When Does Your Lawn Wake Up? Understanding Spring Dormancy in Ontario

As the snow melts and temperatures begin to rise, many homeowners wonder: "When will my lawn start growing again?" In Ontario, most lawns begin to come out of dormancy in early to mid-April, depending on weather conditions. But that doesn’t mean it's time to mow just yet.

What Is Lawn Dormancy?

Dormancy is your lawn’s way of protecting itself during winter. Grass stops growing, turns brown, and conserves energy until conditions improve. This is normal — it’s not dead, just sleeping. (Think hibernating bears)

What Triggers Grass to Wake Up?

Grass comes out of dormancy when:

• Daytime temperatures consistently reach 10°C (50°F) or higher

• Soil temperatures warm up to about 8–10°C (46–50°F)

• There’s sufficient sunlight and moisture

In southern Ontario — especially in areas like Newmarket, Aurora, and East Gwillimbury — this typically happens between early April and mid-April, depending on how fast the snow melts and temperatures rise.

What Should You Do First?

Here’s how to prepare your lawn for the season:

✅ Wait until it’s dry: Don’t rake or mow while the ground is still soggy — it can damage your grass.
✅ Clean up debris: Remove branches, leaves, and dead grass to let sunlight and air reach your lawn.
✅ Book your spring clean-up: This is the perfect time to schedule your spring lawn care service with Qscapes Ltd.

🌱 Pro Tip from Qscapes Ltd.:

Don’t fertilize too early — applying fertilizer before the grass is actively growing can waste product and even encourage weed growth. Let your lawn fully wake up first.

📍 Serving Homeowners Across the Region

Qscapes Ltd. provides seasonal lawn care and spring clean-up services in Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, and Uxbridge. We’ll help you start the season right with a clean, healthy foundation for growth.

📞 Ready to Book Your Spring Lawn Service?

Contact Us Today to schedule your spring clean-up with Qscapes Ltd.