Lawn Care Program

Round 1
Crabgrass Pre-emergent with broadleaf weed control

(mid April to mid May)

This application is intended to prevent the germination of crabgrass. Crabgrass is an annual grass that germinates from seed when the surface soil temperature reaches between 55 and 60 degrees F. The crabgrass pre-emergent forms a barrier on the soils surface preventing seed germination. For the pre-emergent to work properly, it must be watered into the soil with at least ½ an inch of rainfall or irrigation within one week of application and before mowing. We constantly check the soil temperatures to make sure that we apply at the correct times. Applying too early can result in breakthrough of crabgrass in late summer and applying too late can result in breakthrough early in the spring. Also at the time of applying crabgrass pre-emergent, we apply a broadleaf weed control that will eliminate any early emerging broadleaf weeds.

Based on science and research, we do not fertilize at this time. Applying high amounts of nitrogen in the spring stimulates excess leaf growth at the expense of root growth. High rates of nitrogen can also stimulate weed, disease, and insect activity. Also at this time we will look for pink and gray snow mold and winter damage from vols.

Round 2
Fertilizer application with broadleaf weed control as needed

(Mid May to mid June)

At this time we will make our first fertilizer application of the year. The amount of nitrogen that we apply will all depend on the grass species, site conditions, and/or results of a soil test. Some grass species require different amounts of nitrogen. For example, over fertilizing fescue grasses can actually thin out your grass where under fertilizing Kentucky bluegrass may not give you the green up that you are looking for. We will also spot spray for any broadleaf weeds at this time. Spot spraying requires walking around your property with a backpack sprayer and spot treating any visible weeds. By doing this, we are minimizing the amount of herbicides applied to your property. We will only cover spray your yard if there is an over excessive amount of broadleaf weeds. During this application we will also check for diseases such as dollar spot, fairy ring, pink patch, red thread, and leaf spot-melting out.

Round 3
Broadleaf weed control

(mid June to beginning of august.)

This application simply consists of broadleaf weed control. We will walk around with a backpack sprayer and spot treat weeds as needed. A cover spray of the property will only be necessary with severe outbreaks of weeds. Because of the severity of weather condition at this time, (high heat and drought stress) we do not fertilize at this time. Fertilizing during the hot, dry part of summer can severely damage your lawn. During this application our technicians will also watch for such diseases as Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, Gray Leaf Spot, Necrotic Ring Spot, Rusts, Summer Leaf Spots, and Summer Patch. We will also check and make any recommendations for proper mowing and watering practices.

Round 4
Fertilizer application with broadleaf weed control as needed

(mid august to mid/late September)

This is the perfect time to fertilize now that the hottest and driest part of the season is coming to an end. We will come out and apply fertilizer which will help green up your lawn and help it recover from the stress of the summer months and will green up the lawn through the fall. We will also spot treat for weeds at this time.

Late summer to early fall is the best time to seed your lawn. Adequate soil moisture, warm soil, cooler air temperatures, and limited weed pressure allow for excellent seeding growth. We will select a blend of grass seed with the best varieties that will match the conditions for your lawn.

This is also the best time to aerate you lawn. Aerification is the mechanical removal of soil cores which relieves soil compaction, improves air and water movement into the soil, creates more spaces for grass roots to grow in heavily compacted soils, and improves overall turf health.

Round 5
Fertilizer application with broadleaf weed control as needed

(mid-late September through October)

This will be the final fertilizer application of the year. There should not be much green up or growth with this application as this application is meant for nutrient storage for the grass over the winter much allowing for quick green up in the spring. We will also treat for weeds as needed.