Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect during treatment
Unlike conventional lawn care services, which use synthetic fertilizers and chemical herbicides, we use organic ingredients that enable your soil to use its own natural ability to nurture and sustain life. Through one of our eight-step programs, we will analyze your soil and apply the organic nutrients it needs to regain its natural ability to encourage the growth of thriving turf that will crowd out weeds and fight off diseases and insects.
How organic is “organic?”
The truth is there’s no such thing as 100% organic turf care. But as pioneers in organic lawn care, we’re as close to 100% as today’s technology allows. In our eight-step annual lawn care program, our five fertilizing and soil-conditioning treatments are 100% organic. To prevent weeds, we apply a non-organic pre-emergent twice a year. On an as-needed basis, at no extra cost to you, we also apply targeted treatments of a synthetic herbicide. In addition to your regular program, applications of non-organic fungicides are available as needed.How long will it take before I begin to see results?
The results vary depending on the condition of the lawn. If the lawn has a lot of weeds and bare spots, it will take a while for the fertilizers to fully incorporate into the soil, and it can be a full growing season before you really see and appreciate the difference. If the lawn is already well maintained, you should continue to see good results after switching to organic treatments.How often should I water my lawn?
Give your lawn 1 inch of water every week. Use a tuna can to measure: Place it in the area you are watering, and when it’s almost full you’ve watered enough. If you don’t have a sprinkler system, we can help you find a company to install one. If you already have a system and need advice on how often to run it, we can help you with that too.How frequently do I need to mow and how much should I cut each time?
In general, remove no more than one-third of the blade at a time. To keep your lawn short and green, mow more often so that you’re removing less of the blade. Here are recommended grass mowing heights:
• Seeded Bermuda: 1 to 2 inches• Sodded Bermuda: 0.5 to 1.5 inches
• Centipede: 1 to 1.5 inches
• Fescue: 3 inches or higher
• Zoysia: 0.5 to 1.5 inches
What kinds of diseases should I be on the lookout for?
Even healthy turf is susceptible to disease. So, please watch your lawn for off-color rings or patches, and browning or dead spots about the size of a silver dollar. Trees and shrubs are also susceptible. So, watch their leaves for spots and areas of discoloration. Look for funguses and large brown patches throughout the warm summer months. If you notice any of these problems, please bring them to our attention.What kinds of pests should I be on the lookout for?
Pests – such as armyworms, Japanese beetles, bagworms, eastern tent caterpillars, and euonymus scale and tea scale – can damage your landscape quickly. Be vigilant between our visits to guard against infestation and let us know immediately if you think you have a problem.What do you use in your treatments?
Each of our ingredients has a special purpose. For example:
Compost:
Compost naturally stimulates beneficial microbial activity, improves soil drainage and replenishes vital nutrients not normally available to your soil. So, we recommend at least one compost application per year.
Poultry litter:
An important green fertilizer, poultry litter (manure) gradually releases into the soil one of the most powerful natural fertilizers on earth – nitrogen. Also containing potassium and other important nutrients, poultry litter improves the structure of the soil to enhance moisture retention, water infiltration and lawn aeration.