(NC)-More Canadians are looking for natural and healthy alternatives to cosmetic pesticides for keeping weeds away. The lawn and garden team at Canadian Tire has the following helpful tips and steps to help get Canadians on the right track to a healthy lawn and garden.

Weekly

. Set mowing height to 7.5 cm (3 in.) for stronger roots

. Use a manual or cordless lawnmower and trimmer to reduce harmful greenhouse-gas emissions

. Water thoroughly once a week to grow deeper roots

. Check for signs of weed and insect infestations

. Mulch grass clippings to shade soil, reduce evaporation and naturally fertilize your lawn

. Water lawn and garden during morning (7 a.m. - 10 a.m.) to avoid midday heat and evaporation. Look for an oscillating sprinkler to ensure good coverage as well as a unit with a timer to prevent over-watering and to promote water conservation. Available at Canadian Tire is the yardworks oscillating sprinkler with timer that is easy to use and delivers ample coverage

Every 2 months

. Feed 3-4 times per year with a slow release fertilizer

. Use a composter to reduce your household waste and create a natural humus that your garden and plants will love

Once a year

. Over-seed every spring or fall to thicken turf naturally

. Aerate your lawn to improve air, water and nutrient uptake

. Top dress stressed areas of lawn with organic lawn soil

. Check soil pH, add lime to correct acidic soil conditions

As required

. Repair lawn damage and bare spots promptly with quality grass seed and lawn soil

. Use weeding tools to remove isolated weeds. An excellent product available at Canadian Tire, is the fiskars telescopic weeder. It is extendable for easy height adjustments and is great for dandelions, thistles and other invasive lawn weeds

. Top-quality outdoor tools are a good investment as they incorporate high-grade materials, ergonomic design and durable steel heads and blades

. Save your back by investing in a good quality wheel barrow to haul your supplies, soil, mulch and plants around the yard