Is Fertilizer Important For My Lawn?
Fertilizer is important to maintain the health and vigor of your lawn. A well-fertilized lawn is better at preventing weed infestation. It also prevents drought and disease. A thick and healthy lawn produces oxygen, which has a positive effect on the environment. It enhances ground water quality, cools the air during hot weather, and traps urban dust and pollution. It also provides a safer playing surface. All of this, plus just adding an overall better look at feel to your lawn and landscape. So, yes, we recommend fertilizing your lawn on an appropriate schedule throughout the year.
Who Is Responsible For Registering Pesticides In The United States?
In order for a pesticide to be used in the United States, it must be registered by the EPA and various state departments such as the State Department of Agriculture. The EPA receives its authority to register pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Pesticides can also be regulated at state-level under FIFRA and state specific pesticide laws. States have the authority to place more restrictive requirements on pesticides than the EPA. Pesticides must be registered both by EPA and the state before distribution within that state. The safety and effectiveness of each pesticide product is thoroughly evaluated by agency toxicologists to ensure products meet strict safety standards. Pesticides are often subject to more testing than pharmaceutical drugs. It is important to hire professional applicators who are highly trained and adhere to all state regulations concerning pesticide use.
Are My Children Or Pets At Risk After A Weed Control Application?
Always follow the written instructions for product application and remain off a treated lawn until it has dried. This usually only takes 30 to 60 minutes. Once dry, the potential for contact with the product becomes practically nothing. When a weed control product is applied to a lawn, it dries very quickly to the target area. After a product has dried on the surface of plants, residues transfer is highly unlikely.
What Height Should I Mow The Grass?
Mowing your lawn at the appropriate difference makes a big difference in its overall health.
Cool Season Grass
- Cut Tall Fescue to 3 to 4 inches
Warm Season Grass
- Bermuda 0.75 to 1.25”
- Hybrid Bermuda 0.5 to 1.0”
- Zoysia 1.0 to 2.5”
- Centipede 1.0 to 2.0”
Can I Buy The Products That You Use In The Store?
There are some good OTC products on the market, however they would only allow you to do about 60% of what our lawn care teams can assist you with. Most of the products that we use are for “professional use only” and you need to be licensed to have access to them. These products help us take care of the more difficult-to-control weeds or they deliver longer lasting disease control than the OTC products that are available to consumers. Hiring a lawn care professional gives you access to our knowledge and expertise in addition to the products we use.
How Often Should I Water My Lawn?
Your lawn needs 1 to 1-1/2″ of water weekly. If Mother Nature has not been providing adequate rainfall, be sure to supplement with your own watering. Here are some telltale signs of oncoming drought stress:
- Areas near concrete sidewalks or asphalt, under large trees and on slopes may look dark, silvery or smoky with a blue-green haze. In extreme cases the lawn appears yellowish and clearly dehydrated.
- Footprints or lawn mower wheel marks are not springing back quickly after they are made.
Regular, fairly deep watering is better than daily light sprinklings. Deep watering and allowing the lawn to dry out between watering will force the roots to penetrate deeper in search of moisture. A simple rain gauge will help you determine if your lawn is getting enough water. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at any hardware store.