Traditional Lawn Care FAQs

What if it rains after my treatment?

The applications that we normally do are actually two parts, granular and liquid. The granular (fertilizer which may have another product tied to it) rain or irrigation is essential. The liquid, normally herbicides need to dry on the weed we are targeting. We use adjuvants that help these products adhere to the target weeds and for the most part work very well. In the event that it does rain within an hour or so after the application the best action is to wait 2 weeks, if the weeds are not “curling” call and we will gladly make another application.

Do you use liquid or granular products to treat my lawn?

We use both types of products. Generally we prefer granular fertilizer products and liquid herbicide products. If the terrain, access or obstacle on your property make one product more effective or efficient we will use that product.

How long after a treatment can I mow my lawn?

Mowing has more effect on the liquid products we use, the longer they are on the target the more effective they are. We would prefer you wait 24 hours to mow, however the adjuvants we use have been proven to very effective and in most situations once the product is dry you can mow. This is not the best scenario but it is possible.

How long should I keep my pets off the lawn?

As licensed applicators we are required by law to follow the label on the product we are using. The products we use on your lawn have a reentry statement that says that you or your pet may walk on your lawn when the product is dry.  If you or your pet is sensitive you may want to wait longer.

When I mow, can I bag the clippings after a treatment?

Yes, most mowers will not pick up the granular product that we use.

When do you recommend seeding?

The best time to seed is fall. The weather is optimal for seed germination and weed competition is minimal.

How long will the seed take to germinate?

Germination of grass seed depends on soil preparation, weather and species of the seed. If all of these are optimal seed will germinate within 2 weeks.

When will you do my aeration?

We prefer to do aerations in the Fall. The weather is the main factor. Aeration is invasive to grass plants, the fall weather is optimum to help the plants to recover.

How often should I water my newly seeded lawn?

This is simple, but has some challenges.  Simply you want to keep the soil MOIST as much as possible.  Two times a day early morning and early afternoon is best.  Water gently and evenly until the soil is moist to a depth of 3/8 of an inch.  The seed should germinate in a week or so.  Continue watering for 2-3 weeks.  You may reduce watering at this time, but do not let seedlings dry out.  Hot dry windy weather can wilt new seedlings quickly.

What kind of seed is best to use?

We prefer to use a Turf Type Tall Fescue (TTTF)/Perennial Rye Grass (PRG) mix. This mix does not always “match” existing grass or it is not the best for shady areas, In that case we will use appropriate grass seed.

Can grass grow in a shady lawn?

Yes, to a point. Shady areas may require regular renovation and some special attention. Your technician has the experience to determine what could be done to help grass grow in shady areas.  He/She would be happy to speak to you

How long do I need to wait to seed after you apply the crabgrass pre-emergent?

We recommend seeding in the fall so you don’t have to worry about the technical side in the spring. However, should you choose to do seed in the spring the following items are important to know.  Different pre-emergent products have different seeding requirements. If you seed too quickly, the seed will not germinate.   It’s best to wait 8-12 weeks after we apply the crabgrass pre-emergent. In addition, before you seed, you will need to scratch the surface of the soil to break the pre-emergent barrier.

How long will it take for my weeds to die?

This will depend on the product we are using, the weed we are trying to control and the weather. Most weeds will show signs of curling, browning, or wilting in a couple days.  However, the weed may not completely die for up to 2 weeks.  If it has been 2 weeks and you don’t see any of these signs, please contact our office and we’ll have your technician stop out.

Can you control wild violets and ground ivy?

Yes, it may take multiple applications of a specialty herbicide.

Do I really need a grub control treatment?

The short answer is no.  Grubs can do extensive damage to a lawn.  The cost to repair a grub damaged lawn can far exceed the cost of grub control. Think of it as insurance for your lawn.

How do I get rid of moss in my lawn?

The main cause of moss is a shallow soil profile, to solve the problem of moss you have to correct the soil. Correcting the soil can be addressed in a number of ways.  To see what is best for your lawn, we would do an evaluation and make recommendations. 

What can I do to get rid of mushrooms in my lawn?

Many types of mushrooms can grow in your lawn; the part that you see is normally the fruiting body of the mushroom. Mushrooms are more unsightly than damaging to your lawn.  You can gently rake them off or simply mow over them.