FAQ

Q: What technique should be used when mowing?

A: Verticut patterns, with straight lines, should be regularly used. A verticut pattern is when the direction of each subsequent mowing is rotated 45 degrees from the previous pattern's cut, using straight lines. This type of rotational cutting keeps the lawn free from wheel rutting. Rough spots are smoothed out over time. With nice straight lines, the lawn has a cleaner look to it.

Q: What is wrong with the traditional lawn mowing (cutting) pattern?

A: Once in a while traditional cutting (going around in circles from the outside in) can be utilized. It works well when bagging and cleaning a lawn in spring and fall. Traditional cutting can be faster (which may be why most people do it) but it can cause mower wheel rutting and an uneven lawn when done too often. Some people don't like the unbalanced look to it's pattern.

Q: How often does a lawn need aerated and why?

A: Typically here in Iowa a lawn should be aerated once in the spring and again in the fall. If heavy lawn usage is evident (game playing, construction equipment on it and such, packing the turf down) then aeration helps to open it or unpack it. Aeration is a pruning of the turf roots. This helps strengthen the turf root system. It also allows air and water to reach the roots for better growth stimulation. Along with unpacking and pruning, aeration enables more effective delivery of applied fertilizers and lawn chemicals. Simply put - a lawn that is aerated stands out from all those that are not; in health and color. The difference is very noticeable!

Q: Should lawns be fertilized and have weed control put on them?

A: YES. Lawns need to be fertilized to keep the grass healthy and strong. Over the years, without fertilizing, lawns become weak and yellow in color, as opposed to a rich green color. Indigenous wild grasses and weeds slowly envelop the lawn's planted-grass variety. A scheduled program of weed control and fertilizing (to keep the grass healthy) will prevent this. We see many lawns that are not treated in any way. But we also notice the weeds present and the weak color shade. Just look around - you can spot them too.

Q: Why are there bare spots under my yard trees?

A: Trees act as umbrellas, keeping most of the small rains out from under them. As a result, the grass may be suffering from a basic lack of water. Also, the tree's roots draw a lot of water away from the turf root-zone. In the fall, leaves may pile up under trees and suffocate the turf throughout the winter and into the critical early-Spring growth period. Lastly, trees with healthy crowns provide a lot of shade. Shade is good for people but not always good for grass. Possible solutions are tree trimming to allow more rain and sun exposure, planting a shade-tolerant grass variety or the use of landscape mulch as an attractive cover.