Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time of the day to water?

If you have a choice, early morning, between 4–8 am is the best time for a couple of reasons. First, absorption is maximized while evaporation is minimal because of cooler temperatures. Second, prolong leaf wetness, which can promote disease, is avoided because of rising temperatures of the day.

Q: What if it rains after an application?

Rain is beneficial following a fertilizer, crabgrass, or insect control application. If it rains following a broadleaf weed application (for dandelions, etc.), give it 1 to 2 weeks. If at that time, the weeds do not die, give us a call and we'll come back and retreat any remaining weeds.

Q: Why is it important to keep my mower blades sharp?

A dull blade can damage grass and encourage diseases. A sharpened blade makes a clean-cut and helps keep grass healthy and looking its best.

Q: What is a pre-emergent application?

A pre-emergent application is applied to your lawn to prevent crabgrass and other weed seeds from sprouting. It remains active throughout the spring and most of the summer when most weed seeds germinate.

Q: Should I throw my grass clippings away?

Leaving your clippings on your lawn is actually benificial. Clippings will return nutrients to your lawn and does not add to thatch levels. Grass clippings are approximately 75% water and contain up to 25% of the fertilizer applied to lawns. Clippings quickly break down, returning moisture and nutrients to the soil.

Q: What is Thatch Build-up?

Thatch is a layer of dead vegetation that builds up on lawns at the surface of the soil. While a small amount of thatch is healthy for lawns, an excess of thatch can be problematic. Thatch is primarily made up of roots and stems. Most people don't realize that grass clippings do not add to thatch levels, as clippings decompose very quickly. Bagging and removing your grass clippings will not reduce your thatch level. For controlling thatch levels, see: lawn aeration.

Q: If I want to plant new grass seed this spring, can I plant seeds after a pre-emergent treatment?

No. A pre-emergent treatment will also stop all new grass from growing. An alternative option may be to plant seeds very early, as the grass grows to a regular mowing height – mow the grass three times. After it has been mowed several times, a pre-emergent application can be applied.

Q: Do I need to be home at the time of the application?

No. We will do the application, leave an invoice with watering instructions, and a flag in your yard indicating we have been there. We also notify you by telephone the night before using an auto-dialer notification system.

Q: Is core aeration beneficial to my lawn?

Yes. Aeration is extremely beneficial. Core Aeration is essential for a healthy root system and a more beautiful lawn. Especially designed aerators consist of a series of hollow coring tines that when rolled over your lawn, pull out small “plugs”. Core aeration helps prevent rain/water runoff, allowing moisture, air and fertilizer to reach the root zone of your grass. It reduces soil compaction, retards thatch buildup by increasing micro-organism activity, and allowing thatch to decompose naturally. Aeration also provides a lodging place for seed when over seeding.