Lawn Care Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions our lawn care experts hear about Minnesota lawn care. Have a question you don’t see below? Contact us for more information!
A: No. There is currently nothing available in the way of organic weed control that does a good job.
A: Our fertilizers will not harm children or pets. With all herbicides, you should keep children and pets off of the lawn for a few hours after application. Once it is dry, it is safe for kids and pets to be on the yard again. If you are concerned your pet or child was on the lawn soon after application, rinsing their feet or paws will get any residue off.
A: No. The crabgrass pre-emergent actually needs to be watered into the soil for it to work properly. The sooner it gets watered in, the better.
A: The pre-emergent application is done in the spring only and Is to prevent crabgrass from emerging or germinating. The application DOES NOT prevent broadleaf weeds and it will kill newly planted seed so we CANNOT apply it if a homeowner wants to do spring seeding
A: For the fertilizer, no we do not. The sooner the fertilizer gets watered, the quicker it starts to work. For weed control, if it rained within an hour after the application, we may need to re-treat for weeds. In most instances, the weed control starts to work within 15-30 minutes after it was applied. Wait 5 days and if you do not see your weeds dying, we will come out and re-apply.
A: All of the fertilizers that we use are granular. Granular fertilizers release slowly over a longer time period and have less burn potential.
A: No they do not. Actually, since January 1st, 2004, it is illegal to apply a fertilizer to your lawn that contains phosphorus unless you have a soil test proving that you need phosphorus or you are establishing a new lawn from seed or sod.
A: No they will not. The products that we use do not move in the soil. Once they are dry, they have already been absorbed by the plant and are working.
A: It is a weed killer (not prevention) so this means the treatment is done each time we visit and we spray whatever broadleaf weeds that are visible at the time of the visit. It does need to dry, and drying times vary based on weather conditions. It will dry quicker on warmer, windier days than on a cloudy, cool day. ** Weed control DOES have 24D in it as well. It is an EPA certified acceptable herbicide **
A: No – we would need written consent from the neighbor prior to treatment
A: The aeration plugs take about 4 weeks depending on the weather. Sandier soil breaks down faster than a clay-based soil. We also leave the plugs, we do not rake them up as it is good to allow them to break down and work back into the turf.
A: Yes, we ask that you please flag any invisible fence you may have as well as irrigation heads, or even if you know where your cable TV line is as it is beneficial
A: We recommend once a year as it opens up the soil to allow water, oxygen, organic material and nutrients to get to the root zone. Clay soil needs it more than a silt or sandy soil
A: Yes-Irrigation systems: Any irrigation heads or control valve boxes that are in the yard area will need to be marked so they don’t get damaged. Pet fencing typically runs along the perimeter of the yard and needs to be properly marked to ensure the line doesn’t get cut.
A: You should mow the grass at the highest setting on your mower or at least 3 inches. Each time you mow, you should cut no more than 1/3 of the grass height.
A: You should water deeply and infrequently. The goal for most lawns is 1”-1.5” per week during the warmer months.
A: Mulch in most cases. Mulching returns nutrients to the lawn, as well as organic matter. It also helps to retain water. Sometimes it may be helpful to bag if you have an annual weed infestation which is setting seeds, or if your grass has gotten extra-long between mowings.
A: No. Thatch is caused by roots growing near the surface. Mulching helps to deter thatch by helping with the decomposition process.
A: Crabgrass Preventer will last for about 4 months; you can seed after that time period.
A: Spring and fall are the best times of year because the temperatures are cooler and this makes it easier to keep the soil moist for germination. There is less weed pressure in the fall which is also a benefit for seeding.
A: Rainbow uses different types of seed for different circumstances. It is best to have a consultant determine the best mix for the lawn’s needs.
A: We only treat the lawn for the grubs if the turf is being damaged. Japanese Beetles can fly in from any of your neighbors so it is best to treat the shrubs & trees.
