselves. In Chilliwack’s climate, waiting too long often leads to weeds taking over.
Spring is the best time to:
- Reseed thin areas
- Patch damaged sections
- Prepare for sod installation if the lawn is beyond repair
Early repairs establish strong roots before summer.
New Build Lawns Need a Fresh Start
Many new builds in the Fraser Valley are left with compacted subsoil that won’t support healthy grass without intervention.
If your lawn was installed by a builder:
- Soil quality may be poor
- Drainage may not be properly graded
- Grass may struggle despite regular watering
In these cases, installing new sod or properly prepared turf can save years of frustration.
Sod vs Turf: Choose What Fits Your Lifestyle
If you want a real lawn with a natural feel, sod remains the most popular choice for Chilliwack homes due to its ability to handle rainfall and stay cool in summer.
If you want a durable, low-maintenance option, artificial turf can make sense for:
- High-traffic areas
- Shaded zones
- Homes where mowing isn’t practical
If you’re deciding between the two, we’ve covered the full comparison in our recent post on the pros and cons of sod vs turf.
Don’t Want to Mow? You’ve Got Options
Not every homeowner wants to spend weekends behind a lawn mower.
If lawn maintenance isn’t your thing:
- Sod provides a natural look without the hassle of starting from seed
- Turf eliminates mowing altogether and stays consistent year-round
The right solution depends on how you use your yard, not just how it looks, although bonus, both these options look great.
A Lawn That Lasts Starts With the Right Plan
Healthy summer lawns don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of:
- Proper grading and drainage
- Early spring preparation
- Choosing the right surface for your needs
At Fraser Valley Contracting, we help homeowners across Chilliwack plan lawns that actually work in local conditions — whether that’s natural sod, durable turf, or a complete landscape refresh.
