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Fertilizer And Weed Control
Environmentally Conscious Weed Control and Pest Management
Green Care is an environmentally conscious business that practices integrated pest management (IPM). IPM means that we have the knowledge to effectively identify the problem and treat it correctly the first time. By doing this, we can avoid making unnecessary applications and use the least amount of chemical possible to effectively control the pest at hand. The best defense against weeds and other pests is to keep your lawn healthy and thick. It is very important that we use proper cultural practices when maintaining our lawns. By keeping your lawn maintained at the correct cutting height with sharp blades and making sure your lawn receives water when it starts to show heat stress you will be on your way to a beautiful lawn. Please read the tips for maintaining your lawn at the bottom of this page.
THE GREEN CARE PROGRAM Our basic application program consists of five applications of fertilizer and weed control and one application of grub control, if needed.
We use all granular fertilizer and liquid weed control throughout the season. Granular products slowly release nutrients over a period of time, keeping your lawn green longer between applications. Timing of applications is dependent on weather and turf conditions. In general, you can plan on two spring applications, one summer (plus grub control if needed), and two in the fall.
The first application will contain pre-emergent weed control to prevent annual weeds such as crabgrass from growing. The second spring application will consist of a post-emergent product to control any perennial weeds like dandelions. Summer applications contain a high amount of slow-release nitrogen to help your lawn make it through the stress of summer heat. Summer is when we put down an application of preventative grub control, if needed, in order to prevent damage in the fall and spring of the next year.
Fall is an excellent time to fertilize cool season turf. During this time, you will notice that growing may start to slow down before the onset of freezing temperatures. The top growth is in fact slowing, but the roots of your lawn are continuing to grow vigorously through the cooler fall weather. Fertilizing at this time will thicken your lawn without the side effects of additional mowing as you would see in the spring. This is also an excellent time to spray for perennial weeds that will overwinter and emerge the next year. Spraying weeds in the fall gives your lawn a strong start in the spring without additional weed pressure. This will be included in your fourth application. The last application, known as a “winterizer” will contain a large amount of fast-release nitrogen. Your lawn will store this readily available nitrogen as food over the winder and will emerge from the snow cover healthy and thick in the spring.
Additional insect, fungus, and disease applications can be provided if determined to be necessary.
Commercial Pesticide Business License #224356
Pesticide Applicator License #F223382
Turf Tips
Following these tips will make your lawn much less susceptible to weed, disease, and fungus issues.
1.
Cool season grass like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue should be cut at 3.5" or above. If in doubt, cut it higher.
2.
Mower blades should be sharpened at least once per season. More often if you accidentally strike sticks or rocks when mowing.
3.
Try not to cut more than one thrird the length of your lawn off in a single mowing. This means cutting weekly or more often in the spring.
4.
Your lawn should be watered when it starts to appear dry. Symptoms of a dry lawn include: a lawn that doesn't spring back up after walking across it, blueish cast across the lawn, and less vigor with a wilted appearance.
5.
Turf areas along hard surfaces like concrete will dry out first and require more water than other areas.
6.
The best time to water is early morning. Never water your lawn in the evenings or middle of the night. If you have an irrigation system, it should be adjusted to follow this rule!
7.
Once your lawn is established, it is best to water heavily and infrequently. It is much better to water your lawn heavily two to three times per week than it is to water it lightly every day.
8.
Fall core aeration does wonders at thickening your lawn and making it healthy.
9.
Late summer and early fall is the only recommended time to seed. Spring seeding requires diligent watering the entire year and makes controlling weeds very difficult.