Water – Click here for our in depth Watering Blog.
PLEASE WATER! Lack of water ruins the crabgrass control barrier, weed control becomes less effective and there is increased disease potential. 1 1/2″- 3″ water per week is advised depending on the environmental conditions.
Weeds – Weed control used by FERTILAWN is capable of controlling 40 different varieties of broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions, which can only be controlled systemically by spraying directly on the leaves, so, please don’t dig unless otherwise recommended! We apply weed control on an “as needed” basis.
Crabgrass – Total control is impossible but customers can expect: 70 to 80% control the 1st year, 80-90% control the 2nd year and 90-95% control the 3rd year (under normal conditions). Allowing the lawn to dry out ruins the crabgrass barrier. Raking or disturbing the soil ruins the barrier. Please mow the lawn at 2 1/2 – 3 1/2″ inches. Crabgrass seeds are photosensitive and need light to germinate so bare areas are almost impossible to keep free of crabgrass. Hot areas along streets, sidewalks and driveways are prone to drying out which will can lead to crabgrass.
Mowing – For an in depth look, click here for our Summer Mowing Blog. Here are some proper mowing tips:
- Do not remove clippings for the first two mowings after the application, in general it is best to leave clippings on the lawn as it will break down into organic fertilizer.
- Mow frequently, this goes with #4.
- Keep your blades sharp as dull blades can rip the grass instead of cutting it.
- Remove no more than 1/3 of the plant each mowing. Removing more then 1/3 of the blade can lead to stress on roots, increased weeds and dying out of the grass.
- In bluegrass and fescue lawns, set your mower down to cut at 2 1/2 inches in the Spring and raise it as the weather warms and rain is reduced
- Do not mow when the lawn is stressed by drought or when it is over 90 degrees
- OVER ALL Keep your lawn mowed at 2 1/2 – 3 1/2″. Remember your lawn is not a golf green, mowing at <2 1/2″ is detrimental to most residential lawns and a large cause of weeds.
Leaves – A light covering of scattered leaves will have no negative effect on any application. If there is a blanket of leaves, the applicator will return another day. The application is guaranteed to be effective!
Raking – During the Fall and Spring it is necessary to get the leaves up as soon as possible. Since there are no leaves overhead to restrict sunlight, it gives the lawn a chance to maximize the use of sunlight during these times.