(1)  Quality fertilizer programs will establish a deeper root system for drought tolerance and winter survival.  When choosing a Lawn Care Company, be sure to ask what fertilizer analysis is being used.  High nitrogen programs will deliver temporary results, but long term problems.  To lush of growth from these less expensive fertilizer promote turf damaging insect and excessive disease problems.

(2)  Proper mowing techniques aid in the appearance and health of your lawn.  Bermuda grass can be mowed at 1 1/2” while St. Augustine should never be mowed less than 2” during the growing season.  Sharp blades critical to turf appearance and disease prevention on St. Augustine especially.

(3)  Irrigation when weather gets hot will be the basis for a quality turf in the summer months.  Avoid night time watering, especially St. Augustine.  Calibrating the irrigation system so all nozzles and rotors are performing properly to reduce waste.  Water is our most important resource!

(4)  Core Aerating your lawn is one of the best, non-product solutions for a healthy turf.  Mechanical aerating will aid in thatch reduction, open up soil for better water percolation, root expansion to name a few.

(5)  Select a Lawn Care company that is responsive to the problems that may occur in turf during the year.  Make sure there is policy in place to respond to Service Calls with-in 3 days of your call.  Grubs for one, and other diseases can effect a lawn quickly.  Rapid response from a company can reduce the recovery of the lawn and landscape if such problems do occur.

(6)  Weeds are the #1 complaint.  Regularly scheduled Lawn Treatments will prevent and eliminate weed problems, and if some weeds re-generate between lawn visits, let your lawn professional know so that they can return and correct the problem.

(7)  Use a well known and reputable company who you can always find 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. 

(8)  Pay contractors by check or credit card.  Avoid on the spot cash payments.  In fact, avoid all cash payments, as there is no paper trail of payment to protect you.  If a representative of a company or even a manager of a company requests any form of cash payment, this should be a major ‘red flag’ of caution to you as a consumer.