CleanYards Playbook
Ottawa homeowner guide for newly seeded lawns. Watering schedules, mowing timing, and troubleshooting adjusted for local sprinkler and soil conditions.
Use the timeline below as a baseline. Moisture and growth progress matter more than exact day count.
Quick View
Fast reference table for watering, mowing, and first-season lawn tasks.
| Period | Watering | Mowing | Weeding | Fertilizer | Grub Control | Other Practices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | 2-4x/day (start with ~5-10 min/zone; keep topsoil evenly moist) | No | No | Starter only if part of install plan | No | Prevent puddling, runoff, and seed washout. |
| Days 8-14 | 2-3x/day (start with ~5-10 min/zone; adjust by moisture) | No | Minimal hand pull only | No additional fertilizer yet | No | Watch for patchy germination and dry edges. |
| Days 15-28 | 1-2x/day (start with ~10-18 min/zone; deeper cycles) | Conditional first mow | Light hand pull | Only if needed after assessment | No | Do not scalp; avoid mowing wet lawn. |
| Weeks 5-8 | Every 1-2 days (~15-25 min/zone; weather adjusted) | Yes | Ongoing | Begin regular program if established | No | Build root depth and mowing consistency. |
| Established Lawn | 2-3x/week (rainfall counts toward total) | Regular cadence | Ongoing | 3-4x/year program | If lawn is grub-prone | Overseed thin areas in best seasonal window. |
Step 1
Use this phased schedule as a guide. Adjust for sun exposure, wind, rainfall, and sprinkler performance.
Days 1-7
Watering: 2-4 light cycles/day (start with ~5-10 min/zone)
Mowing: No mowing
Days 8-14
Watering: 2-3 light cycles/day (start with ~5-10 min/zone)
Mowing: No mowing
Days 15-28
Watering: 1-2 deeper cycles/day (start with ~10-18 min/zone)
Mowing: First mow only if turf is dense and dry on top
Weeks 5-8
Watering: Every 1-2 days (start with ~15-25 min/zone)
Mowing: Regular cadence at proper height
Water early morning whenever possible. Midday can lose moisture to evaporation, and late-night watering can increase disease pressure.
On very hot or windy days, short extra cycles may be needed to keep seedbed moisture stable between regular waterings.
Long-Term Care
| Category | What To Do | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Early season | Inspect thin zones, rake debris, patch bare spots | Late April to May |
| Fertilizing | Apply season-appropriate products in measured doses | 3-4 times per year |
| Overseeding | Overseed thin areas as needed | Best window: late summer to early fall |
| Mowing quality | Maintain sharp blade and proper cutting height | Throughout growing season |
| Repair work | Topdress + seed + moisture management | As needed |
First 30-60 Days
Common seed-establishment problems and what to do next.
Likely cause: Uneven sprinkler coverage, dry edge zones, or inconsistent seed-to-soil contact.
Fix: Run a catch-can test, add short targeted watering, and patch thin areas once stable.
Likely cause: Cycles are too long or water is applied too quickly on slopes.
Fix: Switch to shorter cycles and cycle-and-soak watering to prevent runoff.
Likely cause: Overwatering and poor air movement keep the surface saturated.
Fix: Reduce frequency, water earlier, and let the surface dry slightly between cycles.
Likely cause: Heat stress, moisture swings, or low nutrient availability.
Fix: Stabilize watering first, then assess if a light feeding is needed.
Likely cause: Thin seed coverage and slow establishment create open space.
Fix: Keep mowing on schedule once ready and patch thin zones to close canopy.
