Mowing is an art and like all great artists, we pride ourselves in our work. We will carefully design a plan that fits your needs based on yard size, grass type, and services needed. Our crews will be on site once a week to ensure no more than ⅓ of the grass blades are removed which is optimal for proper growth. A visit starts with mowing the grass. This is the part that gives your yard the perfect manicured look. Next, our crews trim around all objects including mailboxes, garden beds, trees and even the house. Finally, to ensure your property is left looking better than when we arrived we use blowers to blow all grass clippings out of garden beds, and off of the sidewalks and driveway.
Lawn Maintenance
Mowing
Core Aeration
Core aeration is not only used to reduce turf compaction, and thatch buildup, but it is also used to improve water/nutrient infiltration, encourage deeper root systems, and to create a surface where grass seed can have direct contact with the soil for better growth. Here in Iowa, core aeration typically takes place in September and/or April but differs depending on turf type. The process of core aeration removes 5/8” wide by 3” long cores from the soil and leaves the cores on the lawn to dissolve over time. The holes produced are then used for air, fertilizers, and water to reach the roots. We recommend aerating once per year for well drained lawns with minimal traffic and twice per year for lawns with poorly drained lawns (due to clay soils) and/or high traffic caused by humans and pets.
Overseeding
Overseeding is used to improve the health and overall density of lawns. Overseeding is the process of spreading grass seed into an existing lawn. Site preparation is key for successful overseeding. We recommend overseeding in early spring or fall. The seeds must have good seed-to-soil contact for optimal germination. We first start by spreading a thin layer of compost which is rich in nutrients. We then use an aerator to plug holes in the lawn to improve water/nutrient infiltration. Next, we apply the grass seed making sure to apply a significant amount to improve the overall density of the lawn. Last but not least is water. We recommend watering at least one inch of water a day until grass is 2” in height. Once grass reaches 2” you can cut back on the amount of water used.
Turf Fertilization
Pre-Emergent and Fertilizer (Early April)
We start by controlling the crabgrass and promoting spring green-up. We use a complete fertilizer with quick and controlled release material that greatly reduces crabgrass and other annual weed grasses. This application is done in early spring. Please be sure to water your lawn after this granular treatment.
Spring Fertilizer, Pre-Emergent CrabGrass and Weed Control (Early May)
Next, we work on enhancing turf color and density with a complete fertilizer with quick and controlled release material. Please be sure to water your lawn after this granular treatment.
- (Weed Control (Mid-Late May) This is also where we start defeating dandelions, and broadleaf weeds. This is a liquid spray. Please do not water for at least 24 hrs after application.
Summer Fertilizer and Weed Control (Early Summer)
We will make sure your turf is tough enough for the stresses of summer by applying controlled-release fertilizer and broadleaf weed control. Please be sure to water your lawn after this granular treatment.
- (Weed Control) This is also where we start defeating dandelions, and broadleaf weeds.
Fall Fertilizer (Late Summer)
This application will continue to enhance turf color and density through complete controlled-release fertilizer. The second post emergent treatment will also be applied. Please be sure to water your lawn after this granular treatment.
Nitrogen Fertilizer
In this treatment, our team will apply our slow-release granular fertilizer to your lawn so that it thrives when fall comes around. This should help it maintain its green color well into the fall season.
Late Fall Fertilizer (Late October/Early November)
Before your lawn goes into hibernation, we give it one last application to enhance winter root development and provide stores of energy for early spring green-up.
