- What is a pre-emergent application?
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Pre-emergent applications put down a microscopic layer on the soil that prevents many seeds from sprouting, including crabgrass. This invisible shield is usually put down in early spring before the soil temperature reaches 55-60 degrees.
- I want to plant new grass seed this spring. Can I plant seeds after this treatment, but before the crabgrass begins to grow?
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No. The pre-emergent will also stop desired grass from growing also. It is generally better to wait until the fall to plant new grass seed after a pre-emergent application has been put down. However, there are some special situations that we can help you with. Please call our office to discuss your situation.
- What is slow release fertilizer and what are the advantages of using it over other lawn fertilizers?
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Slow release fertilizers are actually microscopic coated capsules of fertilizer that breakdown and release their important fertilizer and trace elements over a long period of time. This ensures that your lawn’s root system gets those nutrients in measured doses that will not over-stimulate the plants into a sudden growing spurt requiring more mowing.
- What is a lime treatment and what will it do for me?
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Lime is a naturally occurring element that can be applied to the lawn to help balance the soil’s pH so that it is more conducive for turf grasses to thrive. Included in a lime treatment is also a calcium supplement. Lime naturally helps control the acidity in top soil. To get the full benefit of readily available nutrients in your lawn, the top soil must have the optimum pH level. If the pH level is too low, the soil is not able to break down the nutrients in the soil and makes it more difficult for your turf grass to absorb those nutrients. Some soils may require more than one treatment per season. Our lawn technicians will be able to give you an accurate assessment of your soil’s condition.
- How long should I wait to water after a treatment?
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Usually 2 to 3 hours are enough, but waiting until the next morning is best.
Part of the application includes a type of sticking agent that makes the application rain-fast in just about 10 minutes, but if we can push back that window a little longer, it helps insure proper absorption.
- How long should I keep my children and pets off the lawn after a treatment?
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We will always let you know if children or pets should be kept off the lawn for a particular length of time. Usually as soon as the application has dried, it is safe. If there is ever an application that requires staying off the lawn longer than that we will give you special instructions.
We use only the safest materials possible, however, it is sometimes necessary to use insecticides/herbicides which need to dry before it is safe to play on the lawn.
- After a treatment, how long should I wait to mow?
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Waiting at least until the next day, with 2 days being ideal is preferred. Since many applications are absorbed through the leaves to be effective, removing a portion of the leaves before being fully absorbed will reduce the effectiveness of the application.
- How long does it take to get rid of my weeds/insects?
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Several factors determine the timing of results. Plants go through a growing cycle and that includes weeds. During the heat of summer, weeds develop a thick waxy layer that helps them conserve water. This thick layer also makes it more difficult for weed control. In the spring, this thick layer has not yet developed and so visible results are much faster.
Insects controls work within 2 minutes to 2 days, depending on the type of pest. Immediately after a pest control application, you may still see insects on your shrubs and bushes. This does not mean the application failed. Many applications are taken up by the plant and this process takes a little time.
Systemic treatments help protect beneficial insects such as lady bugs and praying mantis.
- What are grubs and why should I worry about them?
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Grubs are actually the larval stage of a variety of different kinds of beetles, including May and June bugs and voracious Japanese beetles. Adult beetles lay their eggs in the soil in mid to late summer. As the eggs hatch, they develop into the white-wormish looking larvae. As the larvae grow, they work their way down to the root zone of your lawn where they eat the roots. Usually in early fall you will suddenly notice dead patches of lawn start showing up in your lawn if you have grubs. By this time, it is too late to effectively treat for them and they will begin the process again. Grub control is largely a matter of timing so that they can be controlled in their early stages of development and before they go deep into the soil and go dormant for the winter. At Turf Maintenance, we apply a preventative grub treatment, providing you with season-long control.
- How long will it take for my lawn to green up?
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During normal conditions, green-up will happen within 7-10 days. However, if your lawn has a heavy thatch layer, it may take longer.
The exception to this is with granular fertilizers. These require some water to activate and make a visible difference.
- It started raining right after you treated our lawn. Do I need to have you come back out?
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Most of the time– NO. Fertilizer actually benefits from rain. On days when we suspect precipitation, we will add a special adhesive to our application. This agent makes the application rain-safe within just 10 minutes. If you notice that weeds are not visibly dying within 7 – 10 days, call us and we’ll gladly come and re-apply for the problem.
- Do you recommend aeration?
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Core aeration is strongly recommended on a regular basis — usually once a year for normal thatch layers. If you have extremely heavy thatch layers, or compacted soils, we recommend at least for several years, aerating twice a year, once in the early spring and again in the fall. Aeration breaks up the thatch layer and loosens soil thus allowing air, water, and nutrients into the root zone.
- What is proper mowing height for my lawn?
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We recommend you mow no lower than 2″ during early spring or late fall. During the rest of the growing season, generally, 2.5″ to 3.5″ works well. Taller turfgrass heights help conserve water, increases root depth and makes it harder for weed seeds to germinate.
- How do I request services?
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Request service by calling our office, sending us an e-mail at info@turf-mainteance.com.
- What are your hours of operation?
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Office hours:
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm,
Saturday 9am-3pm.
Our crews often work until dark.