A change in seasons is the perfect time to tackle tasks and projects that will leave your home feeling refreshed for spring. From how to prep your lawn for spring to gorgeous gardening trends to try, Everything Awaits you at Canadian Tire.

After months of dreary winter weather and early sunsets, the melting snow and warming temperatures can’t help but stir our excitement that spring is on its way. Although we’re eager to finally spend more time enjoying the outdoors, there’s plenty of work to be done before our yards can serve as the setting of our favourite spring and summer activities.

The cold can wreak havoc on your lawn - but there’s nothing a little elbow grease and lots of TLC can’t do to help restore and repair your yard for spring.

We’ve gathered some easy steps to help you prepare your yard for spring and welcome the return of a healthy lawn.

Step 1: Clean up leftover debris

The first step in preparing your yard for spring is to remove any leaves, branches or debris that may have been hiding under the snow. Opt for a pair of sturdy, padded work gloves whenever you’re working outdoors to protect your hands from sharp objects and tackling any potentially messy jobs. Use a rake to remove dead leaves or grass that can prevent your lawn from absorbing any fertilizers and can become clogged in your lawn mower.

Fertilize, overseed and repair patches

Winter temperatures can leave your lawn with plenty of dark and dead spots. Use a spreader to evenly distribute a long-lasting fertilizer, like Golfgreen 1-Step Lawn Fertilizer, which helps provide your lawn with enough nutrients for up to six months with just one feed.

Multipurpose products, like Golfgreen Bio Weed & Feed, can cut down on your lawn preparation by simultaneously providing your lawn with nutrients while preventing unsightly weeds like dandelions, crabgrass and white clover from germinating.

Overseeding using an All Purpose Grass Seed in the spring can help repair any sparse areas and help you achieve the look of full, healthy grass. After your first mow of the season, use a spreader tto evenly distribute seed either across your entire lawn or specifically on problem areas. The newly cut and raked lawn makes it easier for seed to reach the root of your grass.

Mow your lawn

The next step to prepare your lawn for spring is to grab your mower and give it a healthy cut. Before you can move on to repairing your lawn for spring, you’ll need to mow your lawn. Typically throughout spring and summer, the optimal length for grass is anywhere from 3-3½ inches. Using a mower with adjustable settings, like the Yardworks 48V 5Ah 3-in-1 Brushless Lawn Mower, opt for a lower setting for your first cut of the year. Once you’re finished, bag your clippings and give your lawn a once over again with a rake to loosen up the top layer of soil.

Water your lawn frequently

Once you’ve completed overseeding your lawn, it’s time to nurture grass growth with strategic watering. Whether you’re using a wand to target specific spots or sprinklers for your entire lawn, you should be watering your grass immediately after seeding for five to 10 minutes.

It can take up to three weeks for new grass to sprout. In the meantime, water your grass twice a day (in the morning and evening for up to 10 minutes) to ensure that at least the first two inches of soil remain moist.

Once you start noticing new growth, you can reduce the amount of watering to just once a day in the early to mid morning.