Applying nutrients is needed in maintaining your lawns health and appearance. We apply a variety of fertilizer and broadleaf controls throughout the year.

• Early spring- 15-0-3 Pre-emergent Crabgrass preventative (Late March to early May)
• Late Spring- 25-0-5 Slow release with focus on broadleaf weed control (May to early June)
• Early Summer- 25-0-5 light feeding as grass is going into dormancy (June to early July)
• Late Summer/Early Fall- 25-0-5 slow release with focus on broadleaf weed control (September/October)
• Late Fall- 25-0-5 Heavy feeding to help winterize lawn before snowfall (October/November)

If you are on a 5 application program, expect a larger gap between your early summer application and late summer/fall applications. This is the time of year when non-irrigated lawns are dormant and do not need fertilized. An important note is what we use, which is a coated Urea/Ammonium sulfate which will not burn your lawn.  It will simply just be there until it has the moisture and temperature range it needs to take effect. So even if we are applying during excessive heat or drought, we take precaution and what we are applying will NOT damage your lawn.

Proper mowing height and practices are very important in maintaining a healthy lawn. We recommend a 3” to 3.5” cut, while not removing more than 1/3 of the blade each cut. Taller grass retains moisture better, aids in weed prevention and gives your lawn a lusher appearance. It also allows the grass to take in more sunlight which is needed for grass to use the nutrients provided. Improper mowing is the main cause for lawn damage and failed expectations on lawn appearance. Do not cut grass when it is wet as it can cause disease and avoid unnecessary cutting in the summer as it can stress grass out resulting in damaged areas.

Removing clippings is a personal preference but there are some things to consider if you are doing so. Leaving clippings can provide up to 25% more nitrogen to your lawn as the breakdown of thatch over time supplies the lawn with much needed organic matter. With that being said, if you are leaving your clippings, we can apply a Liquid Dethatch to prevent excessive build up or you can aerate annually, which will also help break down clippings.

During the spring and fall, the Indiana weather typically provides an adequate amount of water. Mid-May through September, however, rainfall can be very inconsistent. This is when it is important to continually monitor the amount of water your lawn is receiving.  Your soil type will determine the amount of water you need to provide. Clay soils will need watered for longer durations (25-30) minutes of heavy watering, where sandier soils will need watered for shorter durations (15-20) minutes. 2-3 days a week just before sunrise. The goal is to saturate your lawn in the early morning. 5am-8am is ideal.  Watering in the evening or overnight can result in a fungal disease. Avoid keeping your grass wet for prolonged periods of time.

Remember that it is the soil that needs watered and not the grass. For those of you who have irrigated lawns, adjustments will be necessary throughout the season. We would be happy to assist you in setting your timing and run times. We also work with a professional irrigation installation company and can help facilitate a meeting for any of your irrigation needs.

Application timing is determined by program, weather and location.  Our application start date is usually Late March or early April and we end our season in mid-November. Customers receiving 5 applications or less can expect a 6-8 week gap with a break in August, where those receiving more applications can expect a 5-6 week gap.

Weed control is an ongoing process as new seedlings develop year after year.  We spray in the spring and the fall during growing seasons. This allows the chemicals to go to work at the same time your grass is receiving nutrients. Essentially, we are eliminating the weeds and feeding the grass so it can naturally overtake areas in which weeds once were. To have a complete weed free lawn is dependent on grass thickness, mowing height, watering and several other factors.  It is also important to know that any bare or sparse areas are more attractive places of advantageous weeds to grow.  They will continue to grow until those areas have filled in. We spot spray the perimeters of driveways, sidewalks and landscape beds in order to prevent them from growing, but it may be necessary to do some reseeding if reoccurrence of unwanted weeds continues.

Recovery takes time. It typically takes 12-18 months to achieve the lawn you are hoping for. Some lawns take little time to respond to treatments where others take several applications and additional services. We will make recommendations as needed, but please be patient. Achieving the lawn you want and we want for you takes time.