FAQs

As spring rolls in, people are more than eager to get rid of the blah look of winter and are ready for a lush, green yard. But it is not as simple as the changing of the season. To have and maintain a successful yard, you will need to put in the work all year round. This includes fall aeration/over-seeding, winter fertilization and treating for diseases throughout the year.

To focus on what needs to be done in the spring, we start with raking and removing all built up thatch that wasn't removed in the fall. Lime can be applied any time of the year, but many people prefer the spring.

Before liming, I recommend taking a soil sample to see if liming is actually needed and, if so, how much. You will want to repair any bare patches with seed, apply a slow release starter fertilizer and top with a thin layer of compost. Then, it is crucial to ensure there's a substantial amount of water. After 4-5 weeks from repairing the bare spots, apply another round of quick release nitrogen fertilizer to really give the new grass a boost.

If you don't have any spots that need patching, I recommend applying a pre-emergent in early spring. This will not kill weeds, but will prevent the germination of any new weeds. A word of caution about pre-emergent: if you have areas that are to be seeded or have recently been seeded, applying pre-emergent will also prevent that seed from germinating.

If you are looking to get rid of existing weeds, the most common ways are the use of post-emergents or spot spraying. Both techniques work well on dandelions, thistle and many other common weeds. Always make sure to use the proper amount because, if done improperly, these things can actually harm your lawn.

It is best to water infrequently for longer periods of time rather than daily light watering. It is always better to water during the morning hours. On very hot days, it is good to water the turf in the afternoon for 10- 15 minutes to provide cooling. To keep your lawn healthy and lush during periods of dry weather, it must receive 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Avoid watering at night unless you have no other choice.

It is rare that thatch build up becomes excessive enough that it requires dethatching. Our core lawn aeration helps reduce thatch, but also offers several other benefits to your lawn. Dethatching can cause damage to healthy roots, stems and grass blades. It will also increase the likelihood of weed germination. We recommend aeration twice a year for a healthy lawn.

Set the mower blade to no lower than 3.5 inches because the longer the grass blade, the longer the root. Mow frequently enough to avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade. Be sure to always mow with a sharp blade. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day because the lawn can turn brown instantly. It is best to mow the lawn between early evening and dusk.

Pruning a tree consists of removing any damaged or dead limbs. In order to maximize a tree's healthy life, proper pruning and maintenance are an absolute must.

If pruning is done properly, it will improve the fruit and flower production, the structure and overall health of the tree as well as promote correct and healthy growth.

Two of the major considerations to proper pruning are choosing the right time and proper pruning procedures. A tree should never be over pruned and should be symmetrical in shape. This not only helps for the reasons listed above but with the aesthetics of the tree as well.