Below are some common questions and answers that we often receive.
They should be considered as general information and may not apply to
all situations. We encourage you to ask one of our trained lawn technicians
or call the office during regular business hours if you have a special
problem. We'll be more than happy to discuss possible solutions specifically
designed to address your situation.
If you have a question, please call your local Green-A-Lawn office
or use our easy-to-use online form: QUESTION
Q: What is a pre-emergent application?
A: Pre-emergent applications put down a microscopic layer on
the soil that prevents many seeds from sprouting, including crabgrass.
This invisible shield is usually put down in early spring before the
soil temperature reaches 60 degrees. It remains active throughout the
spring and most of the summer months when the seeds begin to germinate,
unless the soil is vigorously raked or dug up.
Q: Will rain wash away this protective layer?
A: No. In fact, rain enhances the application and gives it a
more even coating.
Q: What precautions should we take with this pre-emergent
application?
A: The treatment usually dries within 2 hours. However, we recommend
that you keep children and pets off the lawn for about 12 hours if possible.
Avoid mowing the lawn for 24 hours after the treatment and mow at about
3".
Q: I want to plant new grass seed this spring.
Can I plant seeds after this treatment, but before the crabgrass begins
to grow?
A: No. The pre-emergent will also stop desired grass from growing
also. It is generally better to wait until the fall to plant new grass
seed after a pre-emergent application has been put down. However, there
are some special situations that we can help you with. Please call our
office to discuss your situation.
Q: What is slow release fertilizer and what are
the advantages of using it over other lawn fertilizers?
A: Slow release fertilizers are actually microscopic coated
capsules of fertilizer that breakdown and release their important fertilizer
and trace elements over a long period of time. This ensures that your
lawn's root system gets those nutrients in measured doses that won't
over-stimulate the plants into a sudden growing spurt requiring more
mowing.
Q: What is a lime treatment and what will it do
for me?
A: Lime is a naturally occurring element that can be applied
to the lawn to help balance the soil's pH so that it is more conducive
for turf grasses to thrive. Included in a lime treatment is also a calcium
supplement. Lime naturally helps control the acidity in top soil. To
get the full benefit of readily available food to your lawn, the top
soil must have the optimum pH level. If the pH level is too high, the
soil is not able to break down the nutrients in the soil and makes it
more difficult for your turf grass to absorb those nutrients. Some soils
may require more than one treatment per season. Our lawn technicians
will be able to give you an accurate assessment of your soil's condition.
Q: What are grubs and why should I worry about
them?
A: Grubs are actually the larval stage of a variety of different
kinds of beetles, including May and June bugs and voracious Japanese
beetles. Adult beetles lay their eggs in the soil in mid to late summer.
As the eggs hatch, they develop into the white-wormish looking larvae.
As the larvae grow, they work their way down to the root zone of your
lawn where they eat the roots. Next spring, you'll suddenly notice dead
patches of lawn start showing up in your lawn if you have grubs. By
this time, it is too late to effectively treat for them and they will
begin the process again. Grub control is largely a matter of timing
so that they can be controlled in their early stages of development
and before they go deep into the soil and go dormant for the winter.
In our area, early fall is the best time to treat. We use a product
specifically designed to control grubs and won't harm other beneficial
insects commonly found in the soil.
If you have a question about your lawn or landscape, please call
our office and one of our technicians will stop by to give you a free,
no-obligation evaluation of your lawn and how it could be improved with
one of Green-A-Lawn's customized lawn care programs.
