FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

                Here are some common questions about Lawn Fertilization

Does a lawn fertilization company need to be licensed?
Yes. Any company that applies pesticides must be licensed by the state in which they apply the pesticides. That is the law.

All technicians at Green Side Up are fully licensed and insured.

When should I begin the mowing schedule?
As soon as any of the grass exceeds a length that would require mowing more than 1/3 of the grass blade. This is a very common mistake that homeowners make. Although the majority of the grass doesn’t need cutting the mowing schedule should start as soon as grass starts growing. Also it’s a common belief that if early weeds start sprouting, mowing will encourage them spreading, the opposite is true. Allowing the weeds to grow “seed heads” will further increase the chance of them spreading. Therefore early mowing is a highly recommended process. Awkward appearance due to different growth rates will become more uniform and enhance the appearance early in the season if mowing begins early.
Is it okay to seed in the spring?
Not in New Jersey. Any seeding should be done in the fall. Weed controls necessary for the lawn to thrive can and will block seed germination. It is, however, okay for homeowners to hand seed trouble areas after a mowing to thicken things up. The ground should not be disturbed, otherwise you risk emergence.
Can I mow after a granular product was applied?
It’s recommended to allow the application to absorb water to release the active ingredients before mowing. Normally the morning frost or dew is sufficient and mowing can resume after the lawn is dry from the first moisture.
When can my kids/ pets go on the grass after fertilizer is applied?
If it’s a granular product…immediately. Slight caution if the area is damp, the fertilizers active ingredients are being released and it is advisable to wait until the lawn dries out after the moisture subsides. With a liquid application it’s okay to continue normal use once the lawn is dry (1-2 hours tops). We use liquid products as much as possible in an effort to not interrupt our customers routines.
What do I do about the early season weeds?
Nothing, that’s our job! Timing is crucial for effective weed controls. The state allows one blanket weed spray in the spring and if it is applied too early, some nuisance weeds will be a problem throughout the season. Although there are a variety of early season weeds that will populate a lawn, it’s best to spray all that sprout. This may require a small window of waiting until all have sprouted.
When should I turn on my sprinklers? And what schedule is recommended?
As soon as there is no fear of pipes freezing. Probably late March or early April. All watering should be done between 3-4 AM and 7-8 AM. Water for 15 minutes in shady areas and 20-25 minutes in sunny areas every other day.
What should I do about excessive shade and grass thinning every year?
First would be a pruning to allow more sun to grassy areas. If that is not feasible, watering should be altered to allow the grass to dry properly. In shade, the areas will thin during the summer and core aeration and seeding will regenerate grass in thinning areas.
What are some things I can do as a homeowner to help my lawn?
Proper watering , proper mowing: start early, cut consistently (frequent), and be sure your mower blades are sharp. Dull mower blades are the biggest contributor to lawn stress.
What can be done about dog urine on the grass?
Other than walking them, you can limit the access to certain areas. Change where they can go to allow the grass to mend. Dilution is another great way to limit urine damage. Most of a dog’s output is early in the day. A good 5 minute soaking will adequately dilute urine to limit problems.