Lawn fertilization services range from the simple application of fertilizer in the summer to the extravagant, managing all aspects of the grass from the growth rate to the depth of color. Most people only think about their yard in the pretty, warm months- fertilizing when the grass is growing or in the beginning stages of spring greening. Coincidentally, it is those homeowners who have the most challenges with their lawns as they have not done the preventative steps in the "off season" that would fend off the weed infestations, lack of growth, bug infestations and erosion. These items can prove costly, especially if you have to pay a landscaper to replace sod or build a retaining wall. A comprehensive lawn service will address all of these issues including proper mowing maintenance, lime applications, pre emergent applications, weed and feed in April, a summer fertilization and possible grubworm and chinchbug prevention applications.
Proper maintenance and prevention of turf problems begins with proper mowing frequency, deck height, and bagging practice. Most lawns should be "mulched" sometimes as well as baged other times depending upon the level of thatch. One should not mow "no matter what" during dry spells, even if a sprinkler system is artificially irrigating (because our water supplies alter the chemical state of water). Mowing height is extremely important; mowing high sometimes and low other times depending upon the type of turf (St. Augustine is mowed much higher than centipede or bermuda).
Soil testing early in the year can yield some valuable results as well. Often times, the soil in lawns in Columbia, Lexington and Irmo South Carolina call for an application of Lime now and then. Lime takes a while to work and should be applied in the Fall. Do you have moss growing in bald spots in the grass or lawn onions? If so, you may need to amend the soil with lime and or perform a core aeration.
Pre emergent applications such as Prodiamine or Dimension are critical components in a fully comprehensive fertilization program. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Take the time to remove yourselves from the winding down of October, get out in the cold of winter in late February/March, and apply preemergent to prevent those winter and early spring weeds that would "emerge" from seed...stop the seed from germinating.
Weed and feed is another, often granular, application that is easily applied with a spreader. It contains 2 components: a nutrition component with a timely mix of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium plus a weed killing component that further attacks those pesky weeds that made it past the pre emergent application phase. Also, by the time you add weed and feed, summer temperatures are on the horizon, which will, by virtue of the heat and light will kill out many weeds and rye grasses.
During the intense, high growth summer season, a timely, properly quantified application of fertilizer is critical. The needs of your lawn at this time are at its peak and the timeframe to make the plant grow thick in order to crowd out weeds is at its most opportune point. Spreading fertilizer should be done with a broadcast spreader, on 1/2 setting, crossing the lawn in one direction, then re-crossing the lawn in the other direction to increase chances of even coverage.
Grubworms, chinchbugs, and cutworms can completely obliterate your lawn in as little as a few days. Grubworms feed on roots, cutworms feed on new growth. All of these insects can be killed or prevented with a simple treatment.
If your lawn service is not at least advising you of these issues throughout the year, you may be doing yourself a disservice. Although many maintenance companies can come in "cheaper" in the short run, their oversights always prove costly in the long run. Mowing in a horticulturally sound way, lime applications, preventative weed treatment applications, weed and feed like scotts or lesco brand, a fertilization at the proper time and pest control are all items that a professional landscaping maintenance company will stay on top of for you - after all, you're paying them to make life easier for you not harder!
