How should I water my grass?
Grass roots will grow to where water is most frequently available. If irrigation is either too frequent or too short in duration (commonly both), roots will remain shallow. This renders them more vulnerable to heat and drought. Conversely, deep roots contribute to healthier grass, achieved through proper irrigation frequency and duration.
Frequency of Irrigation:
November-February: Once a month, if needed.
March-April: Every other week.
May-June: Every 8-10 days.
July-August: Weekly.
September-October: Every 9-14 days.
Watering may be skipped following substantial rainfall.
Duration of Irrigation: Aim to apply approximately one inch of water. You can measure actual irrigation accumulation or you can go by the head specifications and turn radius. Each station will likely have different needs.
For lawns that have previously been subjected to inadequate watering practices—an issue plaguing nearly all yards—it may take several years to develop the desired root structure. Our role is to assess your current situation and create a strategic plan for gradual improvement. Implementing a 60-minute watering regimen per zone immediately will just lead to unnecessary expenses. Roots require sufficient nutrients and, more importantly, a motivation to grow deeper. Over time, it is possible to exceed some of the above recommended watering frequencies. Deep and infrequent watering proves to be more cost-effective compared to frequent, shallow watering, when comparing a green lawn to a green lawn 100% of the time.
To achieve adequate water penetration without excessive runoff, consider using multiple short irrigation cycles. Additionally, watering at night is highly beneficial. Fungal issues are generally only a problem when watering too frequently.
Why organic vs synthetic fertilizer?
There are a handful of benefits, but the primary reason is that organic fertilizers enhance long-term soil quality by increasing organic matter content, which improves soil structure and water retention. This creates a healthier environment for beneficial microbes and earthworms, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil aeration. Consequently, your lawn benefits from better root development and overall growth. Over time, this results in a greener, more vibrant lawn that improves in appearance year after year with reduced need for intervention. While synthetic fertilizers may be less expensive, they do not improve soil quality.
What are the biggest factors for lawn health?
Soil Quality: Essential for providing nutrients, water, and a suitable structure for root growth. Includes soil pH, texture, and organic matter content.
Watering/Irrigation: Adequate and proper irrigation ensures grass receives enough moisture without waterlogging or drought stress.
Nutrient Management: Balanced fertilization provides necessary nutrients for growth and resilience. Both organic and synthetic fertilizers can play a role here.
Mowing Practices: Regular mowing at the correct height helps maintain grass health and prevents diseases. Over or under-mowing can stress the grass.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitoring and managing pests and diseases are important to prevent damage and maintain grass vitality.
Paying for monthly service instead of per application?
From spring through fall, homeowners are already being swamped by various warm-weather expenses such as mowing, pool service, and air conditioning. By offering year-round billing for our services, we can spread the cost of expensive fertilizers across the entire year, making monthly expenses more manageable for the average homeowner. This approach, combined with monthly weed control services and regular pest and disease inspections, delivers exceptional value. It also allows us to routinely address weeds while they are still small and more easily controlled.
Why don’t you use pre-emergent herbicide?
Corn gluten meal is the sole organic product recognized for its pre-emergent properties. It poses significant challenges due to its high cost—over $600 per acre—and its reliance on dry conditions to be effective. If rainfall or irrigation occurs during seed germination, its efficacy is notably diminished. Given that weed seeds germinate over an extended period, it is often more cost-effective and efficient to spot-treat weeds and promote a dense, healthy lawn to outcompete them.
It is organics only?
There are occasionally scenarios where significant infestations or lawn issues may respond better to regulated products in small controlled circumstances. These are discussed with each client to decide what approach best suites them.