(1) The key to a good lawn is building a healthy root system. Choose a service that uses slow release granular fertilizer. This will feed your lawn slowly over time and lead to a thicker and healthier lawn.

(2) In Charlotte, summer diseases such as brown patch cause severe damage to lawns, especially fescue. Consider adding disease applications to your basic program and you will see much better results than a normal program. Try it for one year to see the difference for yourself.

(3) Mow at the recommended height for your type of grass weekly during the growing season. Mow at 1-2 inches for the warm season bermuda and zoysia and your highest deck setting for fescue at 3-4 inches.

(4) Water less frequently, but for longer periods of time. The rule of thumb is to water 2-3 times per week until the water reaches the root zone. You should water in the early morning hours just before daylight. This allows the morning and afternoon sun to dry grass blades and reduces disease and conserves water that would normally be evaporated in midday sun.

(5) Plan to core aerate your warm season grass each spring and over-seed each fall for fescue. This process opens the soil to water, fertilizer and oxygen. Aerating pulls plugs from the soil and allows your roots to penetrate and expand deeper into the soil.

(6) Use a well known and reputable company that you can always find in in the future or be able to easily contact for any reason. You want an established company with an office that you can go to if you ever need personnel contact. Check out the address of the contractor and see how long they have been in the area.

(7) Ask the contractor for references from customers who have had work performed similar to yours.

(8) Always verify workers’ compensation and liability insurance before contracting with a company.

(9) Comparsion shopping should be based on reputation, reliability, experience and price value, not just the lowest price of all proposals presented.

(10) Do not help contractors or their workers and do not lend them your tools. If a worker is hurt while you are assisting (e.g., holding a ladder) or is hurt using one of your tools, you may be liable via a tort claim by the worker or contractor.